BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CULTURAL PRESERVATION CONSULTANT Winston ‘Zack’ Nisbett, in collaboration with sponsors National Olympic Committee, will be hosting a ‘Fife and Banjo Workshop’ from April 26 to May 22.
According to Nisbett, the workshop would begin at 5:00 p.m. and last for two hours with the exception of Saturdays, which would be from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. He said he has already visited a number of schools to have the children sign up to be a part of the workshop, which is specifically geared towards targeting the youth.
The fife sessions will be conducted by Banker of Banker’s Mas Camp and Patrick O’Loughlin along with one of the longest and best fife players in the Federation, Joseph Pollock, who will only assist on Saturdays because of his disability.
Elevette De Costa, better known as Mighty Anando or Soul, who has been playing the guitar and the banjo for over 40 years, will educate and teach about the banjo, the guitar and the quatro.
De Costa said he is happy to be a part of the workshop and that he had taught many persons over the years. He said playing an instrument is a great way of keeping one’s mind occupied and he therefore hopes the children would utilise what they learn.
Nisbett said they are no longer any fife players in the Federation and he feels it is important to maintain the playing of that musical instrument, because it is an integral part of the nation’s culture.
He went on to say, “Being a cultural preservationist and being involve in the art form since its inception, the aptitude for culture is always there; so it is my desire not to see it die. That is also why I am so positive about having it implemented and instituted into the youth and the schools.”
Nisbett concluded by saying that he believes it is important “for us to stick to our roots, especially in these turbulent times when we are living in a more technological and advance age”.
This has been the third workshop of its kind held by Nisbett over a number of years. The workshop will be declared open on Monday, April 26 by Lloyd Lazar.
