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The most recent CD from Ralph MacDonald is “Mixty
Motions.” It’s the masterful Ralph MacDonald
surrounded by fantastic musicians as well as
two new performances by the great duo, Ashford
and Simpson. As with previous Ralph MacDonald
releases, steelpan instruments played by Robert
Greenidge maintain a prominent role in defining
the attitude of the CD.
Click to hear sample
When
Steel Talks has set up a
group on Facebook where
we can post more steelpan
pictures, videos and events.
We would like to add you
as a fan so you can expand
your steelpan music experience.
First, you need to join
Facebook! Once you join,
you can also create your
own profile.
Web
Posted -
Sunday November 30, 2008
When Steel Talks
And The Youths Shall Lead… National Youth Pan
Orchestra Triumphs Yes We “KHAN!!”
Moods of Pan 2008
Antigua & Barbuda,
W.I. - The
twin-island country’s National Youth Pan Orchestra, fielding
the youngest group of musicians in Moods of Pan’s 2008
25-A-Side competition, stunned and trounced their more
seasoned and sometimes older peers in the five other
orchestras. Though some of the young winners also did double
duty with the other orchestras (they were part of the youth
arms of those more established bands in the country), it was
the incarnation featuring them as the best of the
twin-island’s youthful steelpan musicians, that pulled it
off for what was the inaugural contest of its kind in the
tenth annual Moods of Pan festival, proudly organized by
Gemonites Steel Orchestra, who also took part in the
competition. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Saturday November 29, 2008
When Steel Talks
Antiguan Pan Festival
the Best in the Caribbean Region? No doubt!!
Moods of Pan 2008
Antigua & Barbuda,
W.I. - When Steel
Talks has traveled south to the island
of Antigua with much anticipation and
expectation for this year’s version of
the annual three-day steelpan music
festival - Moods of Pan. 2008
represents the 10th year for the event
which has grown
considerably in stature and
importance to the Caribbean region.
Moods of Pan has been innovative and cutting
edge, all the while maintaining a very
high performance caliber. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Saturday November 29, 2008
Trinidad Newsday
Renegades leads off Pan XI Final
Trinidad
,
W.I. -
Minor
Category
(Quartet
&
Ensemble)
winners
bp
Renegades
will
lead off
Sunday’s
National
Steelband
Music
Festival
— Pan Is
Beautiful
XI — at
the Jean
Pierre
Complex,
Wrightson
Road,
Port of
Spain.
Showtime
is 6 pm.
The
Charlotte
Street
steelband
is
intent
on
adding
the NSMF
Orchestra
category
title to
its
cache.
Renegades
under
the
baton of
Desmond
Waithe
will
perform
“Rienzi
Overture”
composed
by
Richard
Wagner.
All
participants
will
perform
the test
piece
Slinger
Francisco’s
“Document
Pan” and
a tune
of
choice.
click for
more
Web
Posted -Wednesday November 26, 2008
When Steel Talks
The Great One Remembered:
Master Arranger Clive Bradley
The
date is November 26, 2005. A day that will
be etched in the annals of steelpan music
history. There are momentous moments in history
when everyone remembers exactly where they were
when they learned of this event. Such is the case for
a generation of steelpan music lovers and
players as they remember the moment when they
were told that legendary Master arranger Clive
Bradley had passed. Revered and admired
all over the world, Clive Bradley was simply the
best steelpan music arranger to ever walk the
planet.
When Steel Talks salutes the life and genius of
Clive Bradley through music, art, video, song,
poetry and the written word by those who new him
and whose lives continue to be impacted by his
legacy.
Web
Posted - Monday November 24, 2008
When Steel Talks
Single Pan Ensemble Results – Pan Is Beautiful XI
Trinidad
,
W.I.
- SWMCOL Codrington Pan Family added three more national titles to their list of achievements when the emerged winners at the National Steelband Music Festival – Pan Is Beautiful XI – Minor (Single Pan Band) categories.
Playing their own composition “From Kumasi to la Trinidad – Adapted for Single Pans” and test piece ”Rose”, Pan Family amassed 553 points copping “Best Test Piece”, “Best Tune of Choice” and Single Pan Band winner at last Friday’s pan festival at La Joya Complex, St. Joseph.
The East Dry River based family band led by Cary Codrington was one of nine (9) participants that faced the adjudicators in a keenly- contested event of musical skills. Taking home the “Best Dressed” title was Marsicans. (See full list of winners)
Web
Posted -
Saturday November 22, 2008
When Steel Talks
Pan Radio is Up and Running
Hello
to
our
PanRadio
listeners
-
Great
news!
PanRadio
is
back
up
and
running!
