SV2G Launched the School of Steelpan UK in High Wycombe

Wycombe Steel Orchestra entertained the guests on Friday 25th May 2012 with their award winning repertoire.

Based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, SV2G (St. Vincent & the Grenadines 2nd Generation) is a community arts organisation that has been raising the awareness of African and Caribbean heritage & culture. With support from ArtReach SV2G has also recently acquired two town centre premises from Wycombe District Council and investment from the Arts Council England to open in autumn this year the first School of Steelpans in the UK to offer accredited courses.

The organisation facilitates engagement with creativity and Caribbean heritage through the music of the steelpan. SV2G coordinates and operates a successful steelpan Orchestra “Wycombe Steel Orchestra” delivering performances and events and a programme of training for community participants (of all ages, though with a particular emphasis on young people) and schools. The development of Wycombe Steel Orchestra (established in 2006) has been a key project for SV2G. The Orchestra currently comprises thirty volunteer musicians (aged 10-25) representing a range of diverse backgrounds. Establishing the Orchestra has been critical to the aim of SV2G to raise the standard and status of the steelpan instrument in the UK.

In summer 2009 members of the Orchestra achieved the first steelpan grade examinations in the UK, with examiners attending from the University of West Indies (UWI) and the Associated Board for the Royal School of Music (ABRSM). It is at the forefront of developing formalised accreditation opportunities for those learning steelpan in the UK and has been the lead organisation (working with Arts Council England, the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music and the University of West Indies) to establish the foundations for this development work (including establishing the Steelpan Educators Training Association).

“It is a very exciting project that will be sustained through the delivery of our Cultural Legacy in Bucks” Jacqueline Roberts.

Ends

As a registered charity, we offer a range of creative diversionary projects and programmes that empower and develop young people, families and the wider communities.  Our programmes bring communities together to promote social inclusion and make a difference to people’s lives, with a range of innovative and exciting projects that help develop awareness of and celebrate African Caribbean heritage and culture. Find out how you can help support SV2G.