For the third year in a row, the Ministry of Education has sponsored a group of local steel pan players to attend the Pan Alive Steel Band Competition in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as part of the Caribana festivities.

The group of musicians is made of up students from UCCI’s band Pandemix and local steel band Panoramers. They will be joining forces with Toronto’s leading steel band Afropan which has over 60 members. The group will gain valuable experience competing at a high level against other steel bands from across Canada.

Minister for Education Hon. Tara Rivers, was delighted to support the students saying, “I wish them the very best in their competition and I look forward to hearing of the experiences they have gained through participating in such a competitive steel band event.”

Minister Rivers continued, “Developing musical talents and abilities in our young people must be encouraged whenever possible. Students who excel in the creative and performing arts often excel in academic pursuits as well, because the discipline required to hone such skills and talents helps to foster academic success.   It is important to continue the support of the UCCI students who have been working so hard to be chosen to play on the international stage.”

Along with competing in the Pan Alive competition on August 1st, the local band members will also perform at two street dance festivals as well as perform in the Caribana Parade.

Photo and Caption:

Minister for Education Hon. Tara Rivers with UCCI Music Director Glen Inanga and members of the UCCI Pandemix and Panoramers who are travelling to Toronto for the Pan Alive Competition.