There is new excitement at the Highlanders Pan Theatre and Learning Centre. Launched earlier this year, the Highlanders Youth Steel Orchestra has brought “a positive alternative for our young people” and the Success Village, Laventille community says manager Robert Hernandez.
Already 25 young people have joined the band, whose membership is open to anyone under 21. The Youth Orchestra’s manager is Kaila Jones Baptiste, and Joeth Roberts and Shaquille Gaskin arrange and teach music.
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Godwin Bowen pumped up Pamberi when he joined those talented San Juan panmen. Together, they brought new energy from the East, the way the late Earl Rodney and Solo Harmonites did decades earlier. Bowen’s arrangements gave Panorama a fresh vibe. His music was expansive and held huge promise. His melodies were emotionally charged and often nuanced. Pan lovers knew early he was a gifted arranger, and, later, composer.
Bowen came to Panorama with a bold spirit, a…
We heard some decent music at Panorama 2024, as we should expect from the top steel bands. Most arrangers are clearly trying to explore new ideas, and their choice of tunes from different periods gave the competition a nice vibe. Others stuck tight to formulaic renditions that couldn’t stir the North Stand, or anyone else.
What we can say, however reluctantly, is this wasn’t a memorable Panorama. Yeah, we know. That’s a bit sacrilegious. But no music stood out. Nothing got everyone on their feet, a sure…
The Junior Panorama now seems to invite more enthusiasm than the bigger pan competitions. Parents and supporters pack the stands, and elsewhere, to see these youngsters show off their musical skills. This year, the crowds were even larger than usual.
Nineteen primary schools competed at the Queen’s Park Savannah. In the…
