Women In Steel
Set to Represent New York at

The 2004 edition of
The World Steelband Music Festival
 

New York - August 17th, 2004

It's the opportunity that the New York-based soloist and quartet have practiced for tirelessly.   Women In Steel, Brooklyn's only all-female steel orchestra, proudly intend to put on a great show at the World Steelband Music Festival in two areas of the minor categories which are still on the calendar of events, (unlike the main section of the 2004 competition, which has been postponed, ostensibly until 2005).
 

Leaving for Trinidad on Tuesday 17 August, the group, which includes  spokeswoman Colette Baptiste, could be away for as many as ten days.  When Steel Talks  caught up with the contingent at Women In Steel's Lincoln Rd. rehearsal area as they prepared their musical instruments for departure.  Missing was Shina Rougier, who had another commitment at that time.
 

The young women have their sights set squarely on the top prizes available in both categories.   The New York quartet comprises Shina Rougier on six-bass, Colette Modeste on cellos, Pamela Fields on seconds, and Iman Pascall on tenor.   Iman will also compete in the soloist category on Thursday 19 August.  Her selection of choice is The Finale (Piano) Sonata 12 in F, arranged by Jeffery Pierre.
 

The quartet's tune of choice - The New Children Of the World  - was written by renowned musician and accomplished guitar player Freddie Harris, II.  His son, Freddie Harris, III, took time out of his very busy schedule, (he is currently co-arranging the 2004 panorama selection for Sesame Flyers Steel Orchestra, one of thirteen bands taking part in the upcoming New York competition) -  to do the arranging honors for the Women In Steel quartet.  Harris, III is also traveling to Trinidad with the group.

Should the Women In Steel representatives make the "cut", they will compete in the finals, currently scheduled to take place Friday 20 August at the recently-renovated Queen's Hall in St. Ann's, one of the premiere performance venues in Trinidad and Tobago.

Contact --  WomenInSteel@hotmail.com  or 1-718- 629-2471

By CP  - Basement Press Release Writer