CDF Director of Training pledged the organization's support in honing the skills of the community pan groups who will showcase their abilities at national, regional and international levels.

The Cultural Development Foundation's mission to provide avenues for artistic and cultural expression continues with the launch of the Community Steel Pan training program, which took place at the Vieux Fort Primary School Auditorium, Tuesday.

Members of the Laborie Steel Orchestra,  Assumption Knights and St. Lucy Steel Orchestra were present as facilitators expressed their pleasure to be associated with a program that will develop the skills of the panists through a series of structured sessions. The working sessions take place in the communities of Laborie, Micoud and Vieux Fort and will be facilitated by three accomplished musicians, bringing a wealth of knowledge in pan music, while mentoring and guiding the music hopefuls both in the theoretical and practical aspects of steel pan.

Group leaders Quill Barthelmy, Terry Faisal and Hanan Gabriel praised the CDF initiative which they say will bolster pride and boost the confidence of the aspiring musicians.

Celeste Burton, Director of Training, Promotion and Development pledged CDF's support in honing the skills of the community pan groups who in time will showcase their abilities at the national, regional and international levels.

"See yourself as a musician", encouraged Petrus Compton, Executive Chairman of CDF.  "See your pans as the instruments through which you tell your story.  All of you may not be an Andy Narrell.  But if one of you is able to show Saint Lucia what pan can truly do for you, then this program would have been a success.”

The program, under the guardianship of Hausan "Zorro" Griffith, Monty Maxwell and Gregory Piper, will run until Aug. 30.

The participants will celebrate St. Cecilia's Day in what is expected to be a friendly but fierce musical battle.