Top Steelband Leader Mack Scott honored in New York

New York, USA - The name ‘Sonatas’ quickly brings to mind three key words – ‘excellence,’ ‘consistency’ and ‘driven.’ For about four decades the Brooklyn, New York organization has been a stellar example of the power and importance of a successful, community-based, world-class steel orchestra. Few organizations can display the success record of this ten–time New York steelband music panorama, and current defending, champion orchestra.

Recently, Pan Sonatas’ (formerly Sonatas) success and unwavering commitment to excellence were recognized when leader and president Mack Scott was one of four distinguished honorees recognized for Caribbean-American Heritage Month in New York, by the office of the New York Comptroller, John C. Liu. A large part of the organization’s success and consistency is due to the steadfastness of Mr. Scott. His vision, personal sacrifices and leadership have guided the multicultural organization to national and global recognition as one of the best music organizations in the world. His quiet leadership style beguiles the passion, intensity and intellect his problem-solving skills bring to the executive management branch of Pan Sonatas, where there is respect among co-executives and equals.

Remarkably, Pan Sonatas’ success has spanned generations of players and members, who must operate in an often hostile and difficult environment, as usually bedevils the New York steelpan community.

Jerome Cummings, one of Pan Sonatas’ talented steelpan musicians, says it was “a very special occasion for Mack Scott and his band as he received the Caribbean American Heritage award for his outstanding leadership.” Jerome further stated “I am very proud to be part of his team. It’s a great accomplishment for him and the band to be recognized as one of the top steelbands in the United States.” Jerome and six other Sonatas panists performed during the June 22 award ceremony held at Surrogates Courthouse, Chambers Street in New York.

The Pan Sonatas performance at the occasion was one of several for the evening, which included two vocal performances by Ernest Kebreau aka “E-Uneek” and Justin Perry-Skyer, respectively. The latter also sang the national anthem, followed by a welcome to all present from Comptroller John C. Liu, who would also deliver closing remarks at the end of the evening. Danielle Ramkissoon and Shanaz Jaikaran of the David Ali Nachle Sitara Dance Academy were also part of the list of artists who entertained the audience on hand in the specially-arranged welcoming hall set up especially for the occasion.

The other distinguished honorees of the evening receiving awards were Ricot Dupuy of Radio Soleil d’Haiti, Audrey Phillips-Caesar of the Caribbean Women's Health Association and Ralph Tamesh of the Indo-Caribbean Federation.

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