Our web site hosting
company has since resolved their technical issues, and
now the Panonthenet multimedia content that was
affected, including interviews and similar material, is
once again accessible.
Web
Posted -
Saturday November 22, 2008
Trinidad
Newsday
A ‘Wild and Wonderful’ debut
Trinidad,
W.I. - Olatunji Yearwood’s rendition of the pan song titled “Wild
and Wonderful”, a new track for Panorama 2009, won rave
reviews at a special edition of Silver Stars Steel
Orchestra’s Parang and Steel Concert series on November 2.
Delivering his trademark energetic performance at the
concert, staged to coincide with the band’s 60th
anniversary, the young entertainer heightened the cultural
showcase.
click for more
Web
Posted -
Saturday November 22, 2008
When Steel Talks
bp Renegades Steel Orchestra sweeps the field
Trinidad,
W.I. -
BP Renegades Steel Orchestra swept the field on the opening night of the National Steelband Music Festival – Pan Is Beautiful XI
- held at the La Joya complex St Joseph,
Trinidad, on Thursday 20th November 2008, marking a successful return to the Festival scene for the band after a 20-year
absence. Micahi Felician playing Rossini’s ‘Barber of Seville’ topped the soloist category while Levi Ettienne and Cleveland King did the same in the duets category playing ‘Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No.1 IV’.
Later Kain Cox, Ishmael Wharton, Aaron Franklin and Kayesha Ollivierre brought down the house in the quartet category with a splendid performance of Schubert’s ‘Scherzo’ that saw them copping the top spot for a clean sweep by the players of BP Renegades, most of whom were not even born when the band last appeared in the Steelband Music Festival in 1988.
Carnival Office shares sympathy at ‘Jughead’s’ passing
Antigua
& Barbuda, W.I.
-
The ministry under which the Carnival
celebrations fall has expressed its condolences with the
family of the late Leroy ‘Jughead’ Gordon, who died in
Antigua last week.
“On behalf of Minister Harold Lovell, the Ministry Of
Tourism, Civil Aviation, Culture and Environment, the staff
within the National Festivals Office, in collaboration with
the Carnival Development Committee, would like through this
medium to extend its deepest sympathy to the family of Leroy
‘Jughead’ Gordon on his passing,” a statement said.
Condacy Browne, the longest serving member of staff in
the Carnival Office, stated that Gordon was truly a cultural
icon. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Thursday November 20, 2008
When Steel Talks
Silver Stars Steel Orchestra’s Parang and Steel Concert
Trinidad,
W.I. -
The season premier of
Parang and Steel staged by former Pan In the
21st Century victor Silver Stars Steel Orchestra
on November 15, had all the nuances for a great
production.
Scores of music lovers turned out at the band’s
Tragarete Road, Newtown, Port-of-Spain,
headquarters for another night of fine musical
performances from the cast which included parang
group Fuego Caribeno, Baron (Timothy Watkins)
and host Silver Stars.
The 19th annual edition of Parang and
Steel—dubbed the biggest steelband event held
this time of year— continues every Saturday
until December 13, at Silver Star’s
headquarters.
Web
Posted -
Tuesday November
18, 2008
Trinidad Express
Special edition of Silver Stars Steel Orchestra’s
Parang and Steel Concert
Trinidad,
W.I.
-
Olatunji Yearwood’s
rendering of the pan song titled Wild and
Wonderful for Panorama 2009 won rave reviews at
a special edition of Silver Stars Steel
Orchestra’s Parang and Steel Concert series on
November 2.
Delivering his trademark energetic performance
at the concert, staged to coincide with the
band’s 60th anniversary, observed between
November 1-8, the young entertainer heightened
the cultural showcase.
Appearing on a playbill that included parang
group Los Dnamicos, former Calypso Monarch
Denyse Plummer and host Silver Stars, Yearwood
earned kudos for his appeal and vibrant
performing style before a mature audience.
However, he almost missed out on the opportunity
to perform the selection composed by Alvin
Daniell and Edwin Pouchet. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Tuesday November
18, 2008
Trinidad Express
Bandleaders happy
Panorama back at QPS
Trinidad, W.I.
-
Bandleaders are welcoming the news that the Panorama finals are to be held at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain next year, after two years of journeying to Skinner Park in San Fernando for the competition.
The bandleaders said the trip to San Fernando over the past two years had been a very costly affair as they had to dig deep into their pockets to foot the cost of transport and accommodation for their pan players. News that the competition was to return to the Savannah was therefore music to their ears.
And some of the southern steelband representatives are saying that, while they enjoyed hosting the competition over the past two years, they had no problem returning to the Savannah, "the birthplace of pan".
Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold announced last Wednesday that the Panorama finals were to return to the Savannah.
