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: PANTONIC
By SABRINA HUNTER -
Basement Press
Pantonic the Champions Three young girls talk about the success of the band, the leaders and
the strong bonds within.
Ayana, Jenica and
Nikki enter the studio, sporting red and white T-shirts. It’s hardly
surprising to see them smile, after winning the Panorama Champs
competition of 2001 and 2002. “It was a good feeling and a great
experience,” they explain. They were speechless when I announced
that, When Steel Talks had just awarded them
2002 Band of the Year.
The band was formed four
years ago and is now one of the largest North American steelbands bands,
with approximately 25 "core stage side players", but which during the
summer, expands to at least 125 players. The band is mainly made up
of youth players, with the youngest tenor player at the astonishing age of
four.
The band is blessed to have
Clive
Bradley as the arranger, who is legendary and known worldwide.
He drives the band forward with creative rhythms, that everyone enjoys
playing. The band is always impressed with Bradley’s ideas.
“He adds a nice vibe to the band,” says Jenica, while Ayana adds, “he is
on a chilling vibe”. Nikki mentions how Bradley communicates well
with everyone.
The girls are expressive
about an important person for the band, Glenda Ford-Gamory,
2002 Steelpan co-Person of
the year. She is known as Aunt Glenda to the band, which
explains for itself. Glenda is someone the band looks up to.
“It's very rare to see a woman running a band,” says Ayana. Not only
does she run the band’s finances and funds, she always makes herself
known, as a friend to talk to, whether it’s about music or other social
issues. Having Glenda as a manager makes the girls feel that there
is a place for women, in the steel band movement. “Glenda is like an
aunt and a mother and does a good job running a top band. It can be
intimidating for a woman, but Glenda is inspirational for me. ” says
Jenica.
How long have you
been playing for the band?
Ayana:
Five months
Jenica:
Six years
Nikki:
Two-three years
What pans do you
play?
Ayana:
I play the Guitar
Jenica:
Tenor Bass
Nikki:
I rotate between tenor and the tenor bass.
Who inspired you to
play?
Ayana:
I watched pan sessions and then I decided to play. At first it was
hard, but eventually it flowed.
Jenica:
My best friend stayed at my house while her parents went away.
Meanwhile my friend took me to a pan yard and I enjoyed the experience.
Nikki:
I watched other bands play whilst shopping with my mum at the Kings Plaza.
How do people
generally perceive pans?
Ayana:
People always ask me what is a steel pan. Some have little knowledge
knowing that it’s an orchestra of bass, tenors and so on. People
generally ask if they can come to the next event.
Jenica:
People don’t realize the potential of pans. In this society we're
now utilizing the pans and marketing in a different way to expose [them].
Nikki:
Is that a garbage can I see in the train stations? (she laughs) Then
I explain to them what it is.
Do you place pans in
the same level as other instruments like a piano?
Ayana:
There are a lot of techniques in playing the pan, which people don’t
realize. The runs are hard, especially the roll.
Jenica:
You never beat the pan to produce a good sound.
Nikki:
It is all in the wrist.
Are their any issues
or experiences you would like to share?
All:
We have no problems in the band. We always socialize together as a
band including the leaders.
Ayana:
My mum loves to watch me perform at the play-offs. It great time for
her to party and the audience gives a good vibe. Being in a band is
a positive thing as I spend most of my spare time practicing. Pan is
my life and before I joined there was nothing in my life. I always
feel loved.
Jenica:
I love the feedback we receive at events. We work very hard and it’s
a lot of work… we're entertaining... fun to play.
Nikki:
We come together as a family.
Are there any plans
for the future?
Jenica:
Were planning on producing an album.
Sabrina (in cap) letting the Pan women have their
say...
Sabrina Hunter, (left)andand fellow Basement Intern Tasha Morris in grey (right).
Sabrina and Tasha chatted with the Ladies in Steel at the historic Photo
Shoot
