Is anyone streaming the show ? Some of us are unable to attend but would still like to share in the experience.
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NLCB Fonclaire you have got it all keep on going on, ah hope that the Prime Minister take note once more and support the PAN,music aint got colour,creed,colour race ,religion or border.,,,,its an International Language and Pan, the Steelpan Tops it all,,and I do make my comment as a Panman,,place a DJ and Place the Pan in a Party well I going weh de Pan deh,,,trust meh, Respect
In viewing this live broadcast with Niel and Massey my respect and congrats to this magnificient Steelband an it,s players,,tie music took me back to wen I was a youth now getting involved in pan playing,not leaving out the well tuned instruments..God Bless T&T ,,Pan Got To Live On,,,from the heart of a Panman.Nuff respect Niel and Massey
We the audience at NAPA were treated to a masterful musical journey from Invaders Steel Orchestra, on August 22nd, 2013. The concert commenced at 7:37 pm, a mere 7 minutes over the scheduled time, with the playing of our National Anthem.
Invaders opened their repertoire with "The 5th Symphony" which was masterfully performed under the baton of their musical director/arranger Mr. Arddin Herbert.
There were 7 guest artistes, and they were all backed up musically by Invaders. The Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra, which was formed in 2012, also performed awing us with "The Hungarian Dances," which was conducted by their musical director MS. Joanna Short.
Arddin Herbert displayed his dexterity as a pannist on both the tenor and double second performing "Summertime" accompanied by a double guitar, 6-bass and a double second played by my cousin Ms. Atiya O'neil, and a Classical piece listed as Czardas. I state listed as, because that was not the melody of the Czardas I am familiar with. However, both were beautifully executed. The name of this concert was entitled, "VERSATILITY" and that title personified the concert.
Invaders' repertoire were all arranged by Mr. Herbert which included "The Zampa Overture" plus 13 other well performed ballads. Invaders' Versatility Concert was well organized.
I must say that I did not see the support from the major Steel Orchestras except one.
I have played music with many pan players and have been impressed with the level of skill and musicianship on the instrument, but not impressed with the performance of some well known melodies. My conclusion is that they have not invested enough time checking out the song and have relied upon melodies which they have copied from another player who did not investigate the song. What is your experience of this?
Some players convince themselves that they know the melody and they have no idea of the lyrics to enhance the expression of the melody being performed. Is this a common situation, or do many musicians bluff their way through gigs hoping that no one will come up and say, "You are playing that wrong."
It is easy to hear when a person knows the correct melody and is applying another interpretation, compared to a person whose software is still being downloaded. Can you tell the difference and what's your take on all of this?
If the best way to honor your parents is never to refer to them in the past tense then I must go to the graveside of my father to tell him I now understand what he says about Hell’s Gate: Whenever North Star and other steelbands compete, the supporters of Hell’s Gate say, (in “beautiful arrogance”), that Hell’s Gate have to win; even if they don’t compete.
After a few years of skirting around a single tenor pan, I made a second, successful attempt to play in panorama this carnival, in addition to playing saxophone in the All-Star Band for the calypso semifinals and finals. If music is the food of love, Shakespeare warned that excess of it can sicken the appetite. In fact, my appetite for pan music has increased immensely.
Almost everyone knows that Hell’s Gate is the “oldest, continuously operating steelband in the world”. Relatively few people have had the opportunity to witness or take part in the continuous evolution of this profound and essential institution. I am truly grateful and immensely thankful for the honor and privilege of being accommodated by the band.
A panyard is a social and cultural unit that brings together a cavalcading mass of people. Like seemingly disparate musical notes, this gathering can combine to produce the most remarkable treasure of communal bonding. The sharing function of music must not be confined to the stage and audience interplay. Indeed, as most artistes will confess, what happens on stage is sometimes a mere pittance of emotion compared to the richness and entanglement of rehearsals.
