"..... They won't [attend the pan performances] because you see they can walk into a panyard and watch them practice....So that is the greatest challenge - to get the public to realize - here is an artform, and they should pay for it. So they [pan players] practice freely, until the wee hours of the morning, and get no remuneration.
Music Educator Esther Batson was one of the stalwarts in the steelband culture of Trinidad and Tobago, and adjudicated steelband competitions internationally.
Their Story, Their Voice, Their Life, Their Dreams #SteelpanMusicExcellence
Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “Responsible for the mentoring and development of several of the country’s noted steelpan talents, it was Ms. Batson’s initiative of cultural exchanges which eventually resulted in the steelband program at University of Miami. Her daughter Dr. Dawn Batson, was the Visual and Performing Arts Chair at the Florida Memorial University (FMU), and also the Director of FMU’s steel band program. Dr. Batson is currently an Educational and Cultural Consultant.”
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A very powerful and fantastic entity from the island! Thank you sister for your courage and vision!
We remember Ms Batson for her contribution to the Steelband.