Who We Are and What We Do
Improving our well-being with 'Pan Therapy'
The charity was founded in 2013 by pannist and businesswoman Shareen Gray to raise funds to hold a competition for young steel pan soloists. The event named Pan Clash, now 15 years old attracted the attention of the MOBO Awards and they sponsored the prize for young steel pan musicians for 5 years. The trust quickly grew its activities in its first year and in 2014 began a new annual event Classorama (now known as School-O-Rama), which is a school steelband festival.
Steel pan music is a great way to bring local communities together. For many years we have delivered street performance collections across the UK. Live performance carries an energy that recordings can't match— the thrill of musicians performing together in front of an audience, with no do-overs, is a powerful and exciting thing to witness in person. We interact with hundreds of people when we visit city town centres across the UK. Most live performances are enjoyable simply because they promote a connection and understanding of humanity in a broader sense.
Our charity is committed to managing a number of community projects across the UK for people of all ages and abilities including those with; special needs, learning difficulties, mental health, senior citizens and for a number of different types of educational institutes. Projects are tailored to suit different organisations to bring the very best outcomes for their community.
Approximately 10,000 people take part in our annual activities. It’s not necessary to know how to read sheet music, in order to start playing steel pan and be able to progress fast. Steel Pan Trust works with many fantastic pannists, tutors and tuners who help us deliver projects.
Our Mission & Values
Mission
We aim to maintain the rich culture and heritage of the Caribbean. We do this by providing inclusive music workshops, public performances and educational projects.
Values
Fun: we enjoy people being creative, sharing good energy and making time to enjoy music as it improves our wellbeing.
Learning: we support learning and development across all our projects and encouraging the future leaders of the art and culture.
Inclusive: we encourage all ages, races, musical abilities, culture or background, all are welcome to our classes and events.
Innovation: we promote continuous development, bold creativity and positive change.
Collaborative: we believe in listening and evolving together whilst helping each other to achieve a common goal.
Trustees
Shareen Gray – Director & Creative Lead
Experienced small business owner, project manager and founder of Steel Pan Trust. Qualified with a first class degree in Business Publishing and an Arts Award officer. In 2015 recognised by The British Association of Steelbands with an Outstanding Achievement Award. At 2018 International Steelpan Conference presented techniques for delivering accessible music-making for children and adults with special needs and disabilities.
Edivaldo Reis – Social Media
A career background in Marketing with emphasis on improving companies’ social and corporate responsibilities. Mr. Reis has worked with Cancer Research and Whizz-Kidz.
Cheryl Auguiste – Secretary
Has dedicated more than 15 years to the Carnival Art form and is a professional businesswomen in the health industry. Cheryl is committed to being an avid advocate to the steel pan movement and is the author of the phrase "Pan Therapy."
Kevin Joseph – Advisor
A professional photographer for over 20 years and produced work for a wide range of clientele such as Adidas, Puma, Nike, Mothercare, JD Sports, Amazon, Apple, Google, Timberland as well as many established magazines, corporate firms and PR companies.
