Chaguanas, Trinidad
& Tobago, W.I. - On
June 10th 2010, nineteen
(19) participants graduated from
the Percussive Harmonic Instrument
(P.H.I./PHI) Training Programme
at the T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps
Panyard, Enterprise, Chaguanas,
in central Trinidad.
The programme was launched on Thursday
4th March, 2010.
Panadigm Innovations Ltd (PIL),
working in collaboration with the
Citizen Security Programme (CSP)
and the Enterprise Community Action
Council, conducted an eight-week
training programme for the youth
of Enterprise.
Group
shot of the graduates of the
P.H.I. training programme. Far
right: facilitator, Earle Philip
and far left, demonstrator,
Derron Ellies
National Security Minister, Brigadier
John Sandy delivering the feature
address at the graduation, stated,
“It is only when young people are
exposed to the fundamentals of responsible
citizenship and taught how to appreciate
their country’s history and diverse
ethnic heritage, can they truly
contribute to nation building.”
The programmes he said, “are sought
out to provide a positive alternative
to delinquency and anti-social behaviour
for youths.” He further contended
that the implementing of these programmes
will be the government’s major facet
to stop crime in the country.
“By exposing the youths of our nation
to positive interest will indeed
assist in alleviating our country’s
current crime challenge,” he hinted.
The Honourable
Minister of National Security
John Sandy delivering the feature
address
Minister of Trade and Industry and
MP for the area Chaguanas East,
Mr. Stephen Cadiz, was also present
and highlighted that it was fascinating
to know that “we can produce such
an instrument as the PHI right here
in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Among other invitees were the Dean
of the Faculty of Engineering and
Patent holder of the PHI, Professor
Brian Copeland and the Mayor of
Chaguanas, Ms. Natasha Navas.
Participants were given the opportunity
to showcase to their friends and
family what they learnt, rendering
pieces that were derived from activities
such as composing, arranging, sequencing
and playing various instruments
(tones) on a steelpan interface
(PHI). These were all taught
by Mr. Earle Philip, another patent
holder of the PHI. Among the
graduates, special awards were given
to Trevon Sobers for the Most Improved
Student on the PHI, Shauntee-Lee
Edwards for the Most Improved Student
behaviourally, Junior Jones for
the Most Participative Student and
Marvin Ralph for the Most Dedicated
Student.
Youngest
participant Julian Smith on
the P.H.I.
The PHI is the very first “electronic
pan” ever created and patented.
It is what is known in the music
world as a MIDI controller, although
its physical form is inspired by
the ingenuity of the traditional
steel pan. MIDI controllers allow
musicians to utilise equipment on
a MIDI digital network to create,
perform and manipulate music.
Minister
of National Security John Sandy
embraces the youngest participant,
Julian Smith
Through MIDI, the PHI provides the
player with access to a limitless
range of instrument tones, including
steel pan, piano, sitar, as well
as a range of percussion tones.
These tones can be played on a full
three octaves of notes laid out
on the familiar circle of fourths
and fifths, commonly used on the
tenor steel pan. Note shapes, locations
and sizes are ergonomically designed
and notes can be transposed anywhere
in the musical range allowing the
musician to easily switch from a
tenor steel pan to a double second,
cello, guitar or bass instrument.
All of this takes place on a single
bowl or drum, making the PHI a highly
portable instrument when compared
to the traditional steel pan.
Graduates
rendering a rhythm section on
the P.H.I.
Panadigm Innovations Ltd. looks
forward to establishing many more
programmes such as this within Trinidad
and Tobago, through collaborations
with individuals, government organizations
and NGOs (non-governmental organizations)
who are willing to carry youth
forward.
Courtesy
P.H.I. News
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