Young Steelband Musicians shine in Saint Lucia’s first-ever National Schools Pan Festival

Castries, Saint Lucia, W.I. -  Saint Lucia’s inaugural National Schools Pan Festival unfolded on a sunny Saturday June 8 afternoon at the SAB, Vigie in the country’s capital of Castries. It was part of the calendar of events for Lucian Carnival 2024.

 

Popular Saint Lucian pan soloist Chazz, and SMC (St. Mary’s College) Masqueraders—a group of young male dancers—got the energy flowing, even before the official opening with the playing of the nation’s anthem. Then it was time for the SMC/PDJSS (St. Mary’s College and Patricia D. James Secondary School) to kick-off the first steelband performance of the festival. They were followed by Corinth Secondary Steel Band and Micoud Combined, the latter being the youngest and most energized to that point.

Leon Hess Comprehensive/Fusion Steel Orchestra made a point to leave a memorable impression on the audience. They laid out a creative ending when bass pan instruments were hoisted above heads by a couple band members in front of the band, and played by other musicians. Soufrière Comprehensive and Canaries Primary took the stage next to perform selections arranged by Lance Shepherd and Hausan “Zorro” Griffith.

 

The cultural event showcased and celebrated not only the steelpan instrument, but the talents and skills of youngsters in costume, who danced around the seated audience at times while players set up steelpan instruments for their respective performances. Calypsonians also delivered, including newly-crowned Yandi James - calypso queen, secondary schools category. Moko jumbies aka stilt walkers from Laborie Village were also on hand to wow the audience.

The penultimate group for the National Schools Pan Festival was the Sir Ira Simmons Steel Band and they kept music lovers entertained with music arranged by Krystal Nestor. Closing out the steelpan showcase with skilled delivery were some of the youngest steelpan musicians in the spotlight on this day. Laborie Girls & Boys Primary showed off their musical chops, under the direction of arrangers Quill Barthelmy and Mr./Ms. Pierre.

Proud parents, family, friends and steelpan lovers in general were present in person on the grounds of the SAB, while an international audience took it all in online via YouTube and other social media platforms. The latter was possible via a live broadcast facilitated by NTN (National Television Network).  Saint Lucia’s annual National Panorama will be on Sunday July 7 this year.

(images via screengrab)

See Schools Pan Festival

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