What is Pan Québec ?

  Pan Québec is a social, cultural, educational, and non-profit organization which has as its primary objectives; the development of the musical skills of any group of people, the sharing of cultural experiences, the promotion of music as an academic discipline and above all, the enhancement of the steelband movement. The origin of this dynamic musical expression is rooted in the backyards of the common folk of Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of the steelpan.

  In keeping with the international trends of steelband music, Pan Québec has since its inception in 1990, endeavoured to expose many social, cultural, and educational institutions to the music of the steelband.

  Pan Québec is the brainchild of Mr Anthony Salah Wilson, a native of Trinidad and president and founder of the organization. At the present time, the organization is managed by a small body of directors. Among them are Mr Knolly Smith, vice-president and Mr Leonard Marshall, secretary, both veterans of the Montreal Expo-67 Trinidad Tripoli Steelband; Mr Britten Bernard; Miss Rachel Wilson; Mr Knolly Smith Jr; and Ms Helen Alleyne, accountant. There are many other persons whose contributions in the past gave rise to the development of Pan Québec. Among them are Bert Boldon, Egbert Gaye, Eddie Alleyne and Neville Brown, to name but a few.

  Pan Québec engages in diverse social, educational, and cultural activities. These include organized classes in music at both Elementary and High School levels, as well as programmes in the community at large. Pan Québec stimulates cultural awareness among people of various ethnic and racial backgrounds. Patrons come to enjoy the traditional Calypso music played at the Summer Steelpan Festival entitled the Pan Jamboree; or seek the alternative seasonal atmosphere offered at the concerts of the Winter Steelpan Festival entitled Classical & Carols, where classical compositions and Christmas Carols are played.

  As each year goes by, Pan Québec attempts to provide a more enthusiastic and diverse Summer & Winter Festival as it spreads and incorporates more Canadians, of all ages and races, into the art of steelpan playing. Everyone is invited to share and participate in this unique cultural experience.

1. Coronation School - Montreal: First public school where the steelpan was introduced in 1991. Currently has three classes per week; two for a Senior group, one for a Junior group. Classes are one and a half hour sessions. Music theory and practical on the Pans. An after school program.
2. Somerled School - Montreal: Second public school where the steelpan was introduced in 1992. Currently has two classes per week; one for a Senior group, one for a Junior group. Classes are one and a half hour session. Music Theory and Practical on the Pans. An after school program.
3. John Grant High School - Montreal: Third public school where the steelpan was introduced in 1995. Currently has one class per week. One and a half hour class session. Active within the school general curriculum.
4. Wagar High School - Montreal: Fourth public school where the steelpan was introduced in 1997. Currently has two classes per week; one for a Senior group, one for a Junior group. Classes are each a one hour session.