Our Phenomenon!!

By Kerwin De Matas

For the people that actually read my articles, thank you very much. But today, I thought it would be good if I did an article, on one of my favorite subjects. So today, I wouldn't rant on society's' ills, but instead, I would talk about the steel pan...I started this blog to talk exclusively about the steel pan, but then I thought, maybe if some people do start reading my blog, they would definitely be bored out of their skins.

Rehearsals

Today, I feel like I should express every Trinbagonians' pride, to be from an island that invented one of 20Th century's important musical instrument. Starting in very humble surroundings in the hills of Lavantille, on the island of Trinidad, with controversy as to who invented the instrument, frankly, I don't care. For me, it's only important that a Trinidadian invented this instrument, that I've grown to love with all my heart.

All Stars Supporters At Rehearsals

The fanaticism and passion, that people have for example, football, cricket, basketball etc, it's the same passion, fans for the steel pan has. Going over board with this topic, I agree maybe, might be too much. But try to imagine, the emotion when your favorite pan orchestra is on the stage to put out their performance at the annual Panorama competitions, held in the month of February, of each year.

Pan Tuners

Of course, the support is also for what ever performance they might be doing in other venues or competitions. My favorite orchestra to the end is, Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars, which I have been following, from since I was a kid. Looking at these people play, sometimes a kid could not help but daydream about playing the instrument, just as they do.

All Stars In Action!


To hear the metallic sounds, very well tuned by the best pan tuners on the island, to put forward , those well arranged pieces that they practiced weeks to get right. Sometimes, the pride would be greatest when I would be in the All Stars pan yard, while they went through their paces. So much people would come by to watch while they rehearsed, it was just awesome.

All Stars Equipment That Won The Competitions

At the entrance, people would be there selling the All Stars T-shirts for the coming season, foodstuff, beers and the list goes on. Everything just beautiful! If anyone was to ask me what I missed most of all from my island, the response wouldn't be difficult.

Pan Fest Competitions

Being present at the All Stars pan yard while they practiced, and then being at the stage side ( after sneaking in of course! )while they did their magic, is what I miss most of all from my island. In my newly adopted country, normally I used to drive around with my original steel pan Cd's in my glove compartment. But since all of them was stolen last year from my car, my new collection that I am getting together again, stays at home, and I go around with only copies!

Few Has The Skill Of Twelve Bass!!

Ah Trinidad....more than being a patriotic, I am very proud to my heart, for this instrument that God has blessed our island with. For those of you that might be reading this article, if you don't understand, no problem at all. This is just a Trini, talking about a real Trini passion. If you want to know more, just visit this link. www.pantrinbago.com