tap/click for bioCelebrating 22 years in the music industry, Cheo Cato began his journey at the tender age of thirteen at the El Dorado North Secondary School (formerly El Dorado Junior Secondary School). In 1993, he had his first taste of competition when he performed with St Augustine Senior Secondary School at the National Junior Panorama Competition.
1996 saw Mr Cato on the big stage playing in the National Panorama Competition with Moods Steel Orchestra, and 1997 to present with Pamberi Steel Orchestra. In addition, Cheo has played with the UWI (University of the West Indies) Festival Ensemble from 2004 – 2008, and was a member of Trinidad & Tobago’s National Steel Orchestra from 2003 – 2005.
Mr Cato’s abilities extend to being a talented music arranger. During the years 2003 – 2008 he led his Alma Mata St Augustine Senior Secondary to the National Junior Panorama Competition, where it should be noted they were successful, in copping first prize for three (3) consecutive years; 2005 – 2007. Cato collaborated with the Pamberi Steel Orchestra and his musical arrangements saw them emerge as finalists in the Pan in the 21st Century Competition, in the years 2004, 2007 and 2008, and in the National Panorama in 2012.
Showcasing Cheo Cato’s ability to compose songs worthy of acclaim, St Augustine Senior Comprehensive entered the Junior Steelband Music Festival in 2005 and 2010 with original compositions by Mr Cato, receiving the Best Original Award and placing first respectively. He also composed various songs for Pamberi Steel Orchestra’s repertoire which can be found on their latest album ‘PARIS JAM’.
Mr. Cato’s craft has afforded him the opportunity to experience various cultures, as he has travelled to several continents such as Africa, Europe, Asia and North America as well as neighbouring Caribbean islands.
Showing that pan is not just play but is also work, for the period 2004 – 2010 Cheo Cato held the post of Music Tutor at the St Augustine Senior Secondary. For the period of 2008 – 2010 Mr Cato served as a Music Instructor for the National Youth Steel Orchestra. Firm in his belief that the future of Trinidad & Tobago’s national instrument lies in its youth - Mr Cato is currently employed by the Ministry of Education’s Multicultural Music Program Unit as a District Coordinator prior to having been a Music Instructor for two years under the Pan In the Classroom Unit. He was the Regional Executive Officer with the country’s governing body of the national instrument, Pan Trinbago from 2009-2012.
Mr Cato presently has held the position of Musical Arranger and Committee Member of the Pamberi Steel Orchestra, having gone through the ranks from band member to Captain since joining them in 1997.
