Female members of New York Steel Bands
were invited to attend a photo shoot in Soho on January 19, 2003, with the
objective of featuring New York's "women of steel" in leading magazines.
Important times in the calendar year - Black History Month and Women's Month,
February and March respectively, are in the spotlight. Steelband was
once male-dominated, and this photo shoot provided a great opportunity for
these women of steel to express their opinions on the importance of
their roles in the steelband.
WHAT THE PAN WOMEN SAY: PAN AMBASSADORS
By SABRINA HUNTER -
Basement Press
PAN AMBASSADORS steel
orchestra I
spoke to four girls of the band, Kamicha, Kiera, Akeeda and
Melissa. Kiera and Akeeda’s father, Magnus Scanterbury is the
founder and manager.
How long have you
been playing for the band?
Kamicha:
Over a year.
Kiera:
Three years
Akeeda:
Four years
Melissa:
Two years
What pans do you
play?
Kamicha:
Tenor
Kiera:
Tenor, Bass, double 2nd
Akeeda:
Tenor, double 2nd and I also sing for the band
Melissa:
Tenor, Bass, double 2nd
Akeeda what do you
sing?
Akeeda:
I sing gospel, R&B as a solo singer.
Do you prefer singing
or playing?
Akeeda:
I feel good when singing.
Who inspired you all
to play?
Kamicha:
Culture
Kiera:
My father
Akeeda:
My father as well
Melissa:
Brother and Akeeda
Does it feel good to
know that you have inspired your friend to play, Akeeda?
Akeeda:
Yes, and my sister Kiera
What is great about
your band?
Kiera:
We have mothers and fathers to help support us.
Melissa:
We're like a family and we socialize well.
What is the balance
of age and gender in the band?
Kamicha:
Mixed
Kiera:
Mainly children
Akeeda:
We have 35 players
Where do you perform?
Melissa:
Everywhere. At the [2002] Panorama competition we linked with the NY
Nutones band.
What music do you
play?
Kamicha:
Variety of jazz, gospel, reggae and calypso.
Are their any issues
or experiences you would like to share?
Kiera:
Churches always gives us the best feedback.
Are there any plans
for the future?
Akeeda:
Our second CD is in process
How does it feel to
be here at the photo shoot?
Melissa:
We feel very important being here.
