Hannah Harrylal – Young Pan Prodigy

After her grandmother, Vashti Jacob, bought Hannah’s fifth birthday present, a tenor pan, she started lessons with Michael Cumberbatch. After two years of tuition Hannah is able to play the Trinidad and Tobago’s National Anthem, Xmas Carols, Gospel and many other melodies. Hannah is able to read and write music and will be attending her grade 1 music exams soon.  She performs at church concerts, birthdays, and retirement parties, the Crown Plaza and at the Hugh Wooding Law School Tea Party. She also competes at school competitions. Hannah was commissioned to do a musical piece, ‘Sohani Rae’, for the 2008 Divali celebrations in Chaguanas in central Trinidad and was awarded a monetary award for her efforts. 

Hannah is a respected member of the Las Lomas Pentecostal Church where she attends and is always willing to assist them at any fund raising event by using her magical musical skills. She is also a very stronger swimmer is the proud holder of seven swimming certificates from the Trinidad Centre of Excellence and currently holds a Safe Swimmer Level 3 certificate. She does gymnastics at school and currently attends the ballet lessons at the Caribbean School of Dance where she is taught by Mrs. Yipchoy and holds a grade 1 dance certificate. She has also danced at the Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain.   

She excels in the classroom and has a passion for reading and according to her grandmother, loves to study. She has been described by her teacher, Robert Ramoutar, as a well behaved pupil. This well rounded student certainly reveals that a combination of pedagogic, sports and the performing arts certainly create a well rounded disciplined individual who excels in all walks of life.   

She resides with her grandparents, Vashti and Leo Jacob who have been an inspirational driving force behind her success. Her dad, Alvin Harrylal, played for the Exodus Steel Orchestra and was the manager of the Tunapuna All Stars steel orchestra who toured India and Central America. 

Pan Podium congratulates this young prodigy in her achievements to date and wishes her all the luck in her future endeavours. She is certainly one to watch.  

Contact her through the following email address - vashti_jacob@hotmail.com