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: DESPERS USA
By SABRINA HUNTER -
Basement Press
DESPERS USA steel orchestra I
spoke to three girls from the band: Jessica,
Samantha and Tiffany. These girls were excited and eager
to get a good pose for the photo shoot. The band was formed, in the
late 70’s; Wilford Kieal is the manager.
How long have you
been playing for the band?
Jessica:
Two years
Samantha:
Five years
Tiffany:
Seven years
What pans do you
play?
Jessica:
Tenor, Bass
Samantha:
Started playing tenor then moved on to the double tenor. I’m also a
co-section leader.
Tiffany:
Tenor bass and I’m a section leader
Who inspired you to
play?
Jessica:
My mum who is from Trinidad.
Samantha:
I was always hanging out at the pan yard
Tiffany:
My father is one of the owners of this band and he encouraged me.
How many members in
the band?
Jessica:
Over 100 I think
What is the balance
of age and gender in the band?
Jessica:
Mixture
Samantha:
Older band, more guys than girls
Where do you perform?
Tiffany:
Everywhere
What music do you
play?
Jessica:
Classics, Calypso, and Soca
What is great about
your band?
Tiffany:
No gender problems
Are their any issues
or experiences you would like to share?
Samantha:
Yes - we won Panorama six years in a row and came in second place in 2002.
Last year was very fun for us.
Wow! That is a
huge achievement. Are there any plans for the future?
Tiffany:
Plans to produce a CD
