Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form
Trinidad and Tobago - A scholar, an intellect, a musician, planner, mentor and motivator are some of the words one can use to describe one of the most influential and important figures in the steelpan movement in Trinidad and Tobago today. Her name is Denise Hernandez and she is the officer responsible for all matters related to youth, education and pan.
When Steel Talks spoke to Mrs. Denise Hernandez, principal of the Sangre Grande junior secondary school in Trinidad, West Indies, a performing member of Trinidad All Stars steel orchestra, (panorama and stage side) and last but not least, the education officer for Pan Trinbago. Pan Trinbago is the governing body for all matters related to the steelpan instrument, youth and education in Trinidad and Tobago.
Mrs. Hernandez grew up in San Fernando, Trinidad. Her early encounters with the steelpan instrument were with Fonclaire Steel Orchestra before she traveled abroad to study. She returned to pan in 1994 after being encouraged by the late master arranger Clive Bradley to revive her playing, and joined Nutones Steel Orchestra. She spent two years in Nutones and in 1996 she began playing with Trinidad All Stars where she's been a member ever since. "Although the commute was difficult in the beginning it was well worth it because of the communal and family atmosphere that All Stars affords its players" says Mrs. Hernandez.
Replies
Well done Denise! Dont stop!