Blog 2.0

A member of the PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars family passed away on Friday November 29, 2013.  John Lopez ( ‘Naddie’) was, only hours before his death, playing up a storm in the panyard at 56 Tragarete Road, Newtown, Port of Spain.   The band was having its last practice session for the first evening of the annual Parang & Steel which kicked off on November 30.

John has been part of PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars for many years and has gone on several tours, including a very successful one to Japan in 1983.  Revered by the members as “a smooth” player, he was also respected for his reliability.  He was always the first band member to arrive for any function, as well as for practice.  He was never late for a playout.  ‘Uncle John’ would set out chairs, spread tablecloths, load pans, carry out tasks with great efficiency and without having to be asked.

His was a quiet disposition, yet he was firm.  We have never heard him raise his voice.  The only ‘sound’ he made, emanated from his 7 bass pans – and what a wonderful sound that has been!  ‘Papa John’ was selfless.  He never hesitated to assist new players when they had difficulty of any kind.

On the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of Silver Stars in 2008, John was awarded the trophy and prize for the “Most Outstanding Player”.  It was well-deserved. 

John Lopez was like a father to many of our players; to other members of the steelband fraternity, he was a great friend.  Our Captain, Edwin Pouchet and his family and all of us at PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars Steel Orchestra, send sincere condolences to his wife Cynthia and family.  Most of us cannot remember the band without him.  None of us can imagine the band without him!

RIP Dear Friend.

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News has come at hand that Conrad Franklyn Entrepreneur and management consultant/International Steel band Promoter has died.

He passed on 22nd December in California USA, after a long illness.

The information was supplied by is Brother Dr. Gaston Franklyn,who was unable to attend his burial because he was at sea at the time of receiving the news. Conrad Franklyn was the founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Showboat company. This company supplied Pan players for many foreign engagements...which promoted a lot of players who are now Arrangers and Promoters themselves. He tried Making Pan men "show-Men" and women as well. Some people had Great experiences and Others not so great. The bottom line is that he Tried to make a dollar for himself while promoting the Pan. He was cremated on the 27th December 2013. May he rest in Peace and his memories be a good one.

I only today, Sunday received a copy of the financial report of PTB, wow, could we as supporters of the steel pan fraternity take some time to discuss the contents of the reports. I am no financial analyst, but some simple (sums) (arithmetic) seems to be confusing, or not adding up. Maybe, some accountants or people with financial back grounds can take a closer look at the figures, and do an analysis of its contents
What do you say when steel talks family!!!!
And while we're at it how come Regional elections, carded for 28th November, 2012 , can be held before National Executive elections? From the constitution that I have, this can't be right. We can also look at that? Is Diaz and company breaking the CONSTITUTION?

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-06-23/new-faces-pm%E2%80%99s-cabinet-reshuffle

So we now have a new Minister of Arts & Multiculturalism .Dr.Lincoln Douglas and Winston "Gypsy" Peters is now the Minister of Community Development ...what does it all mean? What is the information on Dr. Lincoln Douglas? What can we expect from these changes?

Respect

Salah

Afropan Wins 2011 Pan Alive Title!!

As the end of the competition drew near, Pan Alive night, the members of Afropan setup their pans and got ready for their time to shine. After their hard work and late nights, the band was hoping to take back that first place title again, as opposed to the tie for third received years prior to this.

The announcer introduced the band, acknowledged their tribute flags for their 8 "Afro Angels", that had passed earlier this year, and conductor Terrell La Pierre got in his zone. Arranger, Earl La Pierre Sr. began the count in and with those final three taps, BANG! the first note dropped and the "Raging Storm" began. The next 8 minutes were filled with high energy, raw talent and sweet musical mayhem as the sounds of steel and rhythm poured into the hearts of all lucky enough to hear! As that final note was played both the crowd and players erupted in cheers of celebration and accomplishment; they knew their performance was near flawless and if nothing else, they executed a "Raging Storm" to match no other.

