This country’s newest steel pan organisation, XS Steel Incorporated, is celebrating its first anniversary today, Wednesday November 27th, 2019 with an active steel orchestra that has begun to contribute to the entertainment landscape in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The organisation was launched last November under the chairmanship of Cecil Ryan, and with Marla Nanton-James as the Music Director. It is supported by a complete management team of seven persons, also including Arlene Regisford-Sam (Treasurer), Jennifer Richardson (PRO), Jennifer Browne (Secretary), Kent Cain (Logistics Officer) and Kevon Guy (Players’ Representative).
XS Steel currently operates from the Argyle Primary School and is heavily involved in teaching students from the school the rudiments of music and the art of playing the steel pan. These students, among others, form XS Steel’s beginners group. There is also a second group of more seasoned pan players.
Additionally, the organisation has partnered with the Memorial Funeral Home, its main sponsor, and has since created a developing funeral unit of percussion instruments including pan.
To celebrate its first anniversary, XS Steel will host a free concert opened to the public on Sunday December 8 at Chance’s residence (near to Pirate’s Bar) in Peruvian Vale. The show begins at 5:30 in the evening.
Area representative, the Hon. Frederick Stephenson, President of Youlou Pan Movement, Rodney Small, and a representative of the sponsor have all been invited to make brief remarks. Chairman of XS Steel Inc., Mr Cecil Ryan, will also address the audience briefly.
All members of the public are invited to attend and celebrate with the organisation as it showcases all of its units, particularly the newcomers who are eager to show off their newly learnt skills.
XS Steel was formed to further enhance the appreciation for the steel pan art form and music in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.