New York - CASYM
Steel Orchestra's annual Christmas show is a night where
CASYM's past, present and future come to together as one
for all the world to see. Moreover, it is the event
that allows the world to unmistakably understand and see
what CASYM, the organization, is truly about. CASYM, in
addition to being one of the best steel orchestras in North
America, is one of our true treasures.
One's greatness is not always measured in
personal deeds and awards. True greatness is measured
in the legacy and path that one leaves, or trails blazed for
others to follow. In this regard, CASYM has
successfully developed and executed a program for others to
applaud, study and follow. When your past becomes your
present and your present becomes your future in a
sustainable, evolving and progressive manner, you will see
and experience both organizational and human growth.
CASYM has successfully achieved this truth. Moreover,
CASYM's legacy of greatness is already assured.
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Class One - CASYM Steel Orchestra |
On this cold New York winter night, CASYM
warmed the spirits and hearts of this near-capacity crowd
who gathered at the Brooklyn Museum auditorium as the snow
from the approaching storm began to blanket the city.
A crowd made up of pan enthusiasts, adoring parents,
siblings and many supporting community members, was treated
to a fantastic show with steelpan musicians as young as five
years old headlining and leading the performances. As
you watch the young players, many of them whose heads you can
barely see above the steelpan instruments, you realize that
CASYM as an organization has come full circle. The
instructors of the performing classes are all members of
CASYM's stage side. It seems like only yesterday that
these same music instructors, were the young players of CASYM,
themselves perched on boxes to reach and play the steelpan instruments.
CASYM's past investments in its future through the
development of it's musicians have paid of handsomely. It
has become a self-contained and self-sustained institution.
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CASYM parents make guest appearance |
CASYM put on a comprehensive performing
arts show that included poetry, drama and dance in addition to
steel orchestra performances. Performing on the night
were CASYM's Class One and Class Two Steel Orchestras, CASYM
Dancers. P.S. 149 Steel Orchestra who also performed,
is a result of CASYM's contract with the New York City Board of
Education to introduce and provide instruction on the
steelpan instrument. Poet Alexis Wint provided
riveting spoken
word character to the event and to the extremely receptive
listening audience. CASYM's very own pint-sized
calypsonian Kyle Frederick provided his rendition of "I
Saw Mommy
Kissing Santa Clause". A special performance was
screened by the parents of CASYM's youth pan players. The parents
of the pannists themselves got together just four weeks ago to practice and put together
a small routine for the audience. Needless to say
their children were thrilled! It was indeed a total
family pan experience.
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P.S. 149 Steelband |
CASYM's tradition of having a 'very far from
normal Santa' continued. Santa could not make it
this year (something about a problem with Mrs. Clause was
mentioned) so his helper Elf" took over. He was
equally irreverent as the usual 'Santa', and the crowd loved
him almost as much.
Recently CASYM was unceremoniously and
unexpectedly asked to leave their home of over eighteen
years. Mr. William Jones, CASYM's director
and founder spoke on this issue and his expectant reality of
CASYM having its own facility to house it classes and
performing arts programs in the near future. Mr. Jones
also reminded the audience that CASYM will be celebrating
it's 25th anniversary next year. CASYM has
been fortunate to have great and competent leadership with
vision, a plan and extraordinary people who are dedicated to
execute the organization's ideas.
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CASYM Director and founder Mr. William Jones |
CASYM's Christmas program
highlighted its success in mobilizing community, youth
development and family, while stressing education,
responsibility, contributing citizenship and continuity.
Mr. Jones, Arddin Herbert, Travis Roberts,
Michelle Williams, Anthony Lewis, Lakeisha Danglade, Joalene
Griffith and all the other members of CASYM's
development program and staff are to be commended for
unwavering commitment to youth and community development.
There is no greater accomplishment than the development of
our youth.
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Class Two - CASYM Steel Orchestra |
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