If the musical talent of budding pan-tuner Aaron Perreira is anything to go by, then the future of the steelpan movement is in good hands. Perreira, 18, a former student of Belmont Boys Secondary School (formerly Intermediate,) is the proud recipient of a special trophy awarded by energy company bpTT as the Most Outstanding Student in a pan construction course. Presentation of the award was made on Monday by Ronda Francis, corporate responsibility manager, bpTT. Sharing the moment was Barry Yeates, founder and manager of Pan Development Unlimited (PDU).
Perreira, who hails from Belmont, was honoured as the best student in the four-week Introductory Course in Pan Construction (for Schools) 2010. Conducted on an annual basis by PDU, the training course is facilitated by bpTT which enjoys a rich tradition of involvement in the steelpan movement. Francis congratulated Perreira on his outstanding achievement and urged him to continue his personal development in the pan and music arena. She also offered him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue his musical career abroad, citing as an example a former winner of the award, Brian Benoit. "If you keep on the right track and excel in your studies, we can assist you to further your career," she informed him.
An ecstatic Perreira, who is a member of the bpTT Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra, said the award will encourage him to take his musical talent to its full potential. "This is a great incentive for me since I want to pursue a career in music, specialising in pan as the main instrument," said Perreira, who is currently studying music at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine. PDU manager Yeates said Perreira excelled in punctuality, attendance, personal attitude and aptitude and ability.