Web Posted - Thursday December 31, 2009
Trinidad & Tobago Express

Single pan competition joins South Panorama line-up

Trinidad, W.I. - For the first time ever, San Fernando will be treated to a single pan band Panorama competition during the Carnival season.

Nine single pan bands have been registered to perform in the competition.

The bands, from the South/Central Region, will take control of the streets on January 15.

The competition will facilitate the young pannist, Pan Trinbago’s liaison officer South/Central, Ursline Blackett, said.

’....Blakett said the single pan bands would begin at Royal Road and makes its way along Coffee Street where judging would take place.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 30,  2009
by When Steel Talks

Pelham Goddard speaks on Pan and Steelband Panorama Music

Global - Veteran songwriter, recording artist, composer and performer Pelham Goddard has long been associated with the steelpan instrument. Having won several steelband competitions with Exodus Steel Orchestra, Mr. Goddard is part of a very elite class of steelband arrangers on the planet. Pelham Goddard has penned or and/arranged some of the most memorable Caribbean music pieces ever.

For the year 2010 Mr. Goddard has again contributed some material to the growing list of songs for the annual Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Panorama competition.  In an exclusive with When Steel Talks, Pelham Goddard shares some of his thoughts on pan music and more.
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 29,  2009
by When Steel Talks

Atlanta’s Pansonics Steel Band brings Tropical Heat to Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade

Georgia, USA - Pansonics Steel Band, one of Atlanta’s leading steel bands, will be bringing Caribbean culture to the metro Atlanta community in the United States. This New Year’s Eve, they will grace the streets of Atlanta bringing the melodic sounds of the steel drum and Caribbean flavor to ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) and SEC (Southeastern Conference) fans at the Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade.

Vere Henry, Artistic Director and arranger for Pansonics Steel Band, commented on their participation in the parade, saying, “This is the perfect opportunity to introduce the community at large to Pansonics Steel Band, and provide a cultural experience through steel pan music.”
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 29, 2009
Trinidad & Tobago Express

Despers Flees The Hill
Crime forces Laventille Panorama champ to seek shelter in Belmont

Trinidad, W.I. - Crime has forced the Witco Desperadoes to flee their Laventille Hill home after more than 60 years and seek refuge in Belmont, officials of the panside said yesterday.

The ’pride of Laventille’ will now be based in Belmont as they prepare for next year’s Panorama competition, the band’s assistant manager, Kelvin ’Warlord’ Holder, said yesterday.

Despers will conduct Panorama rehearsals at the National Insurance Board’s (NIB) car park located at the corner of Cadiz Road and Queen’s Park East for the second time for next year’s Panorama. The panside made the bold move because of dwindling support and player safety, Holder told the Express at the NIB car park yesterday.

....‘We started on the hills but our support started to dry up because of crime, so we decided to come down here and everything just build back up and that is one of the main reasons why we have to come off the hill. Ah tell yuh people are concerned. As soon as you reach in the panyard you are safe but to come in and get out that is where the problem is,’ Holder said.
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 29, 2009
Trinidad & Tobago Express

‘Fans afraid to come to panyard’

Trinidad, W.I. - Witco Desperadoes ‘is still from the Hill and still of the Hill,’ says band captain Bertram Glasgow.

Criminal activities on Laventille Hill have for the second Carnival season forced the steelband to flee its hilltop home. The band yesterday set up house at the Nib car park, corner Cadiz Road and Queen’s Park East, Port of Spain.

Glasgow said it is hoped that by next Carnival things will change and the band will be able to remain at home for Panorama rehearsals.

Like last Carnival, Despers will prepare for the 2010 National Panorama competition from this temporary location which was given free of charge to the band. The band’s executive told the Express they did not want to leave their panyard, but if they did not Despers may have ended up competing in Panorama as a medium or even small band.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 27, 2009
by When Steel Talks

The Man is Simply “Crazy”
Vocalist and Performer Edwin Ayoung Speaks on Pan and Steelband Panorama Music

Global - Veteran recording artist, composer and performer Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung is one of the most versatile and respected practitioners of the art of singing and composing songs, several for the renowned steelband panorama competition of Trinidad and Tobago.  These songs can also be adopted for the New York, England and Canada steelband panorama competitions.  For the upcoming competition in 2010 - Mr. Ayoung is set to rewrite the history books for having participated in more songs for panorama in a single season than anyone before.

