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Antigua -
What’s that symphony? Sounds like no other band I recognize!
That’s
the sound of Panache Steel Orchestra, Antigua / Barbuda’s newest
steel orchestra – which prides itself on flawless execution, an
out-of-the-ordinary repertoire, and a discipline with is sorely
lacking on too many of today’s musical bands.
 Founded in the St. George’s community in Antigua on March 04th 2007,
Panache is driven by a small group of pannists with a common passion
and vision for the steelband art form. Theirs is a deep-seated
commitment to the elevation of pan-playing to a new height of
excellence in Antigua and Barbuda.
Some members of Panache have more than 20 years’ experience in
steelband performance and administration. They realistically
acknowledge, however, that the road ahead for a fledgling steel
orchestra will be filled with challenges. They carefully named their
new venture “Panache” which is synonymous with flair, style,
flamboyance and excellence – all attributes which matched the
group’s aspirations.
They systematically solicited funding and a venue, established their
standards of music and deportment within the orchestra, sourced
instruments and other equipment, and selected uniforms.
Thankfully for members, swift financial support was received from
Mr. Ernest Henry, Colombian Emeralds International, Hon. Jacqui
Quinn-Leandro and the St. George’s Constituency Branch, and a number
of other individuals and corporate citizens. Hon. Winston Williams
gave the group permission to use the old Sports Division in
Tomlinson’s as their headquarters.
Panache made its debut appearance on ABS-TV on Friday 14th September
on “Good Morning Antigua/Barbuda” program. The band has since
performed at Sandals Resort, Palms Restaurant, Cultural Night during
Independence 2007, Shirley Heights Look-Out, “A Touch of Class”
concert, the 130th Anniversary Banquet of the Freetown Methodist
Church, a fund-raiser for “Breast Friends” and Carlisle Bay Resort
plus various weddings and cocktail parties.
 Their first anniversary was celebrated this past March with the
congregation of the St. Georges Anglican Church.
Members of Panache remain passionate about equipping the youth and
other interested persons with above-average skills in music and
pan-playing. They plan to maximize the existing vibrancy of the St.
George’s community to establish the “Panache Pan Academy” in the
future.
PANACHE in Concert - A Treat for Mothers
To raise funding needed to expand their instrument base and
hopefully participte in the island’s 51st Carnival celebrations,,
members have planned – among other activities - a grand Mothers’ Day
Concert entitled “PANACHE: A Treat for Mothers”.
This concert will be held at the Multi-Purpose Centre on Sunday 11th
May at 6:00pm. It will feature Panache, reigning panorama champs C&W
Hells Gate, the Antigua/Barbuda Defense Force band, Trinidadian
MC/comedian Errol Fabian, and other special guest artistes.
 Patrons at the concert will be treated to an abundance of great
entertainment and prizes, and a number of special mothers will be
recognized for their invaluable contribution to nation-building.
Tickets are only $25 and are available from LIAT (Woods Centre), ABI
Financial Centre, Pink Mongoose, Shirley Heights Look-Out or from
any member of Panache.
What does the future hold for Panache?
In addition to the plans identified earlier, Panache’s aspirations
for the future include ongoing repertoire enhancement, touring,
recording, further building the sense of Community in St. George’s
Community, and more. The members believe that there is nothing that
hard work, dedication, passion, discipline and determination (and of
course funding) can’t give birth to, and are determined to realize
their goals in the short to medium term. They can do so with your
support!
Certainly, Panache is here to stay!
contact Panache |
Robin Margetson
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