Breaking Belize News -- January 23, 2016
By Aaron Humes: Representatives of Pandemonium Steel Band traveled to Trinidad and Tobago today to take part in the largest gathering of steelpan bands in the world, known as “Panorama”.
Steel pan music has grown out of its origin as a so-called “low-class” form of music, and is now played by indigenous bands around the world, jamming to different varieties and styles of melodies.
Director of Pandemonium, Alexander Evans, who is also assistant musical director at the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), told us he and his fellow band members are excited to learn from the masters, such as Liam Teague, who extended the invitation. They will not only earn lessons but also play with Teague’s band, “Silver Stars”, a two-time Panorama champion, during the 2016 event.
Pandemonium consists of 60 members, 30 each in its junior and senior groupings. It is backed by NICH, Restore Belize and UNICEF, and has been seeing positive growth recently.
This is Evans’ second consecutive trip to the twin-island republic; last year he spent part of the season learning from the Exodus Steel Band. He tells us that the lessons he and his four partners will learn will not be kept to themselves – the growth of steel pan music in Belize, he says, does not take place in a vacuum, but with each band sharing what they know with the others.
Replies
This is great news. If only Barbados could make an effort to develop steel pan in some way. Enjoy your time in the pan mecca. I know it will be a great experience.
Great for pan exposure on the international circle.
You are most welcome.
'Welcome to the Mecca of Steel Pan Pandemonium. Represent.