Bands Performing in Pan Alive in Toronto
Friday, July 31, 2015
Silhouettes Steel Orchestra
No one ever rules out a possible Silhouettes’ victory at Pan Alive; not with the band having veteran Mark Mosca at the helm as arranger, and with a solid complement of veteran pannists. Silhouettes Steel Orchestra, with panyard at 2200 Markham Road in Scarborough, has been competing in Pan Alive for many years and are hoping to be crowned champions in 2015 with its rendition of Machel Montano’s “Like Ah Boss’’.
Jesse Ketchum Pan Vibrations
It was in 1994 when, on the initiative of Cecil Clarke and Heather McIvor, that Pan Vibrations was established as an extracurricular and in-class program at Jesse Ketchum. Many of those who were introduced to steelband music through Pan Vibrations have returned to mentor new and younger pannists. Each July, JK Vibrations conducts a steelpan summer program for kids, ranging in age from 9 to 35. The band also has maintained its ties to the school system. It rehearses at Roesdale Heights School of the Arts on Bloor St. East.
Symphonyx steel orchestra
Symphonyx Steel Orchestra is a division of Symphonyx Entertainment, a Non-Profit Organization that has been in existence for ten years. Their mission is to promote, develop and educate successive generations of young people in the performance and appreciation of the steelpan. The band consists of mostly young adults and older adults who serve as mentors, volunteers and educators. Known as the band with the “sweet” sound, Symphonyx continues to thrill audiences with their beautiful music.
Salah’s steelpan academy
Salah’s Steelpan Academy, a non-profit organization, is a four-time winner of Pan Alive: 2007 – 2010. It also has been a panorama winner in Montreal. The band was established in 1988 by Salah Wilson as a family steelband ensemble. Family members play all steelpan instruments, and offer a repertoire that includes Classical, Jazz, Reggae, Pop, Latin, Gospel, Soca and Calypso. Salah’s Steelpan Academy has also recorded its music and Musical Director Salah Wilson has authored six steelpan textbooks.
St. Jamestown youth centre steel orchestra
The membership of St. Jamestown Youth Centre Steel Orchestra comprises young people, ranging in age between 6 and 21. Playing music is one of the programs the St. Jamestown Youth Centre’s Programs, which is located in Toronto at 375 Bleecker Street, Unit 106A. The steelband was formed in 1993. Its repertoire consists of Calypso, Reggae, Pop, Religious, and Classical music. Over the years, the orchestra has performed at various functions across the city including the Toronto Lion’s Festival, Filipino Independence Day Celebrations, Canada Day Celebrations, the official launch of Caribana, Pan Alive, Gospel Fest and at the Annual Caribana Parade. They also performed at the Kiwanis Festival, where they won second place in their category; the Halimand Fall Fair in Cayuga, Ontario; and at the Birthright International Convention in Toronto. In 2005, the Orchestra took part in the Montreal International Steelpan Festival. Other highlights in the history of St. Jamestown Youth Centre Steel Orchestra include a trip to The Bahamas in 199, where they received an award from the Ministry of Tourism; and the release of its first CD in December 2004.
Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton steel orchestra
The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) is a Not-for Profit Charitable Organization established in 1977. The orchestra, through its steelpan music programs, has had significant impact on the community in Oakville/Halton. The CCAH Steel Orchestra had the distinct honour of playing for the Prime Minister during his 2006 visit to Oakville. CCAH, which has received the Ontario Trillium Foundation Great Grants Award for Arts and Culture, has outreached to other communities, assisting in the development of the steelpan music artform. CCAH participated in the annual Montreal Steelpan Festival 2010-2015; and Pan Alive in Toronto from 2011 to present. The steelband, which describes pan music as “an important avenue of self-expression, launched its first CD in December 2013.
Panatics steelband network
Panatics Steelband Network was established in April 1991, to not only introduce the steelpan to the Flemingdon Park community, but also integrate the group with Parks and Recreation, and the programs in the area. Panatics has offered, and continues to offer, steelpan classes in Scarborough. It has entertained audiences at many private and public functions and events throughout Toronto, and in many other cities across Ontario. Panatics has been a part of Caribana and the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival for 23 of its 24 years. The band has also participated in the Snowflakes on Steel showcase since the inception for the show by the Pan Arts Network. Panatics also provides and hosts instructional classes and workshops throughout the year. At the Pan Alive competition in 2010, Panatics Steelband Network tied for third place.
Panmasters steel orchestra
Since its formation in 1989, Panmasters Steel Orchestra has been guided by Tommy Crichlow – a versatile pan musician. Crichlow arranges, teaches, tunes pans and has been an adjudicator at steelband competitions. Panmasters comprises pannists of all ages and from all walks of life and has enjoyed many achievements. The band will perform at any function – public or private – and promises nothing but an exquisite show of the highest caliber.
Pan fantasy steel orchestra
Like many other bands, Pan Fantasy is a Non-Profit Organization with a diverse membership of young players. The band is always welcoming of new pannists, especially youth residing in the North York community. The orchestra, which was Pan Alive in 2005, has also held the title since 2012. Right after this year’s Pan Alive and the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Pan Fantasy will be travelling to Trinidad to participate in the 2015 International Conference and Panorama.
Afropan steelband
Afropan is the oldest steelband in Toronto, founded by Earl La Pierre Sr. – a veteran pannist, adjudicator, arranger and music teacher. The band has an enviable record in competition; more than 30 first place titles, including Ontario Steelpan Association Pan Alive champions in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2011.
Afropan Steelband, a registered Non-Profit Organization, is commonly referred to as “The People’s Band”, was formally established in 1973. Many Canadians have learned to play the steelpan by taking instructional classes with Afropan. The band’s summer rehearsal sessions and its annual summer “Blocko” have become an annual tourist attraction of the City of Toronto.
Tickets to Pan Alive are $25 in advance & $30 at the door at Lamport Stadium, 1151 King Street West. The event will be streamed live via www.caribbeanconnectionstv.com
Replies
Salah's Steelpan Academy allyuh did it like ah BOSS, Montreal in da house. Pan Alive Toronto 2015. live stream at www.caribbeanconectionstv.com
Salah's Steelpan Academy will also be traveling to Trinidad to participate in the 2015 ICP.
Best of luck to all bands at Pan Alive tonight.