Greater Saint John Community Foundation, Supersteel

December 5, 2002

Super Steel drums up support for Music Students:

New Community Foundation Endowment Fund to benefit area’s young musicians

The board of directors of Saint John Super Steel Inc., which for seventeen years has overseen a local steel band for youth, has established a new $21,000 fund, The Super Steel Band Bursary Fund, with The Greater Saint John Community Foundation.

After searching in vain for a musical director to replace David Smith, who served for over fifteen years, the board still hasn’t given up hope that a motivated, selfless individual can be found to direct the band, which has been inactive for the last 2 years. Originally set up as the Lancaster Kiwanis Steel Band in 70's, it was a well-known feature of many local events and provided musical experiences for dozens of young musicians over the years. A fund was established in 1998 to assist with band expenses but the Board has now voted to transfer those assets to the Foundation and establish a permanent fund to help post-secondary music students with an annual $1,000 bursary.

Chris Cook, treasurer of the band’s board expressed satisfaction that local talents will continue to be nurtured, regardless of the post-secondary institution’s location. “We have also provided for the possible future reincarnation of a steel band in the agreement and financial support for it” he added. Community Foundation chairman, Lino Celeste, praised the Lancaster Kiwanis Club, the original patrons of the Lancaster Kiwanis Steel Band. “ Service clubs like the Lancaster Kiwanis are a valuable asset to our community. Our foundation has shown our appreciation for all the work they contribute to our quality of life with an event which recognized some 56 area service organizations. We were amazed at the number of different groups” he commented.

The sixty-one high quality, hand crafted drums required special skills to create and were purchased in the mid-80's to replace the earlier pans when Mr. Smith and Bob Scott took on a search for the best instruments. They are currently in storage. Rather than break up the collection, the Super Steel Board are hopeful a local volunteer, with music experience, will come forward to revitalize the Caribbean sound in its entirety. “It is amazing how popular the steel drums are in the state of Maine. They are in constant demand for public appearances” said Janice Dickson, President. “We would like nothing better than to find someone who could breathe new life into the pans and create a great experience a for a group of budding young musicians ” she concluded.

Members of the Super Steel Board are:

Ladds Batten, Chris Cook CA, (Treasurer); Jo-Ann Cornfield ( Vice-President) , Janice Dickson,

(President) ; Elizabeth Fleiger, (Secretary); Carol Mackay, Bob Scott, David Smith, Richard Smith and Andy Van den Biggelaar..

December 5, 2002 Super Steel drums up support for Music Students: New Community Foundation Endowment Fund to benefit area’s young musicians The board of directors of Saint John Super Steel Inc., which for seventeen years has overseen a local steel band for youth, has established a new $21,000 fund, The Super Steel Band Bursary Fund, with The Greater Saint John Community Foundation. After searching in vain for a musical director to replace David Smith, who served for over fifteen years, the board still hasn’t given up hope that a motivated, selfless individual can be found to direct the band, which has been inactive for the last 2 years. Originally set up as the Lancaster Kiwanis Steel Band in 70's, it was a well-known feature of many local events and provided musical experiences for dozens of young musicians over the years. A fund was established in 1998 to assist with band expenses but the Board has now voted to transfer those assets to the Foundation and establish a permanent fund to help post-secondary music students with an annual $1,000 bursary. Chris Cook, treasurer of the band’s board expressed satisfaction that local talents will continue to be nurtured, regardless of the post-secondary institution’s location. “We have also provided for the possible future reincarnation of a steel band in the agreement and financial support for it” he added. Community Foundation chairman, Lino Celeste, praised the Lancaster Kiwanis Club, the original patrons of the Lancaster Kiwanis Steel Band. “ Service clubs like the Lancaster Kiwanis are a valuable asset to our community. Our foundation has shown our appreciation for all the work they contribute to our quality of life with an event which recognized some 56 area service organizations. We were amazed at the number of different groups” he commented. The sixty-one high quality, hand crafted drums required special skills to create and were purchased in the mid-80's to replace the earlier pans when Mr. Smith and Bob Scott took on a search for the best instruments. They are currently in storage. Rather than break up the collection, the Super Steel Board are hopeful a local volunteer, with music experience, will come forward to revitalize the Caribbean sound in its entirety. “It is amazing how popular the steel drums are in the state of Maine. They are in constant demand for public appearances” said Janice Dickson, President. “We would like nothing better than to find someone who could breathe new life into the pans and create a great experience a for a group of budding young musicians ” she concluded. Members of the Super Steel Board are: Ladds Batten, Chris Cook CA, (Treasurer); Jo-Ann Cornfield ( Vice-President) , Janice Dickson, (President) ; Elizabeth Fleiger, (Secretary); Carol Mackay, Bob Scott, David Smith, Richard Smith and Andy Van den Biggelaar..