North Brentwood, Maryland, USA - On May 5, 2025, the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra of Washington, DC will celebrate forty years of showcasing Steelband Music in the Washington Metropolitan area. Pan Masters has attributed its success to a strong belief in the family, a determined group of excellent musical arrangers, and an experienced administrative and promotional organization, led by Malcolm John, which continuously emphasizes quality performance and good clientele relationships.
The formation of many a Steelband has historically evolved from another existing band. Such is the case with the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra. In 1985, eleven members of the Trinidad & Tobago Steelband of Washington, DC (Frankie Baltazar, St Clair Baltazar, Roland Barnes, Robert Barnes, Patrick Belle, Don Cumberbatch, Malcolm John, Lennard Jack, Jr., Stephen Landrigan, Joseph Lewis and Brian Solomon) decided to chart their musical aspirations in another direction, and this resulted in the birth of the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra.
In addition to showcasing the “PAN”, Pan Masters has included in its diverse cultural activities, a group of Djembe Drummers and Percussionists; an Annual Pan Jamboree; Calypso Extravaganza; Anniversary Concerts; participating in the DC Caribbean Carnival on Georgia Avenue, Norfolk Carnival and Baltimore Carnival; the New York J’ouvert competition, Philly Pan Stars’ Annual Jamboree, several visits to the Bluemont Concert Series, and the Baltimore Harbor View Steelband Festival. Local programming at area universities includes Gallaudet University, Howard University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, University of the District of Columbia, Bowie State University, Townson University, University of Maryland and outreach programming at Nursing Homes and Community Centers.
Other notable engagements include representing the PAN fraternity at the Inauguration Ceremonies for President Bill Clinton and Mayor Barry, the Caribbean Performance at the 2023 4th Global World Culture Festival, held for the first time in the USA and staged on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and the DC Caribbean Carnival Annual Caribbean Cultural Concerts at Freedom Plaza as part of the Caribbean Heritage Month Celebrations.
Press Release from:
Roland A. Barnes, Founding Member
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