In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, Ayoung reveals where his passion for the steelband movement comes from, and his dreams for the “pan tune” singer. He goes on further to explain why he thinks he is a chosen favorite among the writers of panorama music to add voice to their creations.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 27, 2009
Trinidad Guardian

Beating the musical dream

Trinidad, WI - Of all his exploits in the world of music so far, nothing warms Sherwin Cooper’s heart like the smiles people offer in return for his exquisite playing of the steelpan. The disc jockey who is learning to play the piano while managing his own one-stop music enterprise called Symplsher Entertainment in Palmyra Village, Palmyra, described the publics response to his panmanship as one of his greatest joys. His instrument of choice is the tenor pan. It’s been more than two decades since this versatile pannist has been filling the hearts of people around the world, but he still couldn’t understand the challenges related to the acceptance and ultimately the lack of respect shown to the national musical instrument of T&T, even at home.
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Web Posted - Thursday December 24, 2009
Yorkshire Evening Post

Leeds steel band’s school base under threat

Leeds, United Kingdom - A Leeds steel band has triumphed with a performance at the Royal Albert Hall. But its school base is under threat.

There's a passion in music teacher Victoria Jaquiss when she speaks about the band she leads, Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows.

"It's Leeds for where. It's Silver for beauty, value and the colour of our pans. It's Steel for strength and for their name. And it's Sparrows for the town and the inner-city."

The band was formed ten years ago. Its musicians are drawn from some of Leeds' most deprived inner-city communities.

And despite dozens of obstacles the band's skill and reputation has grown until a few weeks ago it reached a pinnacle with a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London after winning a prestigious national music competition.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 23, 2009
by When Steel Talks

WIADCA delivers the Goods to Steelband and Mas Fraternities
No singing - “You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch” - to WIADCA

New York, USA -  “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire - Jack Frost nipping at your nose.” Ooops! Got caught up with the moment. Well, what do you expect with the city blanketed with snow from the weekend storm and seasonal lights and decorations everywhere. In the spirit of the season, indeed, one would have expected the annual West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) award ceremony to be a festive occasion. On the contrary, it was quite subdued.

Everyone knows how that famous Christmas song goes - “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!” And for a moment it looked like Mr. Grinch was about to get his release from centuries of “bad talk.” A permanent replacement seemed eminent for that mean old grouch. But with a mere four days to spare before Christmas, the West Indian American Day Carnival Association held its award ceremony at Brooklyn’s Borough Hall and avoided Christmas purgatory.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 23,  2009
by When Steel Talks

Daddy Sparks, Seventy-eight years young & still playing the Steelpan

Trinidad & Tobago, WI -  Come carnival 2010 Fitz-Gerald Sparks would be 79 years young and still playing tenor pan for his beloved Starlift Steelband for panorama even though he has been confined to walking on crutches over the last eight years.

“Daddy Sparks” as he is fondly called in the home circle of Lady Hailes Avenue in San Fernando, south Trinidad, has seen it all and done it all in the name of steelpan – from tuner to arranger to captain to manager of a host of steelbands throughout the length and breadth of Trinidad.
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Web Posted - Monday December 21, 2009
Grenadaconnection.com

Steel pan featured at Parang 2K9 for the first time

Hillsborough, Carriacou, W.I. - The idea of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs to introduce steel pan music to the students of the six primary schools on the sister isles is now reaping success. For the first time ever, steel pan music was one of the features at the annual Parang Festival.

Students from the L’Esterre and Petite Martinique R.C Schools, led by tutor Leroy Sylvester, entertained the crowd at the opening of this year’s festival. They received raved reviews from many in attendance for playing a variety of Christmas songs on the pan.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 20,  2009
by When Steel Talks

Steelband Magic in a Winter Wonderland Cancelled
No Showtime at George Wingate Campus

Brooklyn, New York -  Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph with Santa in tow were spotted flying over central Brooklyn as part of a detour and music break to catch some prime time steelband music. If the truth be told this was your classic work stoppage. Word has it that this famous cast of Christmas icons let it be known early, “no pan - no work for Christmas.” Santa - a long-time steelpan music lover - quickly acquiesced.

