Women in Steel is an all female steel band orchestra and young women’s development organization. It was founded and organized in March 1994 out of a sincere desire to educate and guide young women both socially and culturally through the art form of steel band music. The group is composed of young women, each from diverse Caribbean backgrounds including Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad.

With the support of the founders and local pan theatre yards Women in Steel has developed into one of the most vibrant groups in the male-populated steel band industry.  "We want to inform the world that pan is played by women!"  Women in Steel is defiantly leaving their mark in this industry.  The women are energetic and as flavorful and vibrant as the music they create from their instruments.  Their energy has captured the attention of colleges and various avenues of cultural expression. Women in Steel's talents have brought them to the stages in many states including New York, New Jersey, Georgia, South Carolina and the country of Canada.

In addition to entertaining, the group has excellent outreach programs, which include public speaking and academic tutorial services to other young adults. Women in Steel have proven that they are not just an organization that entertains, but one that educates, provides leadership as well as produces leaders.

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History is replete with examples of successful women: Women-in-Steel, politics, sports, entertainment and music. Yes - pan music.  Driven by an insatiable appetite, each challenge is met with renewed vigor and determination.  As the horizon broadens, we embark upon the un-chartered seas of percussion; the female pannists have competed, excelled and exceeded expectations.  Their ever-increasing numbers, grace and versatility have ushered a new dimension.  Our critics have been silenced; the evidence is crystal clear.....  "Women" is Boss.
 

W.I.S.
Colette

What I Feel About Women Playing Pan

"From what I have learned and understood, is that back in the days, women were not able to play pan.  Women couldn't have anything to do with pan.  They were not able to hang out at the pan yards and were not even able to associate with men who played pan.  Pan was mainly for "rebels."  Now that throughout the years things have been liberated, women now have the opportunity to play pan.  A steel pan or drum is a sweet instrument that you have to be gentle with, touch the notes softly, make love to it when you're playing - and women have those tendencies.  Another reason why I feel women should play pan is because many women have the ability to play, like myself for instance, and if it is something that they want to do and they are highly interested in - why not play?  For women like me and all the rest who play pan - [we] should give thanks to Merle Albino, Pat Bishop, Dr. Batson and others who are in the pan business.  These ladies gave us pan women the opportunity to play pan.  These women have the ability to play, read and conduct music and because of them, they are inspiring to women in the pan world today."

W.I.S.
Pamela Fields

As part of a female steel band, I have overcome many hurdles in life which made me stronger.   My counterparts and I do it for the love of Steel pan.   The steel drum illuminates our strength, creativity and talent.  I glow each time I have the opportunity to play my beloved instrument.   Although steel pan is seen as male- dominated, I have visually witnessed outstanding performances by women.  From tenor to the rhythm section, we are doing it all.  Just recently, our all-female group, ranging in ages 10-35 was asked to perform at a college up state.  While booking the show the female coordinator of the venue stated "We usually have older males play the steel drum for this event but when we heard about you guys it was like a breath of fresh air."  This goes to show that future generations understand and embrace our talents.

W.I.S.
Cindy Carter

Women Play Too

You hear the drums
All over the land
Where did it come from
Once only man

But who is to say
That man can play alone
He sometimes needs women
To be in control

Oh what can I say
"Women is Boss"
But it's "De Women on de Bass"
That gets all the applause

Stand proud women
And do what you do
Men respect us for who we are
We are panists too

Do not be fooled
By our beauty and attire
Steel pan is what our hearts desire

So when you hear a steel pan groove
Don't be quick to assume
That man is playing that tone
Because women can play steel pan too.

Women In Steel
Shenelle & Gennelle
A.K.A. "Twins"

©2005
A WHEN STEEL TALKS  - EXCLUSIVE
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED