Many people would tell you that quintessential sound of the Caribbean is the steel pan.
That Trinidad-originating pan is also the only major non-electronic new instrument to be invented in the last century and it is always a pleasure to behold this kinetic, tuneful experience.
On Saturday, 12 May from 6 to 10pm, St. Ignatius’ Loyola Hall hosts a family-friendly event in support of its own steel pan band, featuring also lots of music and food plus DJ Action Jackson and spot prizes.
Maria Kennedy tells Weekender that the band has had some recent competition success.
“On Thursday, 26 April our school competed in the National Children’s Festival of the Arts Steel pan competition. We played three songs:
La Vida Loca, which won a gold award; Trini to the Bone, which won a gold award; Dead or Alive, which won a silver. We also placed first overall in the junior category.
“On Friday, 27 April we played in the first ever Batabano Junior Steel Pan competition. We played Bazodee followed by Beautiful Girls. Five schools competed – we were first, Cayman Prep were second and Cayman Brac were third. The standard was very high,” Maria tells us.
Inspired band
There has been a steel band at the school, she explains, since pans were introduced to Grand Cayman. New band leader Michael Lemay has inspired the current crop, Maria says.
“The students really love playing the steel pans. They get very excited at the thought of being able to perform. Aisha Stanuel Taitte when asked said if I had to give it a mark out of 10 I’d give it 11. It’s a demanding activity which takes skill, practise and perseverance. Our players demonstrate this every week. They meet with Mr. Lemay sometimes three or more times a week. They have come to school during school holidays and at weekends to practise – they are a dedicated group.
“Unfortunately, the instruments that they are using are well past their best. They no longer make the appropriate sound when played and so we need to raise money to buy new pans so that the group can sound as good as they should,” Maria explains.
Hence Saturday’s fundraiser, of course.
“The purpose of the fundraiser is to raise money to purchase new pans and sticks for the band. It is a Caribbean evening where people will be able to eat Caribbean food like jerk, Cayman-style beef, rice ‘n’ beans and even some rum cake – then be entertained by our wonderful steel band, a guest steel band and the tuneful selections of Chris Jackson.”
Tickets (including food) are $25 for adults and $15 for children with dinner included. Tickets available from steel pan members or the school office.
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