OHIO seems like the obvious choice but the last time I checked (from a bit dated report) FLORIDA, OHIO, TEXAS and WASHINGTON (STATE) had the most SCHOOL STEELBAND PROGRAMS. I was very surprised to see WASHINGTON so high up on the list.

Right off the bat I could think of some automatic candidates for that HALL OF FAME; but I have to keep developing my list.

I have to start with Pete Seeger, Kim Loy Wong, US NAVY STEELBAND, Murray Narell, Ellie Mannette, Liberace and Tripoli. UCLA was the first American University to start a STEELBAND in 1956. Of course the NIU STEELBAND is the longest running program started in 1973.

Dr. Jeannine Remy made a  seminal contribution with her book!!! As did Steven Stuempfle and Shannon Dudley. Ken Lawrence (deceased) is high on my list because of the MASSIVE EXPOSURE he gave millions of Southern Californians to STEELBAND MUSIC over the course of his life. Clifford Alexis also deserves inclusion.

There was a Doctor (music doctor -- I have to go dig up his name) who ran the Long Beach University Program and should also be considered. Patrick Arnold used to drive from San Francisco down to Long Beach to tune PANS for his band.

Robert Greenidge and Jimmy Buffet mus be in that HALL OF FAME for exposing THE PAN to so many millions of MUSIC FANS!!!

ANDY NARELL!!! He gets his SPECIAL MENTION ... standing by himself, alone!!!

Then we have Jonathan Scales and Victor Provost.

WHEN STEEL TALKS belongs in that HALL OF FAME along with Glenroy Joseph and ODW. In New York and Florida and Texas and Washington, we will have to look for other great contributors to the proliferation  of Steelband Music in America. People from all walks of life have given more than PAN could have asked for to bring its popularity to where it is today.

I will personally have to petition the selection committee to break the rules and let ONE CANADIAN person into the AMERICAN STEELBAND HALL OF FAME: SALAH WILSON. Cecil Hinkson could testify to the MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS this man has made to STEELBAND MUSIC IN NORTH AMERICA.

The NSSBE is a relatively new organization, but I could see a team like that (brimming with vision and ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS) initiating this project some years down the road.

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  • odw: This is like a little foreshadowing!!!

    http://www.9and10news.com/2017/04/21/roscommon-steel-drum-band-hits...

    • Claude: This may interest you.

      Virginia International PAN Fest
      May 11, 2018 to May 12, 2018

      PANFest 2018

      The Virginia International PANFest is a musical adventure set to the soothing sounds of steel pan music. The Festival’s casual atmosphere appeals to the island community and people of all ages who are intrigued by the unique sounds and style of steel drum music! Fusing together the rhythm of steel bands, ocean breezes, and great international food, the breathtaking Virginia Beach oceanfront becomes an “island paradise” for the weekend. Join world-class performers for a spectacular celebration of Caribbean music on the waterfront at Virginia Arts Festival’s 16th Annual Virginia International PANFest. Learn from Steelpan virtuosos and compete with up and coming U.S. and international steelbands.

      Free and open to the public, PANFest is held on the 24th Street Pavilion at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Friday, May 11th, and Saturday, May 12.th  http://www.vapanfest.org/about/

      https://www.vafest.org/panfest/

  • odw: What a line from your POSTING!!!

    However, Reich‘s review muses that, although it‘s logical to think Trinidad in this situation, perhaps one would be better advised to traverse the corn fields of northwest Illinois in search of steel pan knowledge and training.

    And all the LOCALS thinking about is how to GET CONTROL of PAN TRINBAGO and TIEF all the PANORAMA MONEY.

    RACE GONE!!!

  • How, about kim loy wong?

  • Skatie - Dr Mannette

    Steelband Panorama finals 2002, arranger Ray Holman.

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