Billed as the “Sprit of Christmas,” nine New York steel orchestras came together to put on what was supposed to be one of the more memorable holiday events in recent years. The George Wingate Campus located in the Wingate section of Brooklyn, New York never got the chance to come alive with the sound of steelpan music because of the massive snow storm amalgamating outside. It was indeed a Winter wonderland. And unfortunately, this Nordic blast, in addition to forcing the cancellation of the show, effectively shut the city down. Not even Santa could stop this storm.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 20, 2009
Trinidad Guardian

Heavenly pan

Trinidad, WI - Josanne Francis, 21, prides herself among the new wave of pannists who will not be confined to just playing the steelpan, as a hobby. A young steelband arranger, Francis has a growing passion for composing, too. Added to that she’s a virtuoso on her trademark tenor pan and is presently studying for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in music at the University of Southern Mississippi. There, Francis is a percussionist in training and plays a wide range of instruments from orchestral snare drum, marimba, bells, cymbals and timpani as well as instruments of Brazilian origin.
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Web Posted - Friday December 18, 2009
Trinidad Express

Steelband gets a lift

Trinidad, WI - Although they recently lost their lucrative sponsorship deal, the members of the Starlift Steel Orchestra will still be smiling this Christmas as they were among the 30 unsponsored steelbands which on December 9 received monetary gifts from Santa’s helpers at Scotiabank.

Since 1978 Scotiabank has every year given financial assistance to unsponsored steel orchestras across Trinidad and Tobago.

The money will be used by the respective bands to prepare for the coming Carnival season and the Panorama competition.
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Web Posted - Thursday December 17,  2009
by When Steel Talks

Teddy Vann - A Giant Remembered
Grammy Award Winner Impacts Steelpan Music Organization

New York, USA -  There has been a seismic shift in the balance of the equation as we lost another great one. Indeed, this loss is close to home and is personal to many of us who have come through When Steel Talks/Basement Recordings. Educator, intellectual and philosopher Teddy Vann passed away Sunday December 6.

Doctors, lawyers, network executives, writers, friends - folks from all walks of life gave testament after testament at his funeral, as to how this life-long Brooklynite impacted positively on their lives. It was a true celebration of the life of Teddy Vann.
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Web Posted - Thursday December 17, 2009
The Wesleyan Connection

Wesleyan Steel Bands ‘Pan the Night Away’

Connecticut, USA - Wesleyan University proudly showcased their steelband artistes on Sunday December 13, in a fall semester concert called “Pannin’ the Night Away: Steel Band Live,” which was opened by Wesleyan’s staff band playing “Under the Sea.”

The pan-playing staff included Brandi Cahill, assistant director of the Office of University Events, Cheryl-Ann Hagner, director of the Office of University Events and Scheduling, Lisa Calhoun, Camille Dolansky, Susanne Javorski, Mariah Reisner, Beth Labriola, Brian Nangle and Karen Nichols.

Wesleyan University students enrolled in the MUSC course Steel Band and taught by Bill Carbone also performed, to the delight of their peers who were present in the audience. The hour-long concert was held at the Usdan Gregory Family Cafe, Usdan University Center on the university’s campus.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 16, 2009
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

UK Mayor plays steelpan

United Kingdom - Globe-trotting BT Melodians Steel Orchestra, led by Terrence “Terry” Noel, performed its 22nd Annual Awards Concert at Nettlefold Hall, Lambeth, London on December 5 to rousing acclaim and kudos from an appreciative audience, including Borough of Lambeth Mayor, Councillor Christopher Wellbelove, who also tried his hand on the pans. The event recognises players within the orchestra for their contributions to the development of the Band during the past year.

