Starlift Steel Orchestra

About Starlift Steel Orchestra SVG Inc.:

The year 1967 holds much significance for the life and residents of the communities of Old Montrose estate, renowned in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for its cotton cultivation.

The year marked the founding of the Starlift Steel Orchestra, which was the first and only lasting effort aimed at genuinely fostering a community organization that grouped both Montrose communities.

Included among those who gave genesis to Starlift are the likes of Simeon “Spitter” Antrobus, Teddy “Mice” Johnson, Hugh “Paddy” Williams, Gideon “Socks” Da Silva and Walton “Tanny” Peters, the orchestra’s first tuner and arranger.

Persons like Errol “Sardo” Sutherland and Bertram “Tom” Maule would find inspiration from the enthusiasm of those pioneers and play invaluable roles in molding the orchestra.

From its inception, there was a determination not to fail - to live through generations - to roll over but not to die. The fact that Starlift remains strong today as it has ever been through its forty-plus years of existence, is testimony to this determination and fulfillment of its motto: “Men will come, men may go but Starlift still remains”.

Having not relocated its operational base from Montrose, it has served and continues to serve as a bonding agent for the communities from which it was birthed.

In years gone by Starlift has evolved into much more than a steel orchestra, and considers itself more of an institution, where there is pride in the development of members, especially the youth. The organization has seen a record number of full university scholarships being attained by members, who have then gone on to become doctors, engineers, IT specialists, steelpan arrangers, etc., and continues to excel at producing well-rounded individuals.

Starlift, formed over fifty-five years ago, stands as the vanguard for pan music in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Their hold on the Panorama title comes as a matter of course as long as they turn up. When Starlift Steel Orchestra hits the stage for a Panorama final, all other bands have to battle for second.

Fast forward to 2023 - the band has a membership of over 150 members both past and present.

• 2023 Tune of choice:  “How Some Men Love They Women aka “Big Bottom””  |  arranger:  Danté Pantin

• 2022 Tune of choice:  “Hairy Bank”  |  arranger:  Kingsley “Hero” Roberts