Hundreds of students are ready to showcase their skills as the National Schools Panorama 2020 kicked off. Once again, the VIP Room of the Queen’s Park Savannah came alive to host Ministry of Education officials, stakeholders and participants who came together for the launch of this competition on Friday 10th January, 2020.
As the National Schools’ Panorama celebrates 45 years in existence this year, it will see the renewed commitment of PanTrinbago, the Pan in Schools Coordinating Council and the Tobago House of Assembly at ensuring the success of this event. 2020 will also be the first year that Early Childhood Care and Education Centres will benefit from the teaching and learning of the Steel Pan through the Music Expansion Project under the Multi-Cultural Music Program Unit (MMPU).
The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education reiterated his commitment to keep the steel pan alive and increase its use as a critical component of the delivery of education.
“The dedication, the drive, the talent and the spirit of comradery that is exhibited all through the lead up and on the day of finals on the Savannah stage continuously amazes me. This experience is one that these students will take with them into adulthood and I wish to sincerely thank and congratulate each instructor, conductor, arranger and individual who contributes to these young people’s success. Your investment in these youths is an investment in the development of Trinidad and Tobago and for that, I am truly grateful”, said the Minister.
This year’s, a new record of participating schools has been established as sixty-seven (67) schools registered while the Ministry of Education is well on its way to achieving its goal of Pan in all schools.
During eight days of preliminary judging, 22 secondary and 45 primary schools will begin the performing their best as their music invade the schools of the nation. Students will play their way to the Grant Stand of the Queen’s Park Savannah as they compete for a spot in the finals on January 26th.
The competition provides the opportunity for values, dedication, passion, music, team work and holistic development to shape the performances of hundreds of students who take in their own hands the present and the future of the national instrument.