The late Jamaican saxophonist, Cedric “Im” Brooks, introduced me to this wonder of music in the making of the community, one Saturday afternoon in the 1970’s in Patrick City, Jamaica. There were woodwinds and brasses and double bass, drums and percussions all over the yard with women cooking, washing and plaiting hair and children running about. If music is the food of love it must be shared to avoid the consequences of excess.
Learning the flat tune, the original melody, and the complex arrangement was a challenge. Here I was among players, some just one year older than my eight-year-old granddaughter, who absorbed the music called out note for note and phrase by phrase by the arranger, Maestro Khan. After about the fifth phrase, I had forgotten the first phrase and so I had to rely on getting the music sheet to learn from the score what they readily grasped by rote like new, eager sponges.
This learning by rote was most remarkable in the extent to which an entire evening’s lesson was learnt and recalled the next day. What did these children posses that I didn’t, apart from their youthfulness and the color of their hair? There were older players too, including adults. But the children’s ability to harness the dictated music astounded and inspired me.
On one memorable occasion, Maestro Khan called out a set of notes that covered all 12 notes of the musical alphabet. My fascination was congested by the sheer musicality of the arrangement and the nimble control of this musical gem by the children. In equivalent music theory terms, it was as if Maestro had taken the three primary colors and weaved all the possible colors from this trichromatic chord to arrive at a kaleidoscopic rainbow of sound. The children, and some of the adults, did not recognize the music theory of the phrase, but certainly they must have had understood this musical nugget in ways more than those provided by the sheer geometry and geography of the pan. Certainly they knew the physical layout of the pans very well but there must have been something else, some sort of musical, sonic logic that complemented the pan structure and made sense to them in similar ways to how music theory informed others and me.
This learning by rote that in recent years has being taken by Maestro Khan far beyond the confines of simple musical patterns, speaks volumes about the way children learn music and warrants a scholarly dissertation. It also translates into the way children learn in general, freed from the restrictions of early, excessive theoretical explanations and undue machinations.
Not only can these children learn, they can teach. They taught me a thing or two. I was informed, very respectfully, by my nine-year-old pan teacher that when I was rolling the notes, my entire body was shaking, and that only my wrists should move! I told her I knew but I needed more practice. She kindly suggested I keep practicing. The fact that she was always stationed in front of me suggested that other players reported my Parkinsonian musical tremor to her.
Regarding my initial difficulty using my wrists for rolling and other technical maneuvers on the pan, my older musician, non-pannists, friends, suggested an exercise that cannot be mentioned here in detail. Suffice to say it gave new meaning to the suggestion an adult female might offer a rejected male by reciting to him King Obstinate’s line, “Wet you hand and wait for me”.
The panyard generates order, discipline, respect and reverence. Refreshments give the hands a break from the pan sticks and quiet the stomachs. From the caring of the pans to the pushing and guiding of the trolleys through the streets of the city to the Big Yard at the Recreation Grounds for the pan man war (with weapons of sticks and pans only), absolute dedication and the overwhelming feeling of being part of history surround you and take you in.
Hell’s Gate is an institution that must be nurtured with respect for history and with clear, present and future planning.
The stage is set for a wonderful journey far into the future from the start in the 1940’s. With Maestro Kahn as arranger and an eager cadre of young players blending with mature pannists, and a supporting cast of good management and sponsorship, panorama is simply one of the many things Hell’s Gate does well and wins. Indeed, much more than winning panorama is expected of the “oldest, continuously operating steelband in the world”.
As an institution nurturing a community ranging from children to grandparents, musicians and others, and going beyond the confines of panorama criteria, I now understand what my father says the supporters say: Hell’s Gate have to win, even if they don’t compete.
This caption follows the picture of Martin Albino and Andy Narrell recently posted.
Andy Narrell recently visited Montreal to perform at the Montreal International Steelband Festival,and I was fortunate to spend some time with him after our first meeting forty years ago .During our discussion, Andy reminded me of our first meeting when he visited my old Panyard ,that of Chase Manhattan Savoys,when he was 12 years old . Andy's dad who was involved in the Police Athletic League, was instrumental in the sponsorship of my trip to New York to teach pan in 1968. It was a very pleasant and interesting reunion.Martin albino
There is new interest in pan a rebirth is takiing place reminiscent of the glory(OLD) a days, a new generation is spawning and taking the pan by storm.First order of business, must be the replacement of the defacto body by a New elected governing body( there is none), the new kids on the block deserve this. Antigua is back under the microscope.let us do the right thing for the development of the pan.....