This year’s event honoured Richard Hobson — who has Trinbago roots — Player with Best Attendance Record and, Player of the Year; Thalia Papannicolacu — of Greek extraction and, Amber Sardinha — Most Promising Players; Beverley Pierre and Nicole Arnell — Most Improved Players. Arnell will be coming to TT for Carnival 2010 to play bass with the Arima Melodians.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 15, 2009
Trinidad Guardian

Philbert apologises to panmen

Trinidad - Acting Police Commissioner James Philbert has issued an apology to the nation’s panmen for the pains they had to endure at the hands of lawmen in the early days of the national musical instrument of T&T.  At Monday’s annual police concert titled The Many Moods of Christmas held at Queen’s Hall in St Ann’s, Port-of-Spain, Philbert moved to repair the damage caused by his predecessors on exponents of this art form during the bygone days. Philbert’s action came while in the spotlight to make a presentation to celebrated pannist/ composer Len “Boogsie” Sharpe as part of the Police Service’s ongoing programme of recognition to cultural exponents, as well as people in other spheres.
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 15, 2009
The Bolton News

Steel drum fun in class

United Kingdom -  Young musicians have been getting to grips with a new instrument.

Year Six children at Lever Edge Primary, in Great Lever, are getting to grips with the steel drum.

The pupils are being taught to play by staff from the Bolton music Service, in preparation for a concert they will hold in the summer term.

Throughout they year, the youngsters will be sounding-off their new musical talents in assemblies.

Teacher Claire Shaw said: “The pupils are picking up how to play very quickly and they are really enjoying it.”
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Web Posted - Tuesday December 15, 2009
Caribbean World News

The Sounds of the Steelpan at Christmas

Maryland, USA - What would happen if one engages the finest, young steelpan musicians to perform a Christmas program in a wide range of musical genres? They would `steel` the show. The Cultural Academy for Excellence (CAFÉ) of Mitchellville, Maryland made that possible on Saturday evening, Dec. 12th.

The program began with a prelude by The Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra, an award winning steel orchestra. It was followed by The Adult Group Ensemble, the Rhythm Runners (ages 14 and under) and the Rhythm Starters (ages 10 and under): all from CAFÉ. The music was uplifting and exciting. It provided enriching musical renditions of traditional Christmas and classical music that were well received by a very appreciative and musically rich audience.
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Web Posted - Monday December 14, 2009
by When Steel Talks

The British Association of Steelbands Awards 11^th anniversary

London, United Kingdom - The British Association of Steelbands - BAS - celebrated their annual awards ceremony at the Holiday Inn in Bloomsbury, London.  2009 marked the 11^th anniversary of the awards, which were established to celebrate the successes of bands and individuals and - in recognizing excellence - to honor the wider and more sustained contributions of individuals, groups and organizations to the promotion of steel pan music, culture and heritage throughout the United Kingdom.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 13,  2009
by When Steel Talks

Steelpan Music at Brooklyn Museum

New York, USA - So it is that time of the year again. The time of year when, like the monitoring of a growing teenager, we get to see the telling notches of growth, progress and success up against the wall - for CASYM Steel Orchestra. At last, it is the annual Christmas Show at the Brooklyn Museum.

CASYMITES, CASYMITES, CASYMITES - little ones, big ones, tiny ones, munchkin ones and the soon-to-be ones all over the place. Bright-eyed,The British Association of Steelbands - BAS - celebrated their annual awards ceremony at the Holiday Inn in Bloomsbury, London. 2009 marked the 11th anniversary of the awards, which were established to celebrate the successes of bands and individuals and - in recognizing excellence - to honor the wider and more sustained contributions of individuals, groups and organizations to the promotion of steel pan music, culture and heritage throughout the United Kingdom.  exuberant, articulate and intelligent - CASYM's past, present and future come together at this annual presentation with a bang to showcase the organization's ‘success’ and continuity, to the community it serves and the global onlookers. CASYM showcased its educational and cultural programs that are designed to foster the development of youth.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 13, 2009
by When Steel Talks

Panaide Foundation steps up for unsponsored Steel Orchestras

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, WI - “Panaide - The Benefit Concert” is an event in which sponsored steelbands in Port-of-Spain and environs perform in a showcase with the aim of raising funds to assist the unsponsored bands in that geographical location.

