Parang met Pan as the St Francois Girls’ College Support Committee held its annual Pan on D Hill concert. The event served as a poignant reminder that Trinidad and Tobago’s culture can be celebrated year-round.
Parang shouldn’t only be heard at Christmas, and pan isn’t meant to be enjoyed only at Panorama or during Carnival.
That was the message sent loud and clear as BP Renegades, Trinidad All Stars, Phoenix Steel Orchestra and National Under-19 Steelband champions, St Francois Valley Harps, were joined by Las Cantadores de San Francois for the St Francois Girls’ College Support Committee’s annual Pan on D Hill concert.
The event, hosted at Queen’s Royal College on Saturday night, saw a large turnout as alumni, students, parents, teachers and culture lovers from all over T&T gathered to enjoy the sweet sound of the steelpan.
Members of the Committee told TTT News it was important to have events such as these, as they highlight the importance of allowing Trinbagonian culture to be enjoyed throughout the year, rather than being restricted to a period on the calendar.
“Pan is a cultural benefit for for our young ppl we wat to make sure culture is alive and remember it is not limited to these particular events. it is a year-round activity.”
Apart from raising awareness about the benefits of cultural exposure, the organisers say the event is also part of the fundraising activities for the school’s five-time School Panorama champions.
“You know, our girls we are the only girls government school and we have our own steel orchestra and we are looking to get more pans so we are having more fundraisers this year and we hope will get more support for our fundraisers.”
Anyone eager to contribute to the school’s acquisition of new steelpans for its orchestra is invited to contact the office or email the school.