The Trinidad Guardian
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard was at steelband music festivals events I have attended since childhood, dating back to the 50s.
Fast-forward to 1964 when the National Association of T&T Steelbandsmen (NATTS), forerunner to Pan Trinbago, held its first official festival at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s.
It was historic for many reasons, one being that it was the first time a Defence Force steel orchestra had participated in a steelband competition. That contest also saw NATTS fining registered bands which did not participate a penalty of the princely sum of $20 each. The eventual champions of the festival were soloist Ray Holman, playing Minuet in C, and West Side Symphony, playing Roses from the South.
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