Women’s Contribution to the Steelband Movement by Merle Albino-de Coteau

[Pan Times]

Women’s Contribution to the
Steelband Movement
by Merle Albino-de Coteau
 

Trinidad - In the 1940’s, during our childhood we were fortunate to hear and appreciate in our neighbourhood a beautiful musical sound produced by a small pan played by Carl Greenidge (uncle of the now renowned pannist/arranger Robert Greenidge). Carl Greenidge can be referred to as the “Father” of pan players in Success Village, Laventille, having first started “Kentuckians Steel Orchestra.” “Torrid Zone” was an off-shoot of Kentuckians which was later renamed “Savoys” (later sponsored by Chase Manhattan therefore becoming “Chase Manhattan Savoys” of which Merle Albino-de Coteau became the musical director in 1970).

Since then there has been no turning back, as I became “hooked” on this phenomenal instrument “the pan.” Hence whenever the opportunity presents itself, I try to preach the “Gospel of Pan.”
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