Expected to receive a large patronage, the Panaide Benefit Concert, organized by the newly-formed Panaide Foundation, seeks to utilize the corporate advantage gained by the sponsored bands. The proposed plan is for the concert to create and strengthen bonds between the steelbands and the wider community while providing start-up capital for the unsponsored bands for Carnival 2010.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 13, 2009
by When Steel Talks

Caribbean Steel International’s Second Annual ‘Thank You’ Party

London, UK - Caribbean Steel International (CSI) held their second annual Thank You party at the Emerald Centre in Beadon Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 on Friday 4^th December  2009. DJs on the night included Martin Jay, Mike Forbes, DSI and W.I Connection. Pan Trinbago President - Keith Diaz, Secretary - Richard Forteau and External Relations Officer - Keith St. Cyr attended and fully supported the event.

The Caribbean Steel International Community Group was established in November 2007 in the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London - with their classes aimed at giving the public the opportunity of learning about, and how to play the steel pan instrument.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 12, 2009
by When Steel Talks

Donald Trump Takes Over New York Steelband Association - NOT!

New York, USA - Indeed the title of this article is a shocker for some. Did an initial set of confusion rush to your brain? Did you rub your eyes twice to check what you were reading? Good!!

Ah - but imagine for a moment that twelve months ago famed business mogul and fellow New Yorker Donald Trump took over helm of the New York Steelband Association. And took an oath to seek all things that were beneficial to members of this New York Steelband Association, financially, socially, culturally and historically.
What would be your minimum expectations of Mr. Trump, of his office - of what he would bring to the table?
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Web Posted - Saturday December 12, 2009
by When Steel Talks

Prize distribution for Steelband and Mas winners of Carnival 2009

New York, USA - In closing out what has been one of the most challenging years of its 42 years existence, the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) will distribute prizes to all winners of the annual Labor Day Parade and festival. The much anticipated prize giving ceremony will take place on Monday December 21st at the Brooklyn Borough Hall located at 209 Joralemon Street in downtown Brooklyn.

Despite numerous financial hurdles experienced this year, Yolanda Lezama-Clark was optimistic that the Association is in a position to keep its commitment to the artisans who were in this year’s winners’ circle. “In 41 years the Association has never faltered in our financial commitment to the bands and individuals who compete in the parade,” says Lezama-Clark. “This year will be no different despite the global economic downturn and a decline in our corporate sponsorship dollars and a depletion of other funding streams.” 
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Web Posted - Friday December 11, 2009
Oakland Press

Steel band will perform Christmas concert Sunday

Michigan, USA - The halls of First Presbyterian Church, 1669 W. Maple, Birmingham, will come alive with the exciting sounds of the Southpaw Isle Steelband performing favorite Christmas music at 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Southpaw Isle Steelband is known for its outstanding, moving performances throughout the world. The band performed the world premiere of “A Caribbean Christmas Mass,” played sold-out performances in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Educational Concert Series and appeared in the finals of the World Steelband Festival in Trinidad.

The band consists of five percussionists plus the director Mark Stone. He was introduced to the steel pan by one of the instrument’s creators, Ellie Mannette. Stone studied at West Virginia University and in Trinidad where he played in the finals of the individual steel drum competition. He currently teaches at Oakland University where he has established a successful steel drum program.
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Web Posted - Thursday December 10, 2009
Zizonline

Spencer Duggins named 2009/2010 Carnival Grand Marshall

St. Kitts, WI - The Department of Culture and the National Carnival Committee has revealed musician and cultural enthusiast Spencer Duggins as the Grand Marshall for the 2009/2010 Carnival Season.

Duggins grew up in Temple Alley, Basseterre and received his early education at the Basseterre Boys’ School. At the tender age of 10, he began learning to play the steel pan. Two years later, he beamed with pride as he placed a pan around his neck and joined members of the Silver Sword Steel Band for his first street performance.

