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MIT students
listen to Pantonic Steel Orchestra on campus |
Cambridge,
Massachusetts - Every student at Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (MIT) is abundantly aquainted with the laws of
physics, sound,
metallurgy and
chemistry. Applied mathematics both real and/or
imaginary is nothing but a sidebar for this technologically
gifted body. After all, MIT is one of the most prestigious
and respected engineering institutions of higher learning in the
world – so whatever puts a quizzical look or expression of wonderment
on the face of any of the MIT student body and faculty, indeed
occupies a very special place.
New York’s Pantonic Steel Orchestra returned
to the campus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology yesterday
to brighten up a somewhat overcast day during MIT’s preview
weekend. For the past three years, Pantonic have been present at
the request of MIT’s Caribbean Club, who arrange the steel
orchestra’s performance as part of the welcoming activities that
greet those visiting the campus, such as prospective students,
their parents and families.
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Pantonic
Steel Orchestra performing on MIT's campus |
Who said engineers can't dance? Indeed
one could not help but notice that the normally unflappable, stoic
and self–absorbed MIT whiz kids had a skip and a hop to their step as they
made their way across campus, listening to the musical vibes of Pantonic Steel Orchestra. The
twinkling of the eyes, approving
gaze and curving of lips into smiles, are well–known body language indicators that suggest a
potential future steelpan music fan for life, and all were present in abundance. Shockingly, the normally reserved scientists and
engineers could be seen in broad daylight dancing in public to
the hypnotic grooves of Pantonic, who, though they had traveled
with a smaller than usual contingent, still packed a musical
wallop.
As the enrolled MIT students themselves made their way to and
fro across the area where Pantonic played, many stopped, some
for a selection or two, others to take in much more of the sessions
as delivered by the pannists. MIT faculty mingled with parents
and others to enjoy and applaud selections such as Amazing
Grace, Destra Garcia’s I Dare You,
When Will I See You Again,
Fiery, Tiney Winey, Earth A Run Red and
Argentina. The
infectious rhythms had quite a few engineers dancing; they
appeared to have as much energy to move as long as the music
continued.
As was expected, many cameras and camcorders popped out to capture
the sight of the steel pan players. One young woman ran up to
the band while it played and seized the opportunity to have her
picture beside Pantonic playfully emulating their movements,
snapped by her friend as a memento. They
investigated, studied and collected data as any good engineer would
do, and evidently by all the shaking hips and applause, came to
the
conclusion that steelpan music is good for the soul.
Pantonic is without doubt one of the best
steel orchestras in the United States with many awards and
championships under their belt. However, it is their
continued
adaptability
and ability to capture the imagination and interest of the
uninitiated, that sets them apart from the other great
orchestras. It is no wonder that a young MIT student upon
experiencing her first Pantonic performance and becoming enthralled by the group’s
show, had but one question and
action on her mind: “How do I start a steelband here at MIT”
she asked? Don’t be surprised to see a bunch of scientists
and engineers manning the newly–formed MIT Steel Orchestra in
the very near future. For Pantonic – “Mission Accomplished.”
For more
information:
Contact Pantonic | 1-718-434-0231 |
pantonic1@aol.com
| www.pantonic.com
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order Pantonic CDs and DVDs
click here
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