The dust has settled,its a new day Hells Gate is still at the top,all the panorama children are winners.Now we need a new begining, starting a the top.Firstly, a new executive (elected) to manage the affears and business of pan in Antigua with pan as its primary focus, move the Instrument beyond Panorama, panorama is fun and excitiment but its limiting and does very little to advance the pan movement. The interest here again at a feverish pitch reminiscnet of the(60/70's) the glory days, lets grab it and push it to the next level. Every one has a part to play.
From: Stone Johnson <stonenrico@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2013 16:05:33 -0700 (PDT)
To: originalsteelorc@hotmail.com<originalsteelorc@hotmail.com>; vach3000.com@hotmail.man<vach3000.com@hotmail.man>; cjohnson@acbonline.com<cjohnson@acbonline.com>; rodneykuma@hotmail.com<rodneykuma@hotmail.com>; dgmussington@gmail.com<dgmussington@gmail.com>; laucklandg454@gmail.com<laucklandg454@gmail.com>; wallace.toria@gmail.com<wallace.toria@gmail.com>; dematalk148@hotmail.com<dematalk148@hotmail.com>; qkc@apuainet.ag<qkc@apuainet.ag>; tinytines30@hotmail.com<tinytines30@hotmail.com>; jasonsealey2010@hotmail.com<jasonsealey2010@hotmail.com>
ReplyTo: Stone Johnson <stonenrico@yahoo.com>
Subject: 2013 A.B.P.A Update (Observer radio 30/07/13)
Greetings
Members
It came to my attention via observer 5.30 pm news, that the Pan Association is being pressured by Lime Hells Gate Steel Orchestra to release the names and bios of the overseas judges. Let me state that at no time was the Pan Association or I was pressured to release any information. I followed all protocols pertaining to acquiring the information on adjudicators via the President of Pan Trinbago Mr. Keith Diaz as stipulated by my members and subsequently passed on all information to Mr. Maurice Merchant and the CDC. This was done in a timely manner and as such as i get the information in return, i pass it on to my members. The CDC is the one that is responsible for judges, not the A.B.P.A and as such, information going out is the CDC's call and i have checked with Mr. Maurice Merchant. If the members believes that this is an incorrect procedure, then you the members and I are wrong. It has always been stated to me "get the information then pass it on to the CDC, let them decide not you". Let me state, a member band can make an inquire into any matters pertaining to the Association and as such i am always willing to answer, but one should be very careful where blamed is laid when it is all of us members who agreed to proceed in this manner or any manner of the A.B.P.A
I still maintain i will not get into any public debate with anyone on matters of the A.B.P.A, because it is the members whom have always said let us settle our matters in house. But there comes a time when I'll have to defend the member bands and myself.
Thank you for continued support
Regards
Patrick "Stone" Johnson
The following was submitted to the Membership of the ABPA on 1st July, 2013. The information regarding the overseas adjudicators was received today, only after consistent prodding by the LIME Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, for the ABPA to submit the names and bios of all seven (7) adjudicators selected, as per the Rules of the ABPA.. The names were submitted for the four (4) overseas adjudicators but without their bios. The ABPA has failed to date, to satisfy the requirement as prescribed in Rule 7 subsection (B) of the ABPA Rules and Regulations for National Panorama, as it relates to the submission of adjudicators bios.
The 2013 Panorama is scheduled for 1st August, 2013.
Stafford Joseph
________________________________________________________
From Patrick Johnson, 1st July, 2013
Suggested Amendment to rule 7 (A) & (H)
(A) Composition of the adjudicating panel for panorama:- A panel of seven (7) judges will be selected to adjudicate the Antigua and Barbuda Panorama competition; two (2) judges shall serve as alternates, to substitute for one (1) or more of the five (5) judges, if necessary. This determination is to be made by the Chairperson of the Judges Committee of the ACDC.