Web
Posted -
Tuesday November
18, 2008
Campbelltown News
Mac Fields pan band best in southern hemisphere
Australia
-
Kids banging on steel pans may
bring on a headache for some, but when they've got a bit
of rhythm and had a whole lot of practice, it can be
music to your ears.
Students at Macquarie Fields Public
School recently won the Panorama steel band competition
making them one of the best school-aged pan bands in the
southern hemisphere.
The school band, comprising children from
kindergarten to year 6, out-banged six other schools at the
competition, held at Sutherland's Bangor Primary School late
last month.
Assistant principal Karen Miller, who
also performs and competes as part of the band, said she
cried when they won.
Web
Posted -
Tuesday November
18, 2008
When Steel Talks
Trinival: Carnival of the Gods
Trinival:
Carnival of the Gods is an analytical look at the
culture of Carnival as it is celebrated in Trinidad and
Tobago, Brazil, New Orleans, Canada, England, Spain,
Switzerland and other Carnival cities. Many new topics
are introduced and discussed in this fascinating book
including the sexuality and sensuality in Carnival along
with the music, costume and political dynamics. The East
Indian influence and contribution to Trinidad Carnival
along with a brief history of Chutney music concludes a
very stimulating, informative, unique book. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Tuesday November
18, 2008
When Steel Talks
Monster Lineup Set
for Antigua & Barbuda’s
Tenth Annual Moods of Pan
Antigua
& Barbuda, W.I. -
Simply the finest annual steelpan music concert event in
the Caribbean, Moods of Pan is known for it's
originality, quality and being first with steelpan music
innovations that everyone else unashamedly emulates.
Antigua's Tenth Annual Moods of Pan concert series will
begin on Friday, November 28th in St. John’s, the
capital of the twin-island nation.
Over the three-night period Friday through Sunday,
fabulous steelband entertainment will include the “Cool
& Smooth 25-a-Side steelband competition,” the hugely
popular and internationally famous “Five Alive” series
originated by Moods of Pan hosts Gemonites Steel
Orchestra; David Rudder, and "Another Side of Pan" with
performances from the likes of Len "Boogsie" Sharpe,
Skiffle Bunch, Ralph MacDonald and Robert Greenidge. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Tuesday November
18, 2008
When Steel Talks
Southern Marines Steelband Foundation’s Eighth Annual
‘Talent Expression’ heads
to Grand Final
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I.
-
The eighth edition of the Talent Expression competition,
organised by the Southern Marines Steelband Foundation
is heading for a wonderful climax at the Grand Final on
Saturday 22nd November 2008 beginning at 8:00 pm at the
Southern Marines Pan Palais, Southern Main Road,
Marabella in Trinidad.
Thirteen contestants moved forward from a field of
twenty-four in the semi final round held on Saturday 8th
November. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Monday November 17, 2008
Whiznews.com
Steel
Drum Concert at Secrest
Ohio, USA.
-
Over one-thousand 4th grade students throughout
Muskingum County spent time at the Secrest Auditorium on
Monday morning.
They were there to enjoy the sounds of The University of
Akron Steel Drum Band. The Zanesville Concert
Association sponsors the event. "Every year for the last
20-years the Zanesville Concert Association has brought
some kind of program called the Children's Concert. It
for 4th graders from every school in Muskingum County"
said Paul Shannon, a member of the Concert Association. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Monday November
17, 2008
Antigua Sun
PM Spencer
expresses sadness
at ‘Jughead’s’ passing
Antigua & Barbuda, W.I.
- Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer has
expressed his sympathy to the family of the late Leroy
“Jughead” Gordon who died in Antigua last Thursday.
In expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Spencer
called Gordon a true patriot of Antigua and Barbuda who
was always passionate about culture and its development
in our nation.
“Not only was ‘Jughead’ a founder of the Harmonites
Steel Orchestra but he always remained deeply connected
to the advancement of pan particularly among the youths
of this nation,” PM Spencer stated.
“His active involvement in mas’, theatre and the church
all highlight the life of selfless service that he
lead,” the prime minister, who was a leading member of
teel Orchestra, stated. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Sunday November
16, 2008
Trinidad Newsday
Toronto honours for
Earl La Pierre
Trinidad, W.I. -
On Saturday September 27, Michael Lashley, Trinidad and
Tobago’s Consul General in Toronto, presented awards at
the second annual presentation of the Consul General’s
Diaspora Award for Excellence, to two TT nationals, Earl
La Pierre Sr and Eleanor Wiltshire Rodney of the Greater
Toronto Area for their remarkable contributions to
community development through education and culture.
