Gemonites School of Pan

The Gemontes School of Pan opened its doors in 1999. The idea was initiated for the pupose of keeping the interest in the art form alive, as well as provide an avenue for new players to become members of the Gemonites. More so, it is believed that this program would act as an encouragement for the establishment of similar programs around the island. The Gemonites also saw it as a means of personal motivation for its and members to faciliate such a program. It should be noted that the program was not created with the intention of recruiting members for the band only; as persons are free to join any band once they have learned to play the instrument.

The objectives of this program include helping others to develop the necessary skills/techniqes to play the pan, and develop good inter-personal skills and self-confidence. More so it is the intention of the facilitators of this program to provide an alternative to 'idlind' and 'liming' for young people.

One would be most accurate in saying that this program has returned extremely good results and for the most part has fulfilled many its objectives. Members of the School of Pan have performed at several concerts and have made a number of publuc appearances.

The School of Pan introduces persons to the following:

Music Theory - Note value, time signiture, sharp, flat, natural signs anf their cancellations, sightredeaing, chord progression, scale theory.

History of pan/History of Gemonites

Playing techniques - rolling, fingering, timing, phrasing, striking, strumming
1. Rolling - the art of sustaining a note(s)
2. Fingering - the art of stick/hand positioning/coordination to achieve the easiest playing methods
3. Timing - measurement of a music piece indicating speed and beat also the ability of a musician to play music within the guidelines of a stipulated speed and beat.
4. Phrasing - the selected way of playing designated notes.
5. Striking - the art of volume control
6. Strumming - the art and style of playing chords within a specified timimg and beat.

Percussion Sessions - drums, congas (tumba), steel, cowbell, shakers, timbales (tinpan), scratcer, tambourine.

The School of Pan achievements:

1999
Concert appearances
Appearances on Moods of Pan 1999
Independence Pan Fiesta
Caroling (All Saints, Old Road, Bolans, Food City)

2000
Concert appearances
Appearances on Moods of Pan 2000 together with Gemonites
Members of the School of pan won the "Five Alive" competition (mini panorama)
Carolling (English Harbour, Freetown, Liberta, Parham, Mental Home)