State elected officials call for more resources for steelpan musicians
NEW YORK - For many in Crown Heights, the sound of the steelpan has become synonymous with Labor Day weekend.
"New York is the Mecca of it all and is the entertainment capital of the world. And we have to start treating our instrument and our culture as part of what we call show business," says Alton Aimable, Founder and President of Tropical Fete.
The instrument was developed in the first half of the 20th century in Trinidad and Tobago, but its roots stretch back much further. On Friday, activists and legislators spoke about the challenges local steelpan musicians often face in finding permanent rehearsal spaces.
"Bands are big, sometimes they are 40, 50, 60 pieces. So you need space. So there were lots, there were buildings that were underutilized that they could use. Now with so much housing being built, there is less of that space," says NY State Senator Kevin Parker.
Parker and Assemblymember Brian Cunningham teamed up to sponsor versions of legislation in their respective chambers that would allow these bands to use school grounds during the summer months to practice.
"Our schools have to become open beyond 3:00 in the afternoon for people to experience their culture, to gather, celebrate, and to learn," says Cunningham.
"Bands are paying tremendous amounts of money to be in spaces in order for that culture to continue to be in existence," explains Samantha Bernadine, Board Member of J'ouvert City International.
The legislation would also broaden the existing steelpan music curriculum in city schools.
The goal, activists say, is to allow the instrument to also open the doors to possible career opportunities.
"These bands are practicing in the middle of the summertime where we really need to find structured activities for these young people or they'll find other things that are not so positive," says Curtis Nelson, Executive Director of Sesame Flyers International.
The bill still needs to pass in the State Senate and Assembly before it gets to the Governor's desk. Activists hope to see it become law before next year's parade on Eastern Parkway.
A spokesperson from DOE says in a statement: "Celebrations like the West Indian Day Parade fill our streets with music, dancing, and joy, and we're wishing all of our young people a safe and happy weekend. Arts education and music are central to the mission of New York City Public Schools, our schools are the centers of our communities, and our buildings are open to all community organizations. If a community organization is interested in utilizing school property, they should reach out to the school's principal for guidance."
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