He stayed with the band for 14 years until he moved on to play with the Brooklyn Dodgers Steel Band, which took its name from a famous American baseball team.  After a five year stint there, Mr. Duggins lent the sweet melody of the pan to a string band which evolved into today’s popular Jingle Bell String Band.  Duggins, now 73, still plays with this band.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 9, 2009
by When Steel Talks

Champion Steelband Arranger Earl Rodney in the Spotlight

New York, USA - He is one of the esteemed champion arrangers of the Golden Era of pan. His name, like the other great ones, carries much respect and recognition. And like his fellow famed steelband music panorama arrangers - one name will suffice as an identification marker for life. Earl Rodney will always be known as the champion arranger for and associated with, the great Solo Harmonites Steel Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago in their glory years. The three-time panorama winner sits down with When Steel Talks for an exclusive interview.

Earl Rodney, who is originally from central Point Fortin, Trinidad joined Solo Harmonites in 1967 where he met Harmonites Steel Orchestra co-founder Hue Loy.
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Web Posted - Sunday December 6, 2009
by When Steel Talks

Steelpan & Choral Treats at Calvary Cathedral of Praise

New York, USA - It is a Friday evening in early December in the Kensington part of Brooklyn - actually the center of Brooklyn, and the steelpan is again about to take front and center at the beautiful Calvary Cathedral of Praise. This show is billed as ‘Total Praise’ - Steel Orchestra and Choral Concert featuring Calvary Steel Orchestra, CrossFire Steel Orchestra and Women In Steel.

....The Calvary Cathedral of Praise (CCOPNY) has had a long association with the steelpan instrument. Indeed, its own Calvary Cathedral of Praise Steel Orchestra aka Calvary Steelband has been on the scene since 1972. With a repertoire of traditional hymns and contemporary gospel performed in various styles, including calypso, soca, R&B and more, audiences in the wider USA, and as far a field as the United Kingdom and Africa - have been ministered to by the steel orchestra.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 5, 2009
Stabroek News

National schools’ choir, steel orchestra launched

Guyana, SA - The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport yesterday launched the National Schools’ Choir and Steel Orchestra at the National Park.

The National Schools’ Choir performing a National Song at the National Park yesterday
The Choir and Orchestra evolved from the Schools’ Festival of Choirs and comprise both secondary and primary students from regions Four, Five, Ten and the Georgetown Educational District. It is hoped that the group will foster team work skills and discipline as well as promote cultural appreciation among other aims which in the end will make the students.

....The National Schools’ Steel Orchestra consists of students from Dolphin Secondary, North Ruimveldt Secondary and Queens College.
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Web Posted - Saturday December 5, 2009
Antigua Sun

Savouring the ‘Moods of Pan’

St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda - Indeed many will say that not cancelling this year’s Moods of Pan was a great decision.

Opening with the soothing sounds of Marisha Potter drumming the melody of Wind Beneath My Wings, it was obvious that the return to the Dean William Lake Centre and the downgrade of the festival in no way cheapened the experience.

Bringing the dynamic spirit of the pan and remnants of the friendly competition, the 2009 Independence School Panorama champs filled the centre with their amazing arrangement, high energy and entertaining performance. Perhaps symbolic and sentimental that it should be the Princess Margaret School playing, the birthplace of the Gemonites Steel Orchestra, the school tore the roof off, cementing the longevity of the pan and the promise of its future in Antigua and Barbuda.

When the WIOC Gemonites began their Moods of Pan festival 11 years ago, the hope was to reignite a ferocious love for the steelpan, giving veteran and new pannists another avenue to exhibit their talent and exercise friendly competition.

So as the amusing conductor salsa-ed across the downstage area, and the players matrixed, dipped and meringue-ed their way through the routine, they were not only entertaining to listen to, but just as fun to watch as well.
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Web Posted - Friday December 4, 2009
by When Steel Talks

Issues Surrounding
the Latest Steelpan Development
- the G-Pan
An unfair advantage for a few?
Independent Opinion

Trinidad & Tobago, WI. - In June 2007, the Prime Minister launched the G-Pan at a lavish function at the University of the West Indies. Among the thousands invited and gathered there were steelband Arrangers, Tuners, Players, Administrators and Supporters.

