Domiciled in Oslo, Norway*, Mark Lo Quan, former President of Yara Ltd and President of Music Literacy Trust, noticed the burgeoning of museums. While enjoying breakfast at Courtyard Marriott, Mucurapo, he said, "In Norway, they archive and record everything. They have a museum for cod drying, for cheese and for ships." As a result, Lo Quan felt compelled to preserve the work of the Trust for posterity.
"The focus has been on scoring and creation of original music. The Trust has been engaged in sustainable preservation," he said. To date, they have engaged in projects like the Musicanova and Rainmakers, to record and archive the works for future generations. "We have assisted Starlift Youth Orchestra. They got 18 full passes and 15 distinctions. We assist tiny tots who don't have money but are showing promise in music. We are in the process of archiving their contributions," he said. Apart from the youth, the Trust showed its mettle by archiving the work of renowned pannist Ray Holman in Changing Time and Jit Samaroo's Changing Notes.
It supported the design of a computer interface in a double CD, featuring Holman's music and scores. This move will ensure the music is preserved and not merely used in an event, but rather be of further use in the educational community," said Lo Quan. The Trust has also partnered on programmes with Silver Stars' captain Edwin Pouchet and Bobby Mohammed who led the Cavaliers. In 2003, Lo Quan showed his ability to compose with the piece Identity. It took Silver Stars to the Panorama finals for the first time in 33 years.
In 2005, Lo Quan composed Frenzy, which set out to recreate the jubilation of the Panorama experience.
Music for Csec music exams
Based on the success of the Musicanova–which focused on original compositions for pan—Lo Quan said the Trust has been lobbying to get into the Csec programme and musical festival committee. “We strongly recommend music literacy. We have introduced a challenge trophy for original compositions for pan and original music for music festival. The pieces were performed at UWI. We are hoping to get them into the syllabus," he said.
About Musicanova
In 2007, the Trust, in conjunction with UWI DCFA, launched a national competition to recognise composers of original music for solos, duets and trios. It represented an avenue for our budding and talented people to produce and score works which can be utilised for further education. The Musicanova provided music for graded examinations to be used in the solo steelpan performance.
About Rainmakers project
Rainmakers is another pioneering effort, where a local play integrating original music from the steelpan is featured. The project is the work of the San Fernando based Golden Hands Steel Orchestra, which made waves in Junior Panorama and Music Festival 2008. It was a memorable event with music performed by Golden Hands and featuring original music composed by Dr Jeannine Remy in January 2008. The group has been invited to perform Rainmakers at the prestigious Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the largest percussion event in the world.
*Correction: I am domiciled in Angola, Africa (the parent company is in Oslo)
"The focus has been on scoring and creation of original music. The Trust has been engaged in sustainable preservation," he said. To date, they have engaged in projects like the Musicanova and Rainmakers, to record and archive the works for future generations. "We have assisted Starlift Youth Orchestra. They got 18 full passes and 15 distinctions. We assist tiny tots who don't have money but are showing promise in music. We are in the process of archiving their contributions," he said. Apart from the youth, the Trust showed its mettle by archiving the work of renowned pannist Ray Holman in Changing Time and Jit Samaroo's Changing Notes.
It supported the design of a computer interface in a double CD, featuring Holman's music and scores. This move will ensure the music is preserved and not merely used in an event, but rather be of further use in the educational community," said Lo Quan. The Trust has also partnered on programmes with Silver Stars' captain Edwin Pouchet and Bobby Mohammed who led the Cavaliers. In 2003, Lo Quan showed his ability to compose with the piece Identity. It took Silver Stars to the Panorama finals for the first time in 33 years.
In 2005, Lo Quan composed Frenzy, which set out to recreate the jubilation of the Panorama experience.
Music for Csec music exams
Based on the success of the Musicanova–which focused on original compositions for pan—Lo Quan said the Trust has been lobbying to get into the Csec programme and musical festival committee. “We strongly recommend music literacy. We have introduced a challenge trophy for original compositions for pan and original music for music festival. The pieces were performed at UWI. We are hoping to get them into the syllabus," he said.
About Musicanova
In 2007, the Trust, in conjunction with UWI DCFA, launched a national competition to recognise composers of original music for solos, duets and trios. It represented an avenue for our budding and talented people to produce and score works which can be utilised for further education. The Musicanova provided music for graded examinations to be used in the solo steelpan performance.
About Rainmakers project
Rainmakers is another pioneering effort, where a local play integrating original music from the steelpan is featured. The project is the work of the San Fernando based Golden Hands Steel Orchestra, which made waves in Junior Panorama and Music Festival 2008. It was a memorable event with music performed by Golden Hands and featuring original music composed by Dr Jeannine Remy in January 2008. The group has been invited to perform Rainmakers at the prestigious Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the largest percussion event in the world.
*Correction: I am domiciled in Angola, Africa (the parent company is in Oslo)
