Joy Lapps:
The Princess of the Pan
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Chris Penrose

In 1997, Joy began studying the steel drums under the instruction of Vince Cato at the Anglican Church of the Nativity in Toronto.  As a prodigious talent, she was soon dubbed "the princess of the pan."  Her efficiency with the tenor pan and her diverse performance range have led to great audience reception, and flattering recognition from seasoned professional pannists.

Though Joy specializes in gospel, classical and old school rhythm and blues, her range reaches into calypso, reggae, hip hop, and other forms of popular music. This musical range is rooted in five years of high school band and music theory studies, a mastery of the tenor and baritone sax, university courses in West African Drum Ensemble and Caribbean Ensemble, and a life long love and dedication to music.

As an audience favourite, Joy brings her genuine and bright personality to performances where she is known for gripping audiences at such notable events as Canada's only annual all-female showcase The Honey Jam, Toronto's prestigious Harry Jerome Awards, and CBC radio's "Sounds Like Canada."  Currently, Joy performs at events such as weddings, dinner parties, talent showcases, concerts, community events, and even the Caribana parade route.

In 2004, a new stage of Joy's career began when she released her debut CD "Praise on Pan: How Great Thou Art."  After multiple pressings, this internationally distributed CD continues to sell-out and has received a strong review in Canada's premiere urban publication, Word Magazine.

After holding a sold-out concert in December 2003 with her vocalist sisters Asha and Subria titled "For The Love of Music", the Lapps sisters presented "For The Love of Music Part II" in June 2004, which Joy headlined.  Though a noteworthy soloist with numerous bookings and plans of future CD releases, Joy's long term aspiration is to arrange and direct her own steel band.

Now set to enter her second year at York University's Schulich School of Business, Joy has remained committed to excellence in all areas of her life.  Her community involvements include mentoring and performances with the Urban Legal Planners, the York University Black Student Alliance, the Antigua and Barbuda Association, and an executive position on York's United Caribbean Student Association, which stand out among her scholarships, awards, and extensive community service.

A firm believer in the importance of community, Joy responds to the success that she has seen in her still budding career, saying that she would "like to thank the entire community for their support over the years and ask for their continued encouragement."

Some Notable Performances: Past and Future

Past

2004 Harry Jerome Awards

UCSA Twisted Elements Talent Show

Annual Black History Month Service for Anglican Churches

2003 Miss Guyana Canada Pageant

Honey Jam

Sounds Like Canada, CBC Radio Show

Teen TVO

Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade

Caribana 2003

Pan Alive 2003

Weddings, Funerals, Brunches, Dinner and Dances

For the Love of Music - Concert Featuring Joy and her sisters Asha and Subria

Pickering Town Centre Multicultural Festival

For the Love of Music II- Concert Featuring Joy and her sisters Asha and Subria


Future

Weddings, Brunches, Dinner and Dances


 

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