Panorama Gold

Redemption Sound Setters Steel Orchestra

 

2024 Tune of choice: DNA  |  arranger:  Micheal Toby

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The Redemption Sound Setters Steel Orchestra has been a participant in the National Panorama Finals competition eight (8) times in the last ten (10) years. The band has also copped first place ten (10) times in the last thirteen (13) years in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) pan champs competition – an indication of the dominant force that it has been on the island. Members’ perseverance and sacrifice are keys to the band’s continued success as they believe that whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.


Additional info below posted with special permission from the BestOfTrinidad.com by Ronald C. Emrit - check link for updates

Redemption Sound Setters was formed in 1988 in Bethel, Tobago, and made history in 1994 when it elected Marie Toby as its captain, the first woman to hold this position in any steelband in Trinidad & Tobago. The band had its first success in major competition when it copped the Panorama Small Band title in 1997. In 2002, it gained the sponsorship of the Republic Bank of Trinidad & Tobago (RBTT). With Winston Gordon as its arranger, the band made the Panorama Finals for Large Bands in 2002 (4th), 2008 (7th), 2009 (8th), 2010 (9th), 2011 (9th), 2012 (8th-Tied), and 2013 (10th). In 2007, The band played at the OAS Building in Washington DC, USA, for the 45th anniversary of T&T Independence, and has performed in Germany, Wales, Baltimore (USA), and Delaware (USA).

Compiled by Ronald C. Emrit
 

Additional info by Gideon Maxime - Steelband Showcase - 23rd January, 2002

REDEMPTION SOUND SETTERS

Redemption Sound Setters located in Bethel Tobago was formed in March of 1988 with the first Captain being Dalton Surrey. At this stage of the band’s history both Peter Daniel and Carlton King looked after the musical arrangement while the tuning was handled by Roland Harrigin and David Isaac.

Redemption Sound Setters entered Panorama in 1989 and within three years began to make an impact. Entering in the small band category in 1992 the band placed 4th and improved this position to 2nd place in 1996 and by 1997 had entered winners row for the first time placing first in the small band category.

It is unfortunate that having qualified for the National Semi Finals by dint of its performance in the preliminary that it did not perform in the National Semi Finals.

Redemption Sound Setters has however won the Tobago House of Assembly Steelband Competition from 1997 to date.

 At present the band is led by Marie Toby, the current tuners are Lloyd Gay and Kelvin “Zuzi” St. Rose while the musical arrangements are done by Winston Gordon.

Redemption Sound Setters is an unsponsored band and looks after its own financing by playing year round at the various hotels such as Coco Reef, Grafton Beach and Radison Crown Reef. It also plays at weddings at the Hilton Hotel.

The year 2001 proved to be a fruitful year for the band. The band won the Tobago Zone of Panorama, placed an overall 6th position in the National Semi Finals and 10th overall in the Finals. The selection was “Rain Melody” by Preacher.

Redemption Sound Setters have not traveled overseas much. However, in 1998 the band went to Germany through the auspices of T.I.D.C.O. (Tourism and Industrial Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago) Redemption Sound Setters has ensured Its continuous supply of players in the future. For its pan yard has at least forty children under the tutelage of Harrison McMillan and Glenford Broome in the teaching of music, including of course steelband music.

Redemption Sound Setters has gone from strength to strength and is set for an outstanding future.


Panorama Performance



 
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