SIMPSON BAY:--- Dow's Musical Foundation of composer, singer and steel pan instructor Isidore York, also known as the Mighty Dow, is the latest recipient of a donation made by Seven Seas Water (St. Maarten).
The donation of 2000 U.S. dollars was made to The Mighty Dow, who is president of the foundation which was founded in 1991 as the Ebony Steel Foundation.
The cheque was presented on Monday by Seven Seas Water (St. Maarten) managing director Franklyn Richards, who remarked that the company is "happy to assist this foundation in
its continuing objective to keep this important art form alive, by involving children at a young age, so that they can carry on this cultural tradition".
The foundation's Mighty Dow says that "the upkeep of this art-form, steel pan, and the continued promotion of this music has proven, over the years, to be quite educational and conducive to our culture on St. Maarten -- as it also serves as a destination marketing tool in the area of tourism".
The foundation provides classes, during school hours, to the Sister Borgia School, Marie Laurence School and the Martin Luther King School.
Other children are accommodated for afternoon classes at the foundation's location on the A. Th. Illidge Road. Presently classes are provided to 125 students.
The foundation plans its 3rd annual summer steel pan work shop to be held in July 1 upcoming, when it also plans a trip to the Netherlands, where about 17 advanced students are to perform there.