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:
METRO
By SABRINA HUNTER -
Basement Press
metro steel orchestra I
spoke to three girls, Lisa, Alicia and Jaishree who
play for this band.
How long have you been
playing for the band?
Lisa:
One year for the band
Alicia:
Four-five years for the band.
Jaishree:
One year
What pans do you
play?
Lisa:
Front tenor
Alicia:
Tenor Bass and tenor. I’m also a captain
Jaishree:
Tenor
Alicia, how long have
you been a captain and what is your role?
Alicia:
I have been a captain for three years and I assist the leader and help
behind the scenes.
Who inspired you to
play?
Lisa:
Hanging out at the pan yard. Also my dad is an arranger.
Alicia:
My brother plays pan.
Jaishree:
I was born into it as my father is an arranger and he owned former Sounds
of Steel.
What is great about
your band?
Lisa:
Fun, loving
Alicia:
Very good bond
Jaishree:
The players are good to each other and we socialize.
How many members are
there in your band?
Lisa:
Approximately 75 plus
What is the balance
of age and gender in the band?
Alicia:
Majority are teens
Jaishree:
More girls then boys.
What music do you
play?
Calypso, reggae and a bit of jazz
Where do you perform?
Alicia:
Everywhere, weddings, dance programs and band launches, Miami Carnival.
Are their any issues
or experiences you would like to share?
Lisa:
We are currently looking for a pan yard. Lisa:
Alicia:
We move too much.
Jaishree:
It would be great to find a place to stay permanently.
Are there any plans
for the future?
Lisa:
Creating a CD
How does it feel to
be here at the photo shoot?
Lisa:
Great
Alicia:
Feeling good
Jaishree:
Surprised