The panel of adjudicators shall comprise the following: Four (4) overseas judges and three (3) local judges whereby one (1) of the local judges shall serve as an alternate judge and one (1) of the overseas judges shall serve as the remaining alternate.
At all times, where it is necessary to do so, a local judge should be replaced by the local alternate and an overseas judge should be replaced by the overseas alternate.
(B) Procurement of judges: - With respect to the procurement of judges mentioned in A, the ACDC is responsible for sourcing all suitable overseas judges in consultation with Pan Trinbago. With respect to local judges, the ACDC is responsible for sourcing all suitable local judges in consultation with the ABPSA.
The A.C.D.C is responsible for expenses of the adjudicators and to furnish the A.B.P.A. the name and profile (resume) of the adjudicators no later than twenty days before the day of the panorama competition.
Please note the h in the heading is referred to as b in the reference of the amendment.
Yours in Pan Music
Patrick "Stone" Johnson
11 Updates (judges)2013 A.B.P.A
From: Stone Johnson <stonenrico@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2013 11:49:33 -0700 (PDT)
To: originalsteelorc@hotmail.com<originalsteelorc@hotmail.com>; vach3000@hotmail.com<vach3000@hotmail.com>; cjohnson@acbonline.com<cjohnson@acbonline.com>; dgmussington@gmail.com<dgmussington@gmail.com>; laucklandg454@gmail.com<laucklandg454@gmail.com>; wallace.toria@gmail.com<wallace.toria@gmail.com>; rodneykuma@hotmail.com<rodneykuma@hotmail.com>; jasonsealey2010@hotmail.com<jasonsealey2010@hotmail.com>; dematalk148@hotmail.com<dematalk148@hotmail.com>; tinytines30@hotmail.com<tinytines30@hotmail.com>; qkc@apuainet.ag<qkc@apuainet.ag>
ReplyTo: Stone Johnson <stonenrico@yahoo.com>
Subject: 2013 A.B.P.A Updates
Greetings
Members
Here are the names of the judges i received from Mr. Keith Diaz, President-Pan Trinbago
Mrs. Michele Huggins-Watts
Mr. Curtis Edwards
Mr. Kendall Lewis
Mr. Roger Sardina
Any local adjudicator is yet to be confirmed
I have only received 2 bands bios-Lime Hells Gate Steel orchestra and W.I.O.C Gemonites Steel Orchestra
Regards
Patrick "Stone" Johnson
Death Annoucemnet.
Carlton k. Coombes Calyspsoian also know as Sheriff in his early years of Montrose Village Chaguanas. Then becam know as The Mighty Foreign or Foreigner, his Claysposian name died on 06/21/13 at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn NYC USA.
He server the Trinidan and Tobago Police force before migrating to the USA. He serve TT Police services from 1961 to December 1968.
The funeral was on 06/29/2013 in Brooklyn New York. It was a quite a turn out. We the Children, Family, Friends, and Fans will miss him dearly.
Sincerely,
Keith Coombes
.
I first met Mr. Ian franklin via when steel talks and we met in person at the pan in the countryside on Speyside grounds in Tobago on July 6th and was honoured to receive an autographed copy of his book, I want a publicly say that its people like him who keeps this movement going and we all must try to uplift each other for the betterment of pan.
ps. Thanks for the book sir...
Panorama is a "Musical" competition held annually in many regions where pan has been adopted. This musical event was popularized by Trinidad and Tobago-though in Antigua Panorama started in the late fifties in Trinidad 1963-The notion that Musicians in Antiguan are incapable of judging Panorama,is ludicrous, that rules out musical giants Like Roland Prince, Dr Roberts and others. The irony, except for one, the arranges here are not musicians, have no musical training, yet there arrangement of a popular song cannot be judged by a qualified musician, many of whom have written musical scores....wow ...wow
Worked with him here in Toronto. If you can lay your hands on the Casanovas Combo Rebirth album you will get more of Junior Byron.and the Casanovas Combo- the best damn Combo of all time.
