Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, the man responsible for coordinating and conducting the annual training programme of the Starlift Steel Orchestra for almost four decades, is taking another step upwards.
Roberts confirmed recently that having developed many teaching techniques over the years, he which will offer tutoring in both the practical and theoretical rudiments of music.
“A music school has always been my ambition and I am moving ahead with its establishment,” Roberts related.
The experienced Roberts, a member of the Starlift band for 46 years, noted that over the years, he has been able to develop training techniques that have resulted in participants of the Starlift Training Programme grasping the art in a short space of time.
“I pay a lot (of attention) to the basics, such as holding the sticks properly, rolling , striking the notes, phrasing of the notes and sharing of the hands, so much so that from the training programme, many of those who graduate are ready for the next Junior Panorama,” Roberts pointed out.
Starlift Steel Orchestra, for which Roberts has arranged, boasts the record for the most panorama wins here in St Vincent and the Grenadines. In total, he has arranged for sixteen steel bands in various panorama competitions, and he believes it is time to show another dimension of his musical acumen.
Whatever path he chooses for himself, Roberts stressed that the Annual Starlift Training Programme will continue.
In fact, he will again serve as the lead trainer when the 2020 edition of the programme gets going next Monday, July 13, at the Starlift Steel Orchestra’s base at Old Montrose. It is expected to conclude in late August.
The programme will cater to 60 persons, and will be conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with two sessions each day: from 4 pm to 5pm and from 5pm to 6pm.
Roberts assured that all training sessions will unfold in adherence to the protocols regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, as laid down by the Ministry of Health.