It was time to hear the results and with first and second place left to be announced the tensions grew thick and time seemed to stand still. After much anticipation, first runner up is announced....SALAH, which meant AFROPAN STEELBAND had done it! They successfully reclaimed first place and their 28th competition win since 1973! Players & supporters began to run from wherever they were back to Lamport Stadium! "AFROPAN! AFROPAN! AFROPAN!" echoed through the air with utter excitement and a sense of community surrounded the band as other steelbands extended their hands in congratulations for a win well deserved! As part of their celebration, the band members sang out their rendition of "Raging storm" inside Lamport stadium before moving the party back to the panyard for their J'ouvert celebrations.

Afropan Steelband "The People's Band" would like to acknowledge arranger Earl La Pierre Sr., conductor Terrell La Pierre, their 8 "Afro Angels" whom continue to bless the band daily and all of the players and supporters; for without the dedication and contribution of everyone this win would not have been possible or half as sweet!

Find more photos like this on When Steel Talks

The 12th Pan Royale concert at QRC grounds commenced promptly at 7:pm on October 12th, 2013. I am indeed impress that a scheduled start time for a "pan show" came to fruition. (lol)

After the playing of our National Anthem, Renegades Steel Orchestra were introduced, and they started off with their 2006 tune of choice at Pan in the 21st Century, "All Night Long"<> Next was a Reggae piece with Duvonne Stewart expatiating his soloing skills on an E-Pan. "Pant O Mine" and "Steelband Times" followed. A religious piece entitled, "The Prayer" was accompanied with a male & female operatic voice under the conducting of Mr. Desmond Whaite. Renegades ended their session backing up the singer of, "Kick in the Back Door."

The second Steel Orchestra was Desperadoes, and they commenced with "Masquerade" a Keith Salcedo arrangement. The band with Mr. Carlton Zanda's arrangements, backed up Singing Sandra with "Voices from the Ghetto and "Die with my Dignity." {I wonder if those two selections were from a higher calling} "Autumn Leaves" & "Pan in A Minor" were then performed in the jazz genre; both were arranged by Mr. Eddie Quarless. Desperadoes then performed excerpts from "Orpheus in the Underworld" in the classical genre. The band concluded with the second most popular winning panorama piece, which is their most popular piece, "Rebecca" (lol)

All Stars were the third Steel Orchestra to entertain us. Their repertoire of mixed genres were, "El Dorado"<>"Whiter Shade of Pale"<>"This is the Moment"<>"Time to say Goodbye"<>"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and their finale was "Morning Noon and Night" under the direction of Ms. June Nathaniel.

The last Steel Orchestra was Phase II with their arranger/soloist, Len "Boogsie" Sharpe. Some of their repertoire featured various other instruments, they were, "Forward Home"<>"Moon River"<>'Blurred Lines"<>"Rose"<>"Carnival Tabanca"<>"On Green Dolphin Street" and "More Love" {A mantra we must foster to get back our beloved Trinidad & Tobago}

We were entertained by the QRC Steel Orchestra under the direction of the young Mr. (oh boy I misplaced his name) as we entered the QRC compound. {Can someone mention his name}

This is my first Pan Royale concert and I do not know how the artistes are chosen. We all know that the four Steel Orchestras for this year have been in winners row 32 out the 50 years of panorama finals. Thanks again to the promoters of the Pan Royale October Concerts.

Love, Peace and Pan.

On Saturday October 5th 2013, Pan Trinbago presented part of its first leg of Pan Is Beautiful XII. Preliminaries for half of the Soloists and the Ensembles Categories were held at the Queens Park Savannah. The other half will continue on October 6th at 5:00 pm.

The competition commenced at 6:20 pm after the playing of our National Anthem and opening remarks. Out of the 16 scheduled soloists, only 11 performed, and 5 of the 6 Ensembles. There was a lot of beautiful pan, but only a few beautiful guests, a little over 50. 

Didn't realise that Ministry of Culture posted these ... this is my favourite NSSO performance - Waltz for Iris composed by Ray Holman. I think this was recorded at Naparima Bowl in 2008. Waltz for Iris

Good day friends,

I am pleased to inform you that we were able to acquire the necessary funds to attend SXSW 2015. 

On behalf of the family, I would like to convey a special note of thanks to the following:

Mrs. Amanda Barnett-McLeod (Trinidad)

Mr. Herman Andalcio (Chicago)

The West family (Trinidad)

Ask Promotions (Trinidad)

Golden Hands Steel Orchestra (Trinidad)

Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism (Trinidad)

The above mentioned, all contributed in some way, making it possible for us to facilitate our performance at this major festival. I would also like to thank all supporters and well wishers for their fine words of encouragement and for helping raise awareness of our trip to SXSW.