Ok there was Group Solo, Rockerfellas, Esquires, Silver Strings
Andre Tanker in a class by himself...and for the south folks Ancil Wyatt- Solid Seven--Jai /CHIN RADIO Toronto.
From: Stone Johnson <stonenrico@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 04:46:54 -0700 (PDT)
To: originalsteelorc@hotmail.com<originalsteelorc@hotmail.com>; vach3000@hotmail.com<vach3000@hotmail.com>; <cjohnson@acbonline.com>; rodneykuma@hotmail.com<rodneykuma@hotmail.com>; qkc@apuainet.ag<qkc@apuainet.ag>; laucklandg454@gmail.com<laucklandg454@gmail.com>; dmussington@gmail.com<dmussington@gmail.com>; wallace.toria@gmail.com<wallace.toria@gmail.com>; jasonsealey2010@hotmail.com<jasonsealey2010@hotmail.com>; tinytines30@hotmail.com<tinytines30@hotmail.com>; dematalk148@hotmail.com<dematalk148@hotmail.com>
ReplyTo: Stone Johnson <stonenrico@yahoo.com>
Subject: 2013 A.B.P.A updates
Greetings
Members
I hope all preparations for panorama and carnival is going smoothly and all the members will be putting their best foot forward.
Best of Luck to All
I was informed by some members that there was an alleged attempt for a pan association meeting on Thursday 18th July. At this meeting it would have been with members of a sub- committee. Even the A.C.B representative, Ms. Shantia Edwars inquired if i knew about this meeting. Let me make it clear, i was not informed of this meeting, nor the purpose why such a meeting was called. I don't know which bands were invited and why Gemonites and I was not informed. To make the situation even more ridiculous, those who went was told only about the parade route for j'ouvert. Information that could have been passed on differently.
I am stating that if individual or individuals who chooses to not follow the correct protocol, when conducting matters with the A.B.P.A, the Association will not recognize or accept any position or decision made. And may even choose to no longer associate with these person or persons.
I thank all members for standing in solidarity
Panache Steel Band have indicated their interest and availability for playing on the road this 2013 carnival....here is their communication that they sent to me....
Greetings Stone,
Panache wishes to advise you of our interest and availability to play on the road during
Antigua's carnival 2013.
Regards/Robin
Yours in Pan Music
Patrick "Stone" Johnson
From: Stone Johnson <stonenrico@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 06:20:59 -0700 (PDT)
To: originalsteelorc@hotmail.com<originalsteelorc@hotmail.com>; vach3000@hotmail.com<vach3000@hotmail.com>; cjohnson@acbonline.com<cjohnson@acbonline.com>; qkc@apua.ag<qkc@apua.ag>; dgmussington@gmail.com<dgmussington@gmail.com>; rodneykuma@hotmail.com<rodneykuma@hotmail.com>; laucklandg454@gmail.com<laucklandg454@gmail.com>; wallace.toria@gmail.com<wallace.toria@gmail.com>; dematalk148@hotmail.com<dematalk148@hotmail.com>; tinytines30@hotmail.com<tinytines30@hotmail.com>; jasonsealey2010@hotmail.com<jasonsealey2010@hotmail.com>
ReplyTo: Stone Johnson <stonenrico@yahoo.com>
Subject: 2013 A.B.P.A Updates
Greetings
Members
I have not received any recommendations for local adjudicators, to date, 15th July 2013, from any member of our association. We are going to have to call an emergency meeting to decide our course of action, if no members can recommend any suitable and qualified local individual to adjudicate, this 2013 National Panorama.
And members, i also, have not yet received any bands biographies
Thanks much for your support
Patrick "Stone" Johnson
Colleagues,
The fourth paragraph of my response to the comment made by my Brother, Kuma Rodney, is clear. He is and will always be my Brother and I will always respect his opinions and recognize his rights. I cannot choose for my Brother, he is a free man. I know that I am a free man, because I chose God to be my Master.
One Pan! One Love!!!