The Naparima Alumni Association of Canada’s president
Merle Ramdial, received a group award on behalf of the
NAAC, which raised nearly $100,000 in the past three
decades to support the Canadian Presbyterian
Mission-established educational institutions in Trinidad
and Tobago.
Steelpan virtuoso La Pierre, formerly of Cotton Hill, St
Clair, Port-of-Spain, received the trophy “For
Excellence in Culture and Community Development Through
the Promotion of the Steelpan” at the charity dinner
gala titled “Cutting Style: A Taste of Trinidad and
Tobago in Fashion and Textiles” in the Westin Harbour
Castle in Toronto. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Sunday November
16, 2008
When Steel Talks
Antigua
& Barbuda, W.I. - The
steelband fraternity and other community members of this
twin-island nation will greatly miss one it’s well-known
steelband cultural icons, Leroy “Jughead” Gordon who
passed away last Thursday, November 13, after ailing for
some time.
Gordon, who was a founding member of the Harmonites
International Steel Orchestra reportedly succumbed to
heart failure linked to cancer complications at the
Winter's Medical Clinic in Antigua at 11.20 a.m. Gordon
was still actively involved with Harmonites, based in
St. John’s, the nation’s capital. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Sunday November
16, 2008
Kaieteur News
Roy Geddes is
keeping the steelpan art form alive
Georgetown,
Guyana - An array of
beautiful tropical trees and flower plants line the lush
walkway accentuated by steelpan souvenirs and other
assortments that send the distinct message of ‘a vivid
steelpan haven’. The haven is secluded in a quiet and
serene location at 190 Roxanne Burnham Gardens, South
Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
Many may find it hard to believe, but this eye-catching
spectacle is actually the walkway that leads to the
famous Roy Geddes Steelpan Museum, which has been
receiving rave reviews from locals and from the Pan
Podium, the official magazine of the British Association
of Steelbands.
The steelpan museum houses a vivid and colourful
pictorial display of Roy’s success, even as it displays
an intriguing showcase of steelpans — from the raw
material to the finished products. There is also an
abundance of reading materials, while a line-up of
trophies, medals and souvenirs speak positive vibes of
his successes and contributions to the music discipline
in Guyana and abroad. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Saturday November
15, 2008
Trinidad Newsday
Dr Stalin honoured
by Sagicor Exodus
Trinidad,
W.I.
- In recognition of the award of the Doctor of
Letters degree to Leroy Calliste by the University of
the West Indies, a celebration concert produced by
Sagicor Exodus took place last Saturday at their Panyard
in St Augustine.
Billed as Dr Stalin, The Tribute Concert, the free event
brought together some of Stalin’s closest friends
including Explainer, Gypsy, Chris Garcia and Brian
London all backed by Black Stalin’s lifelong friend Roy
Cape and the Kaiso All Stars; featuring Blaxx, Trini
Jacobs and Olatongi. Gypsy was especially well received
by the large turnout of calypso lovers at the Exodus
panyard that spilled on to the Eastern Main Road.
When it was his turn, the man of the moment, Black
Stalin did not disappoint. He went from classic to
classic and the fans just lapped it up. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Friday November
14, 2008
Antigua Sun
Cultural icon Leroy
‘Jughead’ Gordon dies
Antigua & Barbuda, W.I.
- Antigua and Barbuda has lost yet
another treasured son of the soil within the stretch of
less than one week.
Many fell into deep grief and shock yesterday as news of
Leroy "Jughead" Gordon’s passing circulated across the
island. He died at the age of 61.
Gordon, who was described as one the country’s most
outstanding cultural icons passed away at Winter’s
Clinic yesterday morning.
He was taken to the clinic earlier that morning after
complaining of feeling unwell. Gordon reportedly died of
a heart failure, which was due to complications of
prostate cancer and diabetes. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Thursday November
13, 2008
When Steel Talks
Participants in all categories in
the National Steelband Music Festival:
Pan Is Beautiful XI Order of Appearance
Trinidad,
W.I.
- Participants in all categories of the
National Steelband Music Festival – Pan Is Beautiful XI
- drew for playing positions earlier in the day.
The drawing was held during the morning period at NCC-TV
(National Carnival Commission Television).
Produced by Pan Trinbago Inc. TC, Pan is
Beautiful XI will be held in phases starting with the
Minor Categories at the Eric Williams Auditorium, La
Joya Complex, St. Joseph, and culminating with the
Orchestra Class at the Jean Pierre Complex,
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
Showtime is 6 p.m. Tickets are available at Pan Trinbago
Head Office, Park Street and also at Cleve’s One Stop
Music Shop, Frederick Street - both in
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
The National Steelband Music Festival is a biennial
event giving panists an opportunity to display the
versatility of the steelpan. click for
full order of appearance
Web
Posted -
Thursday November 13, 2008
Trinidad Newsday
Work to start on QPS for Panorama
Trinidad, W.I.
