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PAN IS BEAUTIFUL XII

LAUNCH ADDRESS

By

CHAIRMAN ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Col. Edison N. Isaac                      HBM

The very first formal Steelband competition was held in Trinidad and Tobago in 1952 when the Steelband BOYS TOWN won the competition. Over the succeeding years, bands from the South (SOUTHERN ALL STARS in 1954) TOBAGO KATZENJAMMERS in 1956) the west who ruled the roost from 1960 to 1966 (Dixie Land in 1960, PAN AM NORTH STARS 1962 (when the Steel band Music Festival began as an independent entity from the National Music Festival) and again in 1966. BWIA SUNJETS won in 1964) The dominance of the north bands over the period 1968 to 1998 with TRINIDAD ALL STARS, CASABLANCA and DESPERADOES who scored a memorable hat trick winning in 1986, 1988 and 1992. This dominance was broken only in 1973 when NUTONES from the East won the competition. For Pan Historians and those who enjoy bragging rights, Trinidad All Stars won in 1994 and 1996, Exodus and the Defence Force Steel Orchestra tied in 1998. Skiffle Bunch in 2000 followed by a hat trick of wins in 2002, 2005 and 2008 by Exodus. PAN IS BEAUTIFUL series as we know it had its genesis in the year 1980.

Since the inception, Pan has evolved almost beyond recognition where the steel orchestra has as many sections as conventional symphony orchestras. Indeed more and more composers are producing music specifically for the steel pan. There is no musician or any lovers of music who will debate that the interpretation of any classical music by the Steelband could rival if not surpass that of the conventional symphonies. Professor John Russell a noted English musician and former Adjudicator said “the most electrifying performance of a classical piece can be heard from the steel band.”

The rhythms of Trinidad and Tobago are mirrored in the steel pan – the simplicity of the instrument – the complexity of its sound. This is the drum that we listen to, march to, chip to and dance to.  Our culture connects with our inner soul and the soul is the pulse of a people. To quote Dr. Pat Bishop:

“The big beautiful sound has the power to move listeners to their feet and pan sides also have immense visual power.”

This is the music that we live. This is the music that we breathe. This is the music that Trinidad and Tobago has given to the world.

The theme for “PAN IS BEAUTIFUL XII” this year is therefore quite adequately chosen “RESPECT THE STEEL PAN PLAY IT WITH PRIDE.”

PAN IS BEAUTIFUL XII will be held over the period 5^th October 2013 to 16^th November 2013.  There are four (4) categories: SOLOISTS, SINGLE PAN, ENSEMBLE AND ORCHESTRA. The specific days, venues of performances, ticket venues and admission cost which as a committee we have insisted be kept at a level to attract families, supporters and music lovers are available.

This year we have attracted thirty one (31) Soloist eight (8) of whom will go into the finals. Ten (10) SINGLE PAN will compete at a Final Night show on 10th November 2013.

Of the fourteen (14) entrants in the ENSEMBLE category, six (6) will go into the finals and of the fourteen (14) entrants in the ORCHESTRA category eight (8) will go into the finals on 16^th November 2013. The PAN IS BEAUTIFUL XII committee is extremely proud to showcase the music of a living calypso legend –we refer to Dr Leroy Calliste – the Black Stalin whose music FEELING TO PARTY, RESPECT THE STEELBAND and MR. PAN MAKER will be the Test pieces for the SINGLE PAN, the ENSEMBLE and the ORCHESTRA respectively.

The total prize monies for winners and participating finalists in all categories will total two million and sixty seven thousand dollars ($2,067,000.) Trophies will also be presented for Best Test Piece, Best Tune of Choice and the Champion in the respective categories.

In addition, Certificates of Participation will be presented to all participants in the preliminary rounds along with Certificates of Excellence for all finalists. To encourage maximum participation, unsponsored steel bands will receive funding in order to assist them in their preparation for the competition.

Judging for the festival over the range of categories will be done by local and foreign Adjudicators.

The committee has compiled a listing of distinguished local Adjudicators for the Festival: They are Mr. Lambert Phillip, Ms. Joanna Shortt, Mrs. Michelle Huggins-Watts, Dr. Anne Marion Osbourne, Mr. Louis Nurse, Mrs. Merle Albino De Coteau, Mr. Lennox London, Ms. Mia Gormandy, Ms. Chantal Esdelle and Mr. Richard Pierre. Foreign invitations have been extended to Prof. Ronnie Wooten of the Northern Illinois University School of Music -  Coordinator of Instrumental Music Education and a Supervisor of Instrumental Student Teachers in instrumental techniques and Methods and Conducting. Joining him is Dr. Lennard Moses Director of Percussions in Global Music Studies of Central State University Wilberforce, Ohio, USA, a former PANNIST with the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra.

As part of their responsibilities and with the full support of PAN TRINBAGO, the Adjudicators have been requested to conduct a workshop for PANNISTS of the several regions in Methods of Conducting. An invitation will be extended to identified schools to participate in the workshop.

As we place the National Instrument on the world stage for yet another festival, we extend thanks to the several regions of Pan Trinbago and the participating musicians from their various communities. We thank the several sponsors of the Steelband for keeping the faith and urge at this time in our country’s development that others come to the fore and inspire positive growth through their investment in our culture (with apologies to  Black Stalin  “our youth indeed our pannist need us today more than ever”). Our thanks to Minister Dr. The Hon. Lincoln Douglas and through him Officers and staff of the Ministry of the Arts and Multi Culturalism. I place on record my thanks also to my small but dedicated committee along with the several volunteers who have lent their time and expertise to make PAN IS BEAUTIFUL XII a success. I thank the President Mr. Keith Diaz and Executive of PAN TRINBAGO for the faith reposed in my committee and assure them that their confidence is not misplaced. I thank you!!!!

ENI/20^TH AUGUST 2013