We are scheduled to arrive in Austin, Texas on Thursday, March 19 and we are confirmed for two main stage performances as listed below:

Saturday, March 21 - 2:00pm - Austin Convention Center - 531 E 4th St. (Ballroom G)

Saturday, March 21 - 10:00pm - Karma Lounge - 105 E 5th St

I am aware that there are steelpan followers in Austin. Please feel free to approach us and introduce yourselves if you do see us.

I will send out another briefing after the trip. In the meantime please feel free to follow us on Twitter and/or Facebook for daily updates as we arrive in Austin.

Best regards,

Khari

I was concerned that if the format for the bands playing positions was the same as the Trinidad Panorama, and all the top guns picked in the first 10.  Well, that would not happen at the 2015 ICP Panorama.

I heard on radio that the bands would be grouped,                              so I am hoping for the following or similar 6-group format.

All Stars<>United States<>Canada<>Steel Explosion

Phase II<>United States<>Canada<>Super Nova

Renegades<>United States<>Jamaica<>Pan Elders

Silver Stars<>Japan<>St. Lucia<>Buccooneers

Exodus<>England<>St. Marteen<>Scherzando

Tropical Angel Harps<>France<>St. Vincent<>Arima Golden Sym

The 6 groups should be labeled as: All Stars, Phase II, Renegades, Exodus, Silver Stars & Tropical Angel Harps, and they will pick for playing group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.  Then each group of 4 will pick within its own group.  So if Exodus group pick 1, the 4 bands in that group will then individually pick for playing positions 1, 2, 3, 4.  If Renegades group pick 6, the 4 bands will pick for playing positions 21, 22, 23, and 24.  Let's all hope that everything runs smoothly, so by 10 p:m Sunday August 9th. 2015, this ICP International Panorama would be a success.

After the curtain is drawn on the greatest cultural show on the planet what cultural infrastructure is set in place by the Ministry of Culture and t Pan-Trinbago to further promote the art and the artist?  As a former player for many years with such bands as "Fascinators," "Forsythe Highlanders," "Huggins Pandemonium," "Catelli Trinidad All Stars," and "Arima Angel Harps" I recall to memory after showtime it was "see you next time."

I believe that the time has arrived for Trinidad and Tobago Government in collaboration with the governing pan-body to invest not only in the upgrade of the instrument, but also to upgrade the social and financial well being of the panist and the art form. 

I suggest having at least three national steel-ban competition per year, [a] National Panorama Competition, [b] Independence Steel-ban Competition, [c] National Steel-ban Classical Music Festival.

I also suggest hosting of a World Steel-ban competition every three years where bands from around the world can come to T&T and compete in three categories for the "Supreme World Championship Title" along with outstanding cash prizes.

I suggest bands should be judged on compositions of  [a] Calypso music, [b] Classical music, and [c] Contemporary music of choice.  What's your thoughts?

At last!

Congratulations to Pioneer Tuner Anthony Williams who will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Letters -DLitt) by the UWI at its Graduation Ceremonies in October 2016!

A partial citation is given on the UWI Today page at UWI Today:

Mr Anthony Williams – DLitt

Mr Anthony Williams is, perhaps, the most significant contributor to the development of the technology of the steelpan musical instrument and the associated art in performance, because of his triple role as an inventor, arranger, and steel orchestra captain.

In the 1950s, Mr Williams invented the 4ths-and-5ths note layout pattern, now standard on the tenor steelpan and the basis of the note layouts on three of the four G-pans invented at The UWI in 2007. The pattern was first used on his spiderweb pan, which he tuned so that the anti-clockwise sequence of notes around any given ring, assumes a progression of musical 5ths while the note sequence along a sector defined by two adjacent radii produces a progression of musical octaves.

His inventions were all music-driven and came during his tenure as captain, musical director and tuner of the Pan Am North Stars Steel Orchestra. This steelband was the first to appear on US nationwide television (the Ed Sullivan show in 1964); the first to transpose music for symphonic orchestras into steelband scores (Johann Strauss’s Voices of Spring in the 1962 Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival) which set the template for steelband arrangements for years to come.  