- Work on infrastructure is
expected to begin soon at the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS)
in time for next year’s Panorama Finals.
Although there is no word on when work starts, Pan
Trinbago president Patrick Arnold said the western end
of the Savannah will be expanded to accommodate the
finals.
“We’ve had a lot of meetings and I’m confident that
things will be in place in due time. For now we know
that the western end of the Savannah will be expanded to
be more accommodative,” Arnold said.
Meanwhile, chairman of the National Carnival Committee (NCC),
Howard Chin Lee, said he had no comment to make on the
cost to get the venue in shape. He said a figure will be
made available at a later date. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Wednesday November 12, 2008
Gulfnews.com
Steel band brings the Caribbean
to
Abu Dhabi
Abu
Dhabi, UAE - The West
Indies had a pleasant surprise at the Zayed Cricket
Stadium when they were greeted by Pepe Francis and his
four-member steel band.
Making their debut at this desert venue, the West Indies
were expecting the crowd to be rooting for Pakistani due
to the large expatriate population in the UAE.
But with the presenting sponsors etisalat having flown
in the Ebony Steel Band, it was sweet music for the
calypso kings.
"We actually have a band of over 40 but only five of us
are here," said band leader Pepe. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Wednesday November 12, 2008
Trinidad Newsday
$18M for Panorama,
finals return to PoS
Trinidad, W.I.
-
Government has approved $18.5 million for Panorama 2009,
and once again the winning large conventional steelband
will play for a $1 million prize.
Steelband finalists can also look forward to battling
for the lucrative prize at the Queen’s Park Savannah,
Port-of-Spain.
Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold announced the
allocation for Panorama, a major event in the Carnival
calendar, and the return of the finals to Port-of-Spain
during a news conference at the organisation’s head
office, Victoria Suite, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.
Eleven million dollars, out of the allocation, will
cover the prizes including the $1 million that will go
to the top large steelband. Prizes are also to be set
for the competitions for the medium conventional bands,
small bands, single pan bands and pan-round-the-neck
bands. The remaining $7.5 million will be used to offset
the costs to stage the competitions. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Tuesday November
11, 2008
Cayman Net News
Steel Band
Competitors Named
Grand Cayman,
CI
- Four local steel bands will participate
in this year’s Pirates Week Steel band Competition
scheduled for Thursday, 13 November on Cardinall Avenue
in George Town.
The competing bands are Panoramers, St Ignatius,
Pandemix and Pandemonium.
The competition will form part of the George Town
District Day event on Cardinall Avenue and Harbour
Drive. First and second places in the musical contest
will be $500 and $200 respectively.
Normally, the steel bands are judged on their
performance during the Float Parade, but this year they
will also be heard in this separate competition with
each band being required to play a song of its choice.
Judges will be Stacey Clarke, Dr Victor Look Loy, and
Gerry Mendez. click for
more
Web
Posted -
Monday November
10, 2008
When Steel Talks
Is Antiguan Pan
Ready to Rebound?
Antigua,
W.I.
- Hard on the heels of the Trinidadian
progenitors, Antigua leapt onto the steel band music
scene with a bang. Now, some key figures think the
frontrunner image has receded to the point where the
Antiguan movement could sorely use a lift.
The name of Lord Baldwin came up
repeatedly. We’re talking about pan in Antigua, right?
So who is this Lord Baldwin, anyway—a seasoned bard,
perhaps, in the kingdom of calypso, pan’s long-time
companion folk art? Not quite. Would you believe, real
honest-to-goodness British nobility! Lord Baldwin
happened to be Governor of the Leeward Islands just in
time to anoint the fledgling Antiguan steel band
movement, declare it worthy of respect and preservation,
when the hoity-toity of Antiguan citizenry were poised
to deliver a death-dealing kick-in-the-rump to what they
considered a public nuisance. click for full story
Web
Posted -
Monday November
10, 2008
When Steel Talks
From Bamboo Patch
to Buckingham Palace
with Sterling Betancourt
Vignettes of Pan History
London,
England
- It has been said that the only thing
new in the world is the history you don’t know. With
pan’s genesis still a head-scratcher even for trivia
buffs, the history of the steel band still comes up
fresh no matter who’s recounting the events that led
from the bamboo to the steel pan.
Sterling Betancourt wears pan nostalgia
like a family heirloom. Some 50 years after the birth of
the steel band, he still finds it chic to perpetuate the
five-note bass by including the venerable instrument in
his steel pan trio, which has been playing the night
club circuit in London for the past 34 years.
