Vanessa Headley. -
VANESSA Headley is making pan history by possibly being the first woman to arrange for three conventional Panorama steel bands in the small, medium and large categories in the same year.
Being somewhat of a pan pioneer is nothing new to Headley of San Fernando, a graduate of Berklee College of Music, as in 2018 she became the first woman arranger to win the small conventional category with the song, Trouble, which she composed and sang. The song was played by Golden Hands.
A music psychologist, Headley will once again be arranging for Golden Hands – which remains a small band, and for Trinidad Valley Harps (Penal) in the medium category. In the large bands category, BJ Marcelle has passed the arrangers torch to her for NGC La Brea Nightingales.
In the history of Panorama, few women have emerged as arrangers – among them Marjorie Wooding, Merle Albino-De Couteau, Shenelle Abraham, Dr Mia Gormandy-Benjamin and Dr Jeannine Remy.
However, Headley who at age 31 has been in the industry for 27 years – ten of those arranging for Golden Hands, is ready for the challenge ahead of her.
Replies
Congratulations Vanessa. Every turn you make new ground is broken. Thank you for your contributions to culture, and please continue being a wonderful motivational spirit and guide for those following in your footstep... Yes #culturelivshere
CONGRATULATIONS TO MS. VANESSA HEADLEY FOR BEING THE FIRST FEMALE TO ARRANGE FOR A BAND IN THE THREE CONVENTIONAL CATEGORIES AT PANORAMA 2020. IF LA BREA NIGHTENGALES MAKE THE FINALS, THAT WIL BE ANOTHER MILESTONE.
Women is boss