In 1968 Pan Am North Stars joined with Trinidad and Tobago’s internationally celebrated pianist, Winifred Atwell, in a series of performances locally, in the Bahamas and at Madison Square Garden in New York. By placing bass pans on wheels, he made it possible for the road band to remain mobile and perform full orchestral arrangements.

Six decades ago he was emphasizing the importance of music literacy for all pannists and, though self-taught, established classes in his North Stars panyard. In recognition of his experience and competence, Mr Williams was made a member of the first steelpan technology research team at the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute. He has been recognised by the National Institute of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (NIHERST) as a Caribbean Icon and was awarded the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation’s highest award in 2008. 

A complete small band , 4 tenors (high), 3 double seconds , 2double guitars, 1 treble cello  1 high 4 base , 1 low 6 base ,1 dudup , all pan stands and sticks. 1 Pair of congas, cow bell ,tambourine, maracas , scatcher and irons ,Also included 1 Yamaha power mixer and drum machine, 2 Yamaha (large) speakers with telescopic stands and the monitor and stand. all drums chromed but the base . Only serious inquiries please . Husband retiring from teaching pan , call Bob (crazy Theroulde ,   Edmonton alberta Canada , 1 780 440 3714.

The UWI Community mourns the passing of Dr Anthony Achong who passed away on June 29, 2020. DR Achong was an academic who devoted much of his research to steelpan technology.

He began his academic career in UWI Mona in 1970 where he started as a Part-Time Tutor in 1970 and then worked his way up to become a Lecturer in Physics in 1975 where he remained in that post until 1977. He came to The UWI St. Augustine as a Physics Lecturer in 1977 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2005. In 2002, he was appointed as
Head of the Department of Physics and served in that position until 2007.

Dr Achong's research interests were widely varied including: Screening methods for the detection of scoliosis, using Moire; Topography (medical physics); moisture adsorption/desorption properties of Tropical Woods (solar energy); astronomy and cosmology among other topics.

He is best known for his major research interest, focused on the Physics of Steelpan. In 2013, he wrote “Secrets of the Steelpan: Unlocking the Secrets of the Science, Technology, Tuning of the Steelpan.” This work that is widely cited and made him acknowledged by many as the “world’s top authority” in the specialised field of scientific analysis of steelpan instruments.  

May he rest in peace. 

So have we in 2019 reached that dreaded 'glass ceiling' where bands that are outside that 'big 5' sacred circle are thrown under the bus? The message that this sends to every other band is that no matter how hard you try, no matter how  proficiently, well-arranged and executed, no matter how 'top drawer' a performance, the answer will always be a resounding 'No'. Unless judges don't get overly swayed by popularity and/or fan enthusiasm, unless they dare to use objectivity and make independent choices, avoid pre-conceived ideas and focus on each actual performance, there's a good chance of losing some pools of absolute talent. Judges' decisions could have very far-reaching consequences, positive and negative. Judges should remember that they're watching the very best efforts that each band is bringing and their collective decisions can be literally a matter of life or death for some bands.

Judges, ALL the bands deserve your unbiased, independent and objective attention. The finals represent another opportunity to 'do the right thing'. Let's see that right thing done, please! 

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Power Stars Steel Orchestra shall be hosting a Media Launch of its New Panorama 2014 Arranger, Terrance 'BJ' Marcelle at our Panyard, 114 Western Main Road, St. James, Port of Spain. Trinidad. Thursday December 12, 2013.

Music Provided by Simply Smooth; T&T Music Stars; Scrunter's Pan Groove; Golden Hands Symphony, closing off with Sapophonics

 Admission is free and the Event starts PROMPTLY at 5:00 P.M..

 Please pass on the word and celebrate with our community this event.

I once posed this question to Pan Trinbago and received a professional reply. Also, do you think the medium and large bands should be slated for the same night?

I am so proud of the Brooklyn Steel Side as Travis Roberts and Kern Simon decided to take this Orchestra to another .level. What highly committed and motivated young men!!! I have known one of their arrangers Kendal Williams playing pan as a toddler. He is an extremely talented and hardworking young man who is admired by many for his exemplary behavior and dedication. He has great potential and takes his music seriously. He is always willing to be a team player and has the ability to get along well with both his superiors and his peers.

Good Luck to all the members!!!!