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Youth panists scorch Coffee Street with blazing fiery sweet pan music

St. Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School steel orchestra’s Pan Extravaganza

by Sandra Blood

San Fernando, Trinidad, W.I. - Despite whatever odds irresponsible adults in society may visit upon our young people, engaging them in the national instrument in a meaningful and structured manner from both the pre-teen and teenage eras is a proven antidote to combat the proliferation of social and emotional disquiet in our society.

This mesmerizing instrument known as TnT’s (Trinidad & Tobago’s) national instrument, simply brings out the highest level of confidence in anyone from all walks of life that ventures to try their hand at it.

At the first installment of the St. Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School (AC) steel orchestra’s Pan Extravaganza held on July 6th at the Skiffle Pan Yard from 2 p.m., saw the His Worship, the Mayor of San Fernando, Councillor Dr Navi Muradali and his guests – crewmen and women from the Royal British Navy Ship -- become magnetized to these unique and amazing instruments that were being skillfully mastered by youngsters between seven and eighteen years old.

St. Margaret’s Boys’ Youth Orchestra
St. Margaret’s Boys’ Youth Orchestra

In his remarks, he showered praises on the effort to harness youth through an initiative such as the extravaganza and highly commended the principal of the host school, stating he was happy that she “continued to knock for support…the door eventually opened.”

Casually clad, demonstrating true prowess to a spontaneous call, the British visitors confidently took hold of respective pan sticks (mallets) in readiness for one of the most envious challenges in the world – to get up-close and personal with Pan.

On stage, by rote, and under the command of the junior experts of the host band, the British visitors got a taste where, a 15-minute crash course, developed into a two-second piece of music learnt and played.

To leave the stage seemed a challenge having gotten the pan spirit lash.  

Crew members of the British Royal Navy Ship learn pan
Crew members of the British Royal Navy Ship learn pan

“This was a first-time experience for us,” said one of the crewmembers as they exited the venue for another occasion.

With blistering hot sun, the afternoon was cooking as the youth panists scorched Coffee Street, San Fernando with blazing, fiery, sweet pan music.

A continuous blend of repertoires taken from both local and foreign artistes, climaxed into a friendly, musical shoot-out with Fonclaire Youth Band leading the way with Busy Signal’s Come Over (Miss You) You, Jean Cure’s Straight From My Heart closing with Patrice Roberts’ A Little Wine.

They were closely followed by guest band, Guadeloupe’s Karukera Steel Band that gave a mellow version of two of their traditional tunes -- Ay se ma and Mi debat by Jeff Joseph.

Player from Guadeloupe Youth band
Player from Guadeloupe Youth band

Junior Sammy Skiffle Youth Orchestra upped the tempo with Ray Holman’s Sapna (The Dream) and Andy Narell’s Adrenalin City with next in line being San Fernando Old Tech Youth with “Super Blue’s” Water and Powder, and Denise Plummer’s Shock Attack.

Skiffle Youth Orchestra
Skiffle Youth Orchestra

Not to be outdone, host band kicked-in with Pelham Goddard and David Rudder’s Dus’ in Deh Face followed by a Zouk rendition Zoukla se sel medikaman nou ni bringing the musical curtain down in hot ‘Trini’ style with a scintillating soca medley.

St. Margaret’s Boys AC Steel Orchestra presented trophies of appreciation to the participating bands and says thanks to all who made the event possible.

To experience what you missed in south, be present for the final showing of Pan Extravaganza – “Champions in Concert” – raw, youth, pan talent from different youth orchestras at the foyer Queen Park Savannah at 2 p.m. on July 12th.

by: Sandra Blood

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