It was pan that introduced Betancourt to
a lifestyle that seemed as remote from his wildest
dreams as a youngster growing up in Laventille,
Trinidad, as well..., the steel pan’s ultimate spinoff
from the bamboo. click for full story
Web
Posted -
Monday November
10, 2008
When Steel Talks
Pan In London Coming into Sharper Focus in ’86
London,
England
- London—And con artists, too. But mostly it’s
jealousy, politics, false national pride, philosophical
differences over promotion of the culture, inflated egos
and a little racism—all hurdles the steelband movement
here must overcome someday before it becomes the
universal reference point of pan, Trinidad
notwithstanding.
....“Pan in the United Kingdom surprised
me,” said Kimi Christopher, newly appointed Trinidad &
Tobago Tourist Board manager for the U.K. and Europe.
“The scope is bigger here than in the U.S. (where she
formerly was manager of the Board’s New York office.”
Trinidad, too, she could have added, without being
facetious. click for full story
Web
Posted -
Sunday November
9, 2008
Baltimore Sun
The beat of a
different drum
The Caribbean sounds of the steel pans ring out for students
at Ring Factory Elementary School
Baltimore,
Maryland
- Some of the students at
Ring Factory Elementary were excited when they heard a
steel drum band was being started at the school.
Olivia Vach played drums at home but wanted to try
something new. Daniel Cullinan wanted to be challenged.
And Christopher "CJ" Plumer wanted to learn an
instrument that not everybody plays.
"Steel drums are unique," said CJ, 10, a fifth-grader
from Bel Air. "I think having a steel drum band in our
school gives kids a chance to see what it's like to do
something challenging when they get older. The steel
drum band gives little kids something to look forward
to."
The three youngsters, along with 26 other fourth- and
fifth-graders, auditioned and were selected to play in
the band this year.
click for
more
Web
Posted -
Sunday November
9, 2008
Miami Herald
Majoring in church
music
A unique church music degree program at Florida Memorial
University helps students become church music directors or
performing artists
Miami, Fla. - Jermaine
Butler, 24, says his prayers have been answered at
Florida Memorial University, where he can combine his
love for gospel music with an education, thanks to the
school's church music degree.
The degree is part of the school's accredited music
program, which is the only one of its kind among
historically black Florida colleges and universities.
....The degree's genesis dates back to 1996 and aims to
provide musicians with both the theoretical knowledge
and technical abilities to be credentialed music
professionals, said Dawn Batson-Borel, chair of FMU's
visual and performing arts and an associate professor of
music.
''Throughout the history of the school, we've had a
number of talented church and jazz musicians, but they
were often unable to find jobs because they didn't have
the piece of paper,'' Batson-Borel said.
click for
more
Web
Posted -
Saturday November
8, 2008
Roanoke Times
Sounds of the
Islands: Two Blacksburg Steel Drum Bands Will Host a Caribbean Music
Fest Today at Virginia Tech
Virginia, USA - Anyone walking into the Blacksburg
Recreation Center on Monday nights might feel as if
they're going to the beach instead.
The PanJammers and Island Pan, steel drum bands in
Blacksburg, practice there each week.
Today, the groups will host a Caribbean Music Fest at
Virginia Tech. The PanJammers and Island Pan will join
with the Pan Divas from Hollins University, the Mandara
Eastern Dance Ensemble, the Blacksburg High School Flag
Corp, violinist Daniel Scheck, Dance.tech and Brass
Caribe.
"We're excited," said longtime PanJammers member Charles
Woerner. "It's also challenging because any time you
join with other groups it's challenging." click for full story
Web
Posted -
Friday November
7, 2008
When Steel Talks
Toward Standardized
Pans
Trinidad,
W.I.
- Some say that given pan music’s
relative newness, which makes ongoing exploration in the
tuning area a foregone conclusion, any move toward
standardized instruments would be premature. For others,
such talk just doesn’t wash. Today’s fast-moving,
high-tech pace, they say, demands that, as a category of
instruments, steel pans should be no less conventional
that other vehicles of musical sound.
So the battle is joined, and associate editor Bert
Boldon has here unleashed the initial broadside in what
should be some interesting give and take. More
important, it should all prove to be of immense value to
the art form. click for full story
Web
Posted -
Friday November
7, 2008
Trinidad Guardian
The growing
disrespect of pan
Trinidad, W.I.
- There are those who feel pan and panmen
should go to hell!
At the recent annual general meeting (AGM) held at the
Crowne Plaza, Wrightson Road, Port- of-Spain, Pan
Trinbago president Patrick Arnold lamented the
“disrespect” shown to his organisation by its
non-involvement in the Pan In Schools initiative and the
establishment of the National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO)....
A PNM senator, a small fry, added to the disrespect by
treating the issue as no big thing. What utter nonsense
for a young man who’s supposed to have a brain.
