Local steel band to appear on international stage
(CNS): The UCCI Cayman National Steel Band, “Pandemix”, will be making its second appearance on an international stage later this month at the 2010 Caribana Festival in Toronto, Canada. “Pandemix” has joined forces with local band “Panoramers” and one of Toronto’s leading bands, “Afropan Steel Pan Band: The People Band”, for a competition performance during “Pan Alive” on 30 July and the parade on 31 July, during the largest Caribbean festival in North America “Pandemix” will also participate in the very popular “Blokos” street party with several other bands.
“Afropan: The People Band”, which has won awards for the best playing Steelpan band at the Caribana Parade 26 times out of the 36 years of the competition has extended the welcome to UCCI’s young panners for the second year running, but this year, the band’s contingent has grown to 17 members, some of whom will experience playing with another band for the first time.
Band member and UCCI Student Trisha Cuffy said, “It is truly an honour for both UCCI “Pandemix” and “Panoramers” Steelpan Bands to be invited for another year to join The Afropan Steelpan Band in Canada. With a larger group this year, and new members, we expect the experience to be both challenging and rewarding. Collectively, we can all learn many things from each other and further develop our skills and technique.”
UCCI’s Music Director, Glen Inanga also explained that The UCCI Cayman National Pandemix Steel Band will be representing the Cayman Islands as artistic ambassadors.
“I am confident that they will make the most of this wonderful opportunity for educational development and cultural exchange” Inanga added as he thanked all those who have supported “Pandemix” since its inception in September 2008, in particular, Cayman National Corporation, the band’s principal sponsor and Earl LaPierre.
For more information about the UCCI steelpan programme or other course offerings in the music department at UCCI, please contact Mr. Glen Inanga at ginanga@ucci.edu.ky.
Category: Local News
CONGRATULATIONS to all may you have a blast and represent us well. A special congratulations to EARL LA PIERRE our pan music king.