Music Literacy

Calypso icon Aldwyn Roberts aka Lord Kitchener was prescient when he composed 'Pan in the 21st Century' in 1978. It has become an anthem because of its exceptional musical quality and his vision.

Having heard the melody, it’s plain to see. What the pan will be, in the twenty-first century

The very first surprise is the  tuning of the pan. They would be standardized  through the entire land.

The use of music sheets would  be made mandatory  So that the band competes with  full authority

Ultimately, it had elements of inspiration for the establishment of the St Mark’s Episcopal Steelpan  Music Program in 2014. It confirmed the Vestry’s commitment to a new approach to the enrichment  of our children’s lives through its Youth Group. The purposeful intention was guided as well by recognizing that musicianship is among the outstanding components of Caribbean performing arts. The engagement of the Guyana Friends Association of Massachusetts as a supporter of the initiative happened.

An important consideration was the value of formal music instruction. At the forefront was the feature of it being a foundation that serves participants as a path to personal development and self sufficiency. This led to the recruitment of a culturally astute music educator.

Kenton Wyatt exemplified brilliance for what he implemented. In the St Mark’s program, electronic  technology was used to enhance learning supported by onsite instruction. Mr. Wyatt is a remarkable music educator who extends his creativity and teaching methods by using contemporary electronic  mechanisms. In displaying his broad range of exceptional skills as a multi-instrument musician, visual artist, and educator there is no doubt that his pillars are best practices and rigor to achieve excellence.

He expanded music literacy recommendations of music icon Hugh Sam. Collaborations with local  colleagues enabled the team to develop and establish the first full music education program through the steelpan. eLearning methodologies were vital assets. Applying his own innovative creations, the  seminal music education program was launched in Boston, Massachusetts. 

-Ronald H. Lammy