Saturday 19th May @2pm 2012will see the launch of the New Zealand Steel Pan Academy, with a focus on bringing the magic of Pan to all.
The Musical Director Marion Titmuss can’t wait to showcase the possibilities that playing Pan can give to Kiwi’s of all ages.
The venue for this exciting venture will be the Tauranga Art Gallery, located near the seafront in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, there will be opportunities for everyone to see and hear a full range of Steel Pans (over 35 Pans!), you can even have a go!
Fully supported by the Creative Communities Scheme the launch and information regarding 6 further free workshop for schools and community groups will be available, or if you can’t get to the event then contact Marion directly and ask for further details. The aim of these workshops is to give schools and community groups the chance to see what Pan is all about without having to commit initially to anything, of course if you want to learn as an individual then that’s possible too, in Trinidad the students there go through all of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music exams just like other more traditional instruments.
Why Pans in NZ ?….well the first documented Pans performance was apparently in 1990 at the Commonwealth Games hosted by New Zealand, where the London Allstars flew over and played……the next trailblazers are the Carribbeanz Southern Stars, an adult band based in Auckland….but strangely considering their popularity worldwide (and even over the water in Australia where there are both pro and school bands) Kiwi’s have been deprived of an opportunity to learn Pan at regular lessons in schools and as adults in community bands….all that stands to change if Marion gets her way !
The opportunity to found a teaching school for Pan has been a dream for Marion whilst she has been busy running bands in the UK since 1987, she has now brought to the Bay Of Plenty along with her many years of experience and enormous enthusiasm for what playing Pan music with others can give over 40 Steel pans covering afulll orchestral range.
“I’ve had such a positive response from everyone who has been part of the inauguration process for this new venture that I have absolutely no doubt that Pan will be quickly a part of the musical scene in New Zealand, the Kiwi ‘have a go’ mentality is just what is needed for success and they seem to have it in spades!”
Come along. take part, listen……relax and take away a little bit of the magic of Pan.
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