....Perhaps the biggest disrespect in pan history in
recent times was perpetuated on Friday night at what was
supposed to be the T&T Pan Jazz Festival’s “pan on the
road” event around the Queen’s Park Savannah. Armed with
a certificate of permission from the authorities, the
organisers were rudely informed on the evening, with
thousands of pan lovers in attendance, that there would
be no parade of the nation’s top steel orchestras on the
road. click for full story
Web
Posted -
Thursday November
6, 2008
Trinidad Guardian
Sound, Soul, Steel
explodes
Trinidad, W.I.
- Grammy award winner Al Jarreau marked
his return to local shores with a scintillating
performance at Saturday’s season finale of the highly
anticipated T&T Steelpan and Jazz Festival held at
Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s.
There, the 67-year-old US entertainer and his band of
merry musicians wrapped music lovers with a performance
that fulfilled audience expectations.
Building of the theme of this year’s festival—“Sound,
Soul and Steel”—Jarreau effortlessly proved why Time
Magazine describes his voice as being, “still as
stunning, silken and staggering as ever, with a range
and agility that would be impressive at any age.”
....When it came time for the instrumental showcase,
[Robert] Greenidge reminded patrons why he’s considered
the smoothest pannist alive, and the best pannist in the
world in some circles.
Having such an envied status certainly explained why
this dynamic musician dominated the spotlight more than
any other artiste on the night’s playbill. click for full story
Web
Posted - Wednesday November
5, 2008
Wheaton Wire
New student steel
band
makes deal with
international music mentors
Illinois, USA
- The SGA Senate recently recognized the
formation of a brand new group on the Wheaton campus,
the Lymin' Lyons. As the college's first steel drum
orchestra, they will be responsible for introducing a
completely new type of music to students.
The founding of the club was fueled by the Pamberi Steel
Orchestra, a highly respected Trinidadian steel drum
group that sparked interest in this distinctive type of
music when they visited campus for Homecoming. The
number of perspective members for the club doubled in
size since their visit. Wheaton's relationship with
Pamberi stretches considerably further than many would
assume.
Professor Searles was first introduced to them in 2005,
since she's made subsequent trips to Trinidad. Thirty
Wheaton students have had the opportunity to play with
them on two January Abroad trips in 2007-8. click for full story
Web
Posted - Wednesday November
5, 2008
Shorelines.com
Holiday
celebration,
Caribbean style
Florida,
USA
- A Jacksonville steel pan band will
celebrate the holiday season Caribbean style with a
benefit concert later this month in downtown
Jacksonville.
An American Carnival - A Holiday Celebration with
Caribbean Sound will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov.
29, at the Florida Theatre.
"The vast majority of our performances are outside of
Jacksonville," said Caribbean Sound director/manager
Barry Olsavsky. "This concert will provide a great
opportunity for a lot of people in the community who
know us and don't get to see us perform very often."
In addition to Olsavsky, Caribbean Sound features Mike
Wilson, Sean Tarleton and Danny Stimpson.
Caribbean Sound has been performing traditional Calypso,
contemporary classics and original compositions with the
sounds of steel drums since the mid-1980s. Olsavsky and
Wilson met while music students at the University of
North Florida. click for full story
Web
Posted -
Tuesday November
4, 2008
Dyersburg State Gazette
UTM Steel Drum Band
to kick off Community Concert season
Tennessee, USA
- The 2008-2009 Community Concert season
is about to begin, with its first concert scheduled for
Sunday, Nov. 16.
The University of Tennessee at Martin's
Steel Drum Band will kick off a varied schedule of
events for music lovers in the area. The band, directed
by Dr. Julie Hill, will perform at 3 p.m. on Sunday,
Nov. 16, in the Yates Auditorium. The auditorium is
located in the Professional Development Center at 305
College St. in Dyersburg.
The UTM Percussion Ensemble, founded in the fall of
1969, has only had two directors in almost four decades. click for full story
Web
Posted -
Monday November
3, 2008
When Steel Talks
‘Brazilian
Flagwoman’ sung by Anselm Douglas
2009 Panorama Tune
composed by M. Loquan and A.
Samaroo
Composed by Amrit Samaroo
and Mark Loquan, ‘Brazilian Flagwoman’
also features lyrics by Samaroo, with
vocals by veteran artist Anselm Douglas
- resulting in one more musical option
for the 2009 Trinidad and Tobago
Panorama season. click to hear
Web
Posted -
Monday November
3, 2008
WoWKTV.com
FSHS starts
new
Steel Drum Band
West
Virginia, USA
- The Polar Bear Band is branching out
and trying new things, including starting a brand new
steel drum band.
