The Voice
By Carlton Ishmael
Take, for instance, the advent of steel pan, acknowledged to be a true modern-day discovery of this century. It’s creatively and musically truly a Caribbean statement, but these days it’s totally overlooked and overshadowed during our festivity.
The positive is that many a young person has embraced the playing of pan as a choice instrument. But all of their efforts seem to be for one day, only one moment in time, to express their creativity and talent.
Out of a year that has 365 days, it boils down to panorama! My questions: Why can the steel bands not be used as the back-up music for at least kiddies Carnival? Why can’t all the school musicians, as well as those from the School of Music do like the French carnival bands and make their music come alive at carnival? Must our music always be blaring and deafening? Is it not good enough to satisfy the revelers?
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