"Hi my name is Francis Wenner and I am the volunteer coordinator of Ulla F. Muller Elementary School Panatics Steel Band on St. Thomas. We currently have an enrollment of 31 students and they range in grades from 3rd through 6th. We have all races and nationalities in the band. The main mission the band has is to not only how to teach children how to play the Steel Pans, but it also helps them academically, as they have to be in good academic standing if they want to be a part of the band. If anyone is interested in having the Panetics perform at their events, they can contact us through the School, and make contact with the Principle, and she will contact the band and make the arrangements. Thank you very much to the Virgin Islands Lottery for their Sponsorship, and I look forward to a continued relationship with them, and willing to perform at any event that they may have."
- Francis Wenner, Volunteer Coordinator of Ulla F. Muller Elementary School Panatics Steel Band on St. Thomas
"My name is Shawn Steel, I'm the Arranger / Director for the band, and I have been with the band for about 14 years. I think the Steel Pan is a good entry level instrument for most kids. It's easy to catch on to. There are different functions that different instruments play, that different kids may be able to pick up on different instruments. Timing is important for them to have. A sense of timing, and just to be able to follow instructions, and eventually they will catch on. The one thing I would like them to learn is that they can accomplish anything they put their mind to, to have a Can Do attitude, and to not let any obstacles stand in their way to achieve the goals they want to achieve. I would like to say that I am thankful for the finances that the Virgin Islands Lottery was able to afford us, and I would like to also say that anytime the Virgin Islands Lottery needs us to play for any engagement, I am more than willing."
- Shawn Steel, Arranger / Director
For more information on Ulla F. Muller Elementary School Panatics, visit them at: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UFMESPanatics
With your continuous support of the Virgin Islands Lottery, 70% of all revenues go back into our community. These funds are used to help Ulla F. Muller Elementary School Panatic Steel Band and numerous other organizations provide much needed support and assistance to our local communities.
"When you play the VI Lottery, everyone wins!"
- Mr. Raymond J. Williams,
Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Lottery
