Pan in Schools Coordinating Council

ABOUT PSCC

The Pan in Schools Coordinating Council (PSCC) is a registered Non-Profit Organization operating in Trinidad & Tobago. Founded in June 1999 by a committed group of educators, PSCC developed a comprehensive framework for Pan in Schools within its first year, creating a detailed proposal named "Pan in the Classroom". Following three years of persistent advocacy, refinement, and collaborative consensus-building, the Ministry of Education formally endorsed the PSCC initiative. This approval led to the creation of a dedicated unit within the ministry's curriculum division, which adopted the PSCC proposal's title as its official name - the "Pan in the Classroom" Unit (PICU).

Our Vision

Ensuring a brighter tomorrow for the world through the Steelpan, the National Instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.

Our Mission

To inculcate an appreciation for our National Instrument the Steelpan, through education, innovation and advocacy towards cultural sustainability.

THE STEELPAN

The steelpan or steel drum is the National Musical Instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. It is widely credited as the only major acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century. Forged from 55-gallon oil drums, its playing surface is expertly hammered into a series of concave notes, each tuned to a specific pitch. Played with rubber-tipped mallets or ‘pan sticks’, the steelpan produces a rich, melodic, and resonant sound that is the heart of Caribbean Carnival music. From its origins in grassroots communities, it has evolved into a sophisticated instrument capable of performing a vast repertoire, from calypso and soca to classical and jazz pieces. World Steelpan Day is celebrated on August 11th annually.

OUR PROJECTS

Annual Music Workshops

PSCC hosts annual music workshops for teachers and students in Pan Playing Techniques, Steelband Percussion, Panorama Arranging and Steelband Composition for CXC, amongst others. These workshops are held across Trinidad and Tobago. PSCC also partners with the Ministry of Education and Pan Trinbago in hosting the National Schools Panorama Competition..

CVQ Steelpan Manufacturing

PSCC has also been instrumental in establishing the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) in Steelpan Manufacturing as an examinable subject at the CXC level. In partnership with BGTT (now SHELL) and the Ministry of Education, PSCC pioneered the training of teacher-assessors for this program. BGTT / SHELL also facilitated the outfitting of Steelpan Manufacturing Labs in all pilot schools in Trinidad and Tobago.

Steelpan Documentary

Our documentary entitled 'From Steelpan the National Instrument to Steelpan the Industry', directed by Ann Marie Harry, was nominated for best documentary for the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival.

Watch Video

PARTNER WITH US

Partnering with the Pan in Schools Coordinating Council (PSCC) offers a powerful opportunity to shape the cultural and educational landscape for the next generation. Your support will directly enable us to:

Place instruments in the hands of young learners
Provide essential resources for music educators
Create vibrant performance opportunities that bring social harmony to school communities

By aligning your brand with this mission, you become a champion for musical diversity and cultural heritage, fostering creativity, discipline, and a sense of pride in students. This is not just an investment in music, but to enriching young lives and preserving a vital art form for the future.

OUR PARTNERS

NPMC bpTT Shell TT UWI NTA NIHERST Ministry of Education WISP

GET IN TOUCH

Address

Pan In Schools Coordinating Council
c/o Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association
Corner Fowler St. & Southern Main Rd., Curepe

Phone

(868) 295-6199

Email

pscctt@HIDEMEgmail.com

PAN IN SCHOOLS COORDINATING COUNCIL