I believe that children are the future,
teach them well and let them lead the way…
Let’s have a conversation based on the foregoing lyrics from
superstar Whitney Huston
I must of necessity predicate this discourse on the following.
Like Whitney;
- I too believe that children are our future,
- I too believe that we should teach them well.
- I too believe that they should lead the way after they have been
taught and mentored.
Let’s me begin by establishing that adults cannot be substituted with
children in any sphere of human activity!
One area of human activity where children excel naturally, and at
the highest level is gymnastics. The composition of senior Chinese
national teams in that discipline has been questioned. It is believed
that in an effort to eclipse global competition, the Chinese field
children who have not yet attained the stipulated age to compete at
that level. Outside of gymnastics, there may not be many other
areas of human activity where children are expected to, or actually
excel naturally at the highest level. However, from time to time,
prodigies, young persons with exceptional qualities or abilities
appear and dominate over the lifespan of their careers. Pele, Lara,
Mozart, Boogsie…
Over time, those responsible for nurturing and developing budding
talent, have designed activities for children within specified age
groupings. This allows for their potential to be harnessed, and
natural skills honed.
Adults across the free world demand accountability and
transparency of their leaders (it is not clear whether or not the steel
band fraternity requires the same of the leaders of the national
movement). Children just want to have fun, and don’t ask questions!
In defence of substituting adults with children in one established
steelband, I have heard that a band of children and a blind man
won a panorama in1998. An opinion reeked with ignorance. The
most important factor in that winning equation, Clive Bradley, was
not considered. Although media commentators at senior national
steel band events continuously express amazement at the
overwhelming presence of “youth” in some leading bands, they may
not be referring to children, as much as they are to young adults. I
have attended symphony orchestra performances across cities on
both sides of the Atlantic, I saw no children in those orchestras. I
believe they know musicians are like good wine, they get better with
age.
Steel bands have opened up to children in a way that was
impossible during the teething years, and first three decades of the
movement’s existence. The sustainability of bands lie in their ability
to develop and retain young talent, and integrate them
progressively.
In conclusion, I would be inclined to suggest a clear distinction be
made between junior and senior steelbands. In all spheres of
human activity, children are matched with their peers for obvious
reasons. Some bands may be doing a disservice to our children, by
deliberately encouraging mistrust, rhetorically declaring the
successes of structured progressive institutions quid pro quo, or
conspiratorial. Success is a process (a series of actions or steps
taken in order to achieve a particular end)! We must mitigate that
erosion of trust being inculcated in our children. Too often I see
them deceived by myopic leadership, whose primary goal is an
appearance fee. This subterfuge is brutal! Children not prepared for
imminent failure get depressed and despondent. Different results
cannot be achieved with repetitive actions.
We must set discernible standards to ensure that the
metamorphosis of the children of the movement is not sabotaged.
Only then we will we show them all the beauty they possess inside.
Only then will we give them a sense of pride.
P.S.
There are four (4) steel bands that in my opinion are owned by one
man, albeit one (1), being defunct.
1. Phase II Pan Groove - Lennox Boogie Sharpe.
2. Exodus - Ainsworth Mohammed.
3. Skiffle - Junia Regrello.
4. Supernovas - Amrit Samaroo.
Any of the above four named men can unilaterally procure all the
goods and services required to keep a steel band of any size
running efficiently.
Any of the above fournamed men in my opinion has the authority to
appoint whomsoever they choose to succeed them in leadership
roles in their steel bands.
These are the only successful dynasties that exist in the steel band
world.
Whomsoever the cap fits wear it with shame and scorn!
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