The instrument was described as ‘superior’ to what exists now. The drums we now use are twenty-three (23) inches in diameter, the drums of the G-Pan are 26.5 inches. This allows for a larger area for note placements and a wider range of notes on each instrument. The chemical composition of the ‘ordinary’ drum is not necessarily controlled; whereas that of the G-pan is done to specifications.

At the moment the Trinidad and Tobago National Steel Symphony Orchestra (TTNSSO) is the only band in the country that uses them exclusively. The TTNSSO has had limited public exposure so the population at large cannot form an opinion on the value of the G-Pan.

There are two issues I will like to address about this ‘new’ instrument, the G-Pan. It has nothing to do with the instrument itself, it has more to do with matters surrounding this ‘invention.’ One is about ‘Awards’ and the other is about ‘Tests.’
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Web Posted - Thursday December 3, 2009
by When Steel Talks

Steelband Sponsors, is it all about you?
Steelbands and sponsors redefine relationships
Independent Opinion

Trinidad & Tobago, WI. - Today, in this age of National Steel Orchestra / National Steel Symphony, Pan in Schools, the E-pan, the G-Pan, the PHI, the National Youth Steel Orchestra etc; one is still left to wonder in the land of the birth of the Steelpan, if we are coming or going.

Could you imagine in today’s world, any man with money taking a woman for a wife, living with her for years, and just because she is no longer a Miss TnT (Trinidad & Tobago) - he could discard her for another beauty queen just so without any proper settlement, and she is not protected by the laws of the land?

Even Solomon of the Bible, having many wives and many concubines, thereby fathering many daughters, sought to protect them by the introduction of law. It is said that he had introduced legal marriage so that if a man chooses to put out or separate from his spouse of many years, it is not automatic. Solomon saw service rendered as a major factor entitling her to some part of his estate. Compensation for services rendered.
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Web Posted - Thursday December 3, 2009
by When Steel Talks

Local Youth Star in Unique Caribbean Holiday Pan Concert

Maryland, USA - On Saturday, December 12th, “one of the best small charities in the Greater Washington region” will host an unforgettable evening of Holiday music featuring a unique and often misunderstood musical instrument.

....This exciting concert, in the beautiful First United Methodist Church sanctuary, will feature several steel bands representing different levels of study, from young children to full-time professional performers and instructors. The performance will include works by J.S. Bach (Baroque), W. A. Mozart (Classical), Giovanni Gabrieli (Renaissance Chamber), Astor Piazzolla (Tango Nuevo), Aaron Copland (Contemporary American). Additionally the audience can expect to hear traditional Holiday songs, and, of course, Calypso and Soca - the indigenous music of Trinidad.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 2, 2009
by When Steel Talks

Steelpan no longer on pedestal
Aging Panist Savours his Story

Trinidad & Tobago, WI. - Born and raised during the Second World War in San Fernando, the industrial capital of Trinidad and Tobago, 78 year-old Elton Parks or “Sackie,” as he’s fondly called among the pan fraternity - in an interview with Hollis Clifton - revealed that he had a vision to become a ‘calypsonian’ and a ‘taxi driver.’ Both of these were achieved except that he became a calypsonian for Jesus.

His first encounter with the steelpan was at the tender age of seven when he was drawn into the Rising Sun Steelband in his neighbourhood of Vistabella, south Trinidad. He was by then a student of Coffee Boys AC School in San Fernando. Some of the rival steelbands in those days were Batan, Free French, Hatters, All Stars, Silvertones, Southern Marines and Bar Twenty.
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Web Posted - Wednesday December 2, 2009
by When Steel Talks

Parang and Steel

Trinidad & Tobago, WI. - Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) delegates attending last Saturday’s installment of Parang and Steel concert series staged by PCS Silver Stars Steel Orchestra were given a rousing culture send-off on November 28.

....Judging from the mood of the tourists the cultural package soothed them following days of intense discussion in various forums at (CHOGM). Those accepting the invitation for this outing surely had no regrets gauging from the Carnival-of-a-time they had.
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