‘Pan Victory’

Mickiel Gabriel, born May 6^th 1991, is originally from Rio Claro in south east Trinidad. His family moved into Laventille, north Trinidad, where he began feeding his hunger for Pan. He attended Success Laventille Secondary School, and was part of the school’s steel orchestra, Success Stars Pan Sounds. In 2007, Mickiel became captain of the steel orchestra; this title would remain with him the following year, which was also the year he left school.

After leaving, he was offered a job to teach music at Success Laventille Secondary, which he accepted, and naturally - he kept the orchestra up and running throughout the year. Officially, he is now the band’s arranger, and thus far has led the band to numerous victories, Including SandFest 2010 and 2011, and the Trinidad & Tobago Junior Panorama in 2011. The steel orchestra currently has a full repertoire of arrangements done by Mickiel, and has performed for the country’s respective Prime Ministers, and on major stages like NAPA (National Academy for the Performing Arts), Naparima Bowl, and even hosted a full concert at the prestigious Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s, in August 2011.

Mickiel is currently completing the Music Certificate program at the University of the West Indies and though he is known for his arranging capabilities, it is not odd to find him on a stage singing. As a vocalist he has done numerous performances, including entering the Junior Soca Monarch in 2008.

For the 2012 Panorama season, it is another first for Mickiel Gabriel - as a composer this time around - with Pan Victory featured here.  It is the tune of choice for defending Junior National Panorama champs Success Stars Pan Sounds in the 2012 competition.

Gerelle Forbes:  Singer, songwriter, actor, stage manager, musician and teacher - all are titles of Ms. Forbes. The 21 year old has completed the certificate in Music at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and is now preparing to study Musical Theatre outside of Trinidad. Originally a violinist, Gerelle learnt the Timpani and Marimba at UWI, but when it came to the steelpan, there was no hesitation.

Gerelle attended St. Francois Girl’s College, where she first played the instrument. She was the Captain of the school’s steel orchestra for two years before she left. She also represented the school at the annual Junior Soca Monarch competition numerous times, placing 3rd in her final year. Though she is currently the music teacher at Maple Leaf International School, she is also the Musical Director and drill master for Success Stars Pan Sound, of Success Laventille Secondary School.

Additionally, this versatile, multi-faceted young woman now brings her lyrical talents to the fore in Pan Victory composed by Mickiel Gabriel.  Success Stars Pan Sounds defends its Junior National Panorama championship title in the 2012 competition with the song.