Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 05, 2016 News
The Banquet Hall of the St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Brooklyn was the venue for the staging of the Grand Black Tie Affair to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Chronicle Atlantic Symphony Steel & Brass Orchestra.
The formal dinner, which was attended by a wide cross section of long-time supporters as well as current and past members of the band, reminisced as the evening went by where a number of persons were presented with certificates and plaques.
Heading the list was former Prime Minister and Mayor – Hamilton Green. Host of the evening Bobby Vieira, a former Manager and player in the band, highlighted many of the accomplishments of the group, including their numerous tours to several countries showcasing Guyana’s rich culture. The group, which had a Brass component also included at times on Tour, Dancers, Singers and Drama and poetry specialists.
Vieira reminded the audience of their many experiences when for example in Brazil, an elderly woman followed the band to every performance and brought flowers for the young players, who were able to perform pieces like Swan Lake, The flight of the Bumble Bee and The 1812 Overture.
The band showcased itself in Russia, London, Brazil, Cuba, Canada, The United States and many Caribbean countries. They represented Guyana at Carifesta 1972 in Guyana, Cuba 1976, and Barbados 1981. For many years the band was also a highlight home with their annual presentation of “Christmas Festival”.
The group which continued throughout the late 70’s and 80’s was replaced by a younger generation, after most of the band members migrated to either the US or Canada. The Founder – Rudy Bishop continued the process of training younger students now called the “Acolytes”, while maintaining the larger and older group in Brooklyn.
Today, like Guyana, the band celebrates 50 years on continuous service of keeping the Guyanese flag high in the US, with appearances at many significant festivals and events including the famous “Apollo Theater” in Harlem.
Significantly present at the event were veteran theater personalities – Desiree
Edgill, Jasper Adams, Henry Rodney and Andre Wiltshire. Vieira highlighted the contribution made by the actors as part of the group, and commended Mr. Hamilton Green for his assistance in the formation and development of Steel Bands in Guyana.
Former Director of Music of the Band – Desmond Fraser was among the former members who were recognized. Calvin White, Frank Lynch and Roy Geddes were given high praise for their support and contribution toward the successes of the band at some point or another.
Songsters Jenny Ferreira, Daunne Schultz-Blackmore and other well know members were also on hand to join the festivities.
Even more significant, was the passing of the baton to Rudy Bishop’s son Steve Bishop, who will now take the band and the younger group into the next series of years and performances. Rudy in an emotional response after receiving a Life Time award on behalf of all of the present and former from former members reminisced how it was heartwarming to see some of the members whom he had to nurture on tours because of their very young age, have turned out to be outstanding Citizens, Husbands and Fathers.
He closed by saying he was now happy to have successfully steered the band for fifty years, and was handing over to his son, who has been at his side for almost forty years of his life. Bishop, a former Member of Parliament under the Burnham administration, now retires in the twilight.
LISTEN HOW JAGDEO WILL MAKE ALL GUYANESE RICH!!!
Apr 24, 2024
Round 2 GFF Women’s League Division One Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Police Force FC on Saturday last demolished Pakuri Jaguars FC with a 17 – 0 goal blitz at the Guyana Football...Kaieteur News – Just recently, the PPC determined that it does not have the authority to vitiate a contract which was... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]