The Super Steel Band Bursary Fund
This fund supports post-secondary music students with an annual bursary and preserves the legacy of the Super Steel Band, ensuring future opportunities for young musicians.
Known as the Lancaster Kiwanis Steel Band in the 70’s, the Super Steel Band was a popular act at many local events and provided musical experiences for dozens of young musicians over the years. The Board has established a permanent fund to help post-secondary music students with an annual $1,000 bursary.
Chris Cook, treasurer of the band’s board, says that local talent 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.”
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,” 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.
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.
“We would like nothing better than to find someone who could breathe new life into the pans and create a great experience for a group of budding young musicians,” says President Janice Dickson.
The board of directors of Saint John Super Steel Inc., which for seventeen years has overseen a local steel band for youth, established a $21,000 fund in December of 2002, The Super Steel Band Bursary Fund, with The Greater Saint John Community Foundation.
Donate to this fund
We are a registered charity, and all donations will receive an official donation receipt for income tax purposes. If you would like to make a donation to this fund, please use the button below. You'll be taken to our secure portal to make your donation.
If you would prefer to make a gift of shares, please contact Sarah Frauley, Director of Finance, at sarah@sjfoundation.ca or 506.645.1675.
More funds
The Robert MacMurray Memorial Bursary Fund supports former Island View Elementary students pursuing post-secondary education. Honoring Rob’s perseverance and dedication to learning, the bursary is awarded based on work ethic, leadership, and financial need.
Established by former students, this fund honors Suzanne Doyle-Yerxa’s 35-year teaching legacy and dedication to the performing and creative arts. It provides annual bursaries to KV High graduates pursuing arts-related studies, ensuring her impact continues for future generations.
Earnings from the fund will support an annual bursary for students who demonstrate academic potential but are lacking the financial resources to continue their pursuit of higher education at either the University of New Brunswick-Saint John (UNBSJ) or the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC).
Each year the fund will award scholarships to students at the University of New Brunswick Saint John who are either in their 3rd or 4th year of a history program or are candidates in the Masters program.