Blog 2.0

i've been asked several times how to create a video for posting on WST or YouTube. For you computer geeks out there this may be simple, but to others it can be challenging.

There is a free program called "Audacity" that I use to convert the album tracks to digital.

I use a USB turntable; you should be able to use a regular turntable if you can connect it to your computer.

I copy each side of the album, then use the program to export and save the individual tracks In a format that can be used , say MP3 or WAV.

Using the info from the record cover I identify each track and copy relevant info (arrangers, tune name and composers etc.)

I use a digital camera to take pictures of the album cover, etc., and upload it into my computer.

You can use any video editing software, but I use Pinnacle Studio 12. I import the audio track, import the pictures (or video) and create a video in a format that can be uploaded to YouTube or WST. I use AVI or MP4.

For creating videos from video tape, I've found that the easiest way is to use a DVD Player/ recorder that can play VHS tapes.

I record the videos one tune at a time until the DVD is full. One DVD can probably take a whole panorama at the two hour speed. ( I use re-writable DVD media, so that if I make an error I can delete and start over.)
Use the video program of your choice to convert from DVD format and save it in a format that can be uploaded. I use AVI or MP4.

I use a program called DVDfab 7.

Your web site of choice will advise you as to how to upload a video to their site.

Some of these programs are commercial programs, but there may be freeware out there that can do the same.

You should be able to Google them for more info.

For those who are not computer literate, forward this info to your friend or relative who is a computer geek, he'll know what to do.

Hope this helps.

Bp Trinidad & Tobago and the Renegades Steel Orchestra signed a document symbolizing their continued commitment to each other at the Trinidad Hilton on Wednesday 30 June 2010. The occasion was a function to mark the 40^th Anniversary of the bpTT/Renegades partnership. The Chairman and CEO of bpTT Mr. Robert Riley, President of Renegades Mr. Michael Marcano and Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism Mr. Vel Lewis, signed the document. Affixing their signatures as witnesses were the captain of Renegades Ms. Candice Andrews and captain of the Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra Ms. Latoya Dufont.

Addressing the function, the bpTT Chairman and CEO said that his companies association with the Renegades has been a highly rewarding experience. ‘…Rewarding in that it has allowed us as an international business corporation to make a contribution to the growth and development of one of the most distinctive elements of the culture of Trinidad and Tobago – the steel pan. Rewarding, because it has given us the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives, livelihood, and welfare of hundreds of ambitious young men and women in this country as a whole and in the suburbs of East Port of Spain. Rewarding also, because through our involvement with this steel orchestra we have been able to showcase the musical talent of this country to the rest of the world.’

The Captain of Renegades Ms Candice Andrews had earlier welcomed guest including The President and Secretary of Pantrinbago, players of both the Renegades Steel Orchestra and the
Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra, arrangers and past captains of the band, the chairman, secretary and other representatives of the Renegades Senior Members Association, staff of bpTT and other invited guest.

Ms Andrews said that she was sure that none of signatories to the first contract between the then Amoco Trinidad Oil Company (now bpTT) in 1970, would have imagined that the relationship they so easily entered into would have blossomed into what it is today. That the signing of a little sponsorship agreement would have had the effect it did on the lives of the men and women that have been a part of the Renegades experience and by extension, on the very history and
development of the national instrument. In thanking bpTT Ms Andrews said, ‘We are eternally grateful to bpTT for their benevolence, for their mentoring, for their brand of collaboration that involves overseeing without interfering. The benefits to us, I can assure you, have been far greater than any pitfalls that may have occurred along the way.’

The President of Renegades Mr. Michael Marcano next gave highlights of Renegades history from the inception of the band in 1948 to present time. He hailed Renegades as the most acclaimed and perhaps highest profiled cultural ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago and of steel band music. The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism, Mr. Vel Lewis, representing the Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, the Honourable Winston Peters who was unavoidably absent, congratulated bpTT for being a good corporate citizen.

Did any one read this comment on the Trinidad Guardian ?

Submitted by uncthat on 1 July 2010 - 10:55pm.

MURDER AT NAPA. Congrats to Minister Gypsy Peters and the Pan Fraternity for an excellent two night of

glorious pan at NAPA. We were killed with sweet pan. The ghettoes boys traded their guns for pans and murdered us with glorious music. Honourable mention to Tripolians,Desparadoes, KatzenJammers, Invaders, Fonclaire,Exodus, All Stars, LH Pan Groove, Phase II, Laventille Sound Specialist, Renegades, Skiffle Bunch and Silver Stars.