The sweet sound of steelpan is set to come alive in communities across the tri-island as the Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, rolls out its dynamic Community Steelpan Programme next week.
The initiative, known as COMS-PAN, which was officially launched on 7 November 2025, will now introduce participants to the fundamentals of steelpan music, targeting at least 20 individuals from each parish in the first cohort.
Class orientation begins with St David on 12 January 2026, at 5 pm at the Corinth Community Centre, then Carriacou on 16 January at 2 pm, at the La Resource Community Centre in Mt Royal.
Training sessions in St David will be held at the pan house located downstairs in the Community Centre every Monday and Thursday from 5 pm to 7 pm, providing hands-on instruction in steelpan performance and basic music theory. Training sessions in Carriacou will take place every Tuesday and Thursday at the La Resource Community Centre from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Manager of the COMS-PAN Programme attached to the ministry, Cordel Byam, said the programme is open to young people and members of the community who are not already assigned to an established steel band. These structured training sessions are designed to develop and strengthen participants’ musical literacy and skills and build confidence in stage performances. “Our goal is to teach the fundamentals of steelpan, introduce basic music theory, and develop confidence for both solo and ensemble performances,” Byam explained.
Participants who successfully complete both the theoretical and practical components of the programme will receive a certificate of completion and can be chosen as members of community bands.
Chief Cultural Officer Kelvin Jacob said the ministry is happy to roll out this historic programme. “This groundbreaking initiative marks a first for Grenada, and is the brainchild of the Minister for Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture Senator the Honourable Adrian Thomas to whom the credit goes. The rollout of this programme reflects the Ministry’s commitment to innovation, cultural development and national pride.”
For more information, interested persons can contact the Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture at 440-0366, or visit the Division of Culture at the Steele’s Commercial Complex, Unit 12, Grand Anse, St George.
Source: Ministry of Tourism