Meet Panist Kris Murrell
Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form
Trinidad and Tobago. - Young, intelligent, talented and focused... In an exclusive with When Steel Talks, University student Kris Murrell of Trinidad and Tobago reflects on the state of Pan, and shares her thoughts and vision on the future of the steelpan art form.
WST - “How long have you been playing and what is your background in Pan?”
Kris M. - “I began playing steelpan at the age of 13 from junior level with my high school South East in Port-of-Spain, followed by Bp Renegades Youth. At the age of 15 I began playing on stage-side with then-BWIA now CAL Invaders Steel Orchestra from 2001 until 2010. I’ve also played with a few steelbands outside of Trinidad and Tobago as well.
“After enrolling in the Diploma in Music Literacy programme at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) in 2009 and studying under my esteemed lecturers/arrangers (Mr. Seion Gomez, Desmond Waithe and Leon Edwards) I then decided to make music and steelpan a full time path for myself. Currently I’m a 3rd year, studying for my Bachelors in Fine Arts with specialization in Music, Steelpan; at the Academy for the Performing Arts, UTT, NAPA. My main instruments are Double Second and Cello. I am hopeful to continue on with my Masters next year, please God.”
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