Director A. Shawn Dunn has been playing the instrument
for about fifteen years and said that he wanted to share
the experience with his students. Dunn's students say
that they are really enjoying the experience.
Steel drums can have anywhere from two to more than
thirty different notes hammered into the drum.
The steel drums used in most schools have the note names
written on the different positions on the drum. click for full story
Web
Posted - Monday November
3, 2008
Trinidad Guardian
A ‘Smooth’ moment
gone
Trinidad, W.I.
- Celebrated pan arranger Leon “Smooth”
Edwards brought one of the most magical moments to local
entertainment at the October 25 staging of the T&T
Steelpan and Jazz Festival produced by the Queen’s Royal
College (QRC) Foundation.
Venue was Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, where Edwards appeared
twice on stage, during a fusion performance with his
resident band Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel
Orchestra and the T&T Police Band, on a programme titled
Slinger: The Mighty Sparrow.
There, artistes on the night—which included local-based
international musician Etienne Charles—chose music from
Sparrow’s vast repertoire which the audience treasured.
But as defining as the moment was supposed to be, it
wasn’t.
Appearing twice and playing the double second pan
located on the western end of the stage, Edwards
delivered improvisational works that were mainly
inaudible. click for full story
Web
Posted -
Sunday November 2, 2008
Trinidad Newsday
Senate pandemonium
Trinidad, W.I.
- The unexpectedly good speeches in last
Wednesday’s Senate debate on a bill to govern a new
national steelband showed that Trinis are truly
disciples of Oscar Wilde – serious about the trivial
things in life, and trivial about the serious things.
While debate on the most pressing issue of crime has
seemingly stuttered to a halt with the motion lost in
the murky regions of the parliamentary order paper, last
week by contrast the Senators put their best foot
forward to talk pan.
Minister of Culture, Marlene Mc Donald, used all of her
ample assets of integrity, humility and affability to
endow the bill with as much credibility as possible,
The “Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Symphony
Orchestra” certainly sounded grandiose on the lips of
Madam Minister!
She explained at length why this bill so vitally
inserted the term “symphony” to upgrade what was
formerly merely an “orchestra”.
click for full story
Web
Posted -
Saturday November
1, 2008
Sun Weekend
AGS dethroned – OCS
pronounced new champs
St. John’s,
Antigua & Barbuda
- Just about two hours after its intended start
and amidst showers of blessings, the ABIB Ottos
Comprehensive School were adjudged the 2008 Independence
Schools’ Panorama champions. Defeating two-time champs
Curtain Bluff Antigua Grammar School, who placed a
shocking second runner-up, the Ottos Comprehensive
School stampeded the stage at the announcement of their
win, some already anticipating their name being called
as the champions.
Playing King Short Shirt’s Rock & Prance, which they’d
entertained the crowd with during every break throughout
the show, squeezing in as much practice time as possible
certainly paid off. Arranged by Victor “Babu” Samuel,
the students gave a strong performance, with every
section of the steel orchestra audible throughout the
performance. With a high energy in their composition and
the talent to boot, it wasn’t a big discrepancy that
they’d taken the championship. click for full story
Web
Posted -
Saturday November
1, 2008
Trinidad Guardian
Regrello marks
anniversary
with
pan celebration
Trinidad,
W.I. - Junia Regrello will mark
his one year anniversary as the Member of Parliament for
San Fernando West with a pan celebration tomorrow.
It is one of several events Regrello will host at the
TCL Group Skiffle Bunch Pan Theatre in San Fernando,
during the month of November.
He said on Wednesday, there will be an Interfaith
service at the Coffee Street pan theatre to give thanks
to the people who have pledged their support and
commitment to him during the past year.
Parang will also feature prominently on November 14. A
Youth Festival scheduled for November 15, will mark the
culmination of events
In terms of the pan celebration, Regrello, who has
captained Skiffle Bunch over the years, said he could
imagine no other way to mark this milestone. click for full story
Web
Posted -
Saturday November
1, 2008
Trinidad Guardian
Silver Stars
celebrates
with Parang and Steel
Trinidad, W.I.
- Silver Stars Steel Orchestra will be
kicking off its 60th anniversary activities with a
special edition of the ever popular Parang & Steel at
its Tragerete Road Panyard, Newtown, this evening.
This year’s event is historic as many of the band’s
pioneers who reside abroad and who have never witnessed
Parang & Steel are among the specially invited guests.
These include Ronnie and Ray Chang, Roy Young, Selwyn
Gomes, Hugh Mose and Peter Quong Sing.
Parang & Steel, the brainchild of captain/arranger Edwin
Pouchet, was created 18 years ago to fulfill the desire
of fans and supporters of pan and parang. click for full story
When
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