The Division of Culture in the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture will host a National Steelpan Arrangers Workshop on Saturday, 11 April and Sunday, 12 April 2026, as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen Grenada’s steelpan sector.
The workshop, which will be held at the GBSS Auditorium, forms a key component of the ministry’s flagship COMS-PAN — Community Steelpan Programme. This initiative aims to establish and strengthen community steelpan ensembles in every parish, expanding access to steelpan training while empowering communities through music and cultural expression.
The exercise is also strategically aligned with preparations for Spicemas 2026, particularly the National Panorama Competition.
The 2-day workshop will be facilitated by Duvone Stewart of Trinidad and Tobago, one of the region’s most accomplished and innovative steelpan arrangers. He is widely recognised for his commitment to youth development and steelpan education across the Caribbean, as well as his work with leading Trinidadian steel orchestras, including Phase II Pan Groove.
The primary objective of the workshop is to establish a sustainable pipeline of trained arrangers across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, while providing structured training in steelpan arrangement, composition, and orchestration. It also seeks to enhance the skills of both current and aspiring arrangers, thereby strengthening musical leadership within community and national steelbands.
Steelpan Officer in the Ministry Cordel Byam described the initiative as “a critical investment in the future of our steelpan movement.” He added, “By developing our arrangers, we are strengthening the very foundation of our bands and ensuring that each community ensemble has the musical leadership needed to grow and excel.”
By strengthening the capacity of arrangers, the initiative is expected to elevate the quality and competitiveness of Panorama performances, encourage greater participation from emerging bands and arrangers, and support the long-term vision of expanding Panorama categories, including small and large bands.
Chief Cultural Officer Kelvin Jacob emphasised the broader impact of the initiative, stating, “The sustainability of Grenada’s steelpan sector depends on deliberate investment in human capital. Through initiatives like this, we are not only preparing for Panorama 2026 but also building a long-term framework where every community can find its rhythm and contribute meaningfully to national cultural development.”
The Division of Culture invites steelpan practitioners, music educators, and aspiring arrangers to participate in this transformative workshop, which runs from 9 am to 3 pm daily, as Grenada continues to position itself as a leader in Caribbean cultural excellence.
Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture
