Sweet Steelpan music rocks CASH in pre-mash jump up

Feb 23, 2012 News

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Sweet, sweet steelpan music echoed through the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) last Sunday evening as the 2012 Republic Bank Mashramani Pan-o-rama Steel Band Competition delivered in full throttle, another evening of splendid metallic symphony under its “Power to make a difference” banner.
The night’s events which were hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Russell Lancaster, and begun with the subtle sounds of the Belladrum Community Band and the Shemroy Anthony Programme which performed the classic Bob Marley tune, ‘By the rivers of Babylon’ in memory of a youth who had lost his life to violence in his community and whose name was the band’s title.
The opening remarks were delivered by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony who expressed gratitude to Republic Bank for continuing its initiative.
Officials representing Republic Bank also gave their remarks, revealing their willingness and pleasure in being part of the Pan-o-rama idea.
And with this, the night’s competition commenced as the crowd continued to pack the venue. Six school bands kicked off the contest with each having to play their own rendition of the test tune ‘A better life’ by George Noel.
North Ruimveldt Multilateral School rocked the crowd with their ‘high and low’ take on the piece and got really positive feedback from the gathering. They took second place along with Pan Wave Academy who also delivered an energy-packed performance. But the winners, Queen’s College, gave a masterly performance to take first place.
The next level of the competition presented the talented junior soloists who all performed different versions of “Rondo Allanturca” a piece by Mozart. The juniors won over the crowd, who lent a lot of support to the obviously nerve-wracked players. Don Johnson took the third place spot, Raphael Nunes took second and the consistent and well timed Michael Smith Jr. copped top spot.
The duets had the crowd screaming for more as the pairs tried to keep in time and on point with their two-part pieces that were chosen by themselves. Clayton Daniels and Tarrique Mentore claimed third with their take on ‘To serve my country’; Jamal Johnson and Javier Marks took second with ‘Sunshine’ and Cary Gillis and Jovanka Williams landed first place with their piece ‘duet No. 10’

Now although one expects a church band to be quite restrained and simple, there was nothing simple about the magnificent performances of the church groups. And although they placed third in the church band segment; decked out in yellow shirts,  black waist coats and black bottoms, the Central Assembly of God were most energetic and inspiring. Their 80–year-old band leader, Archibald Webb, expressed to the crowd in dance what must be done when the lively sounds of praises is heard. He commanded the crowd as they erupted with cheers and applause for the senior’s vibrant display.
Like the third place winner, South Ruimveldt Nazarene One Steel Orchestra who secured the first place seat dazzled the crowd. The youthfulness of the band which was headed by Marvin Sparman was clearly seen as a cheerful ensemble, with mostly young adults, and provided great enjoyment. They performed the piece ‘Jesu’ joy of man’s desire’ by Johan Sebastian Bach, which was also the chosen piece for all the church bands.
St Andrews, however, delivered an experience fitting for that segment. The crew led by Colgan White produced a sweet and calm rendition. It was truly an uplifting segment.
The proceedings then paused for a few minutes so that the large bands could set up.
First place senior soloist, Jovanka Williams, retained her title for a second consecutive year. The young lady played an original piece as did her competitors, Ray Sparman who took second place and Clayton Daniels who claimed third spot.
To conclude a night of fine sounding music, the large bands played impressively. The Silken Ladder by Rossini was the test tune to be played by all the bands and originals which were produced by themselves. Cheers vibrated the Sports Hall as the Guyana Police Force Band won over the crowd with their yellow twirling police light and wailing siren sound.
The officers made their entrances from all directions as they ran and bounced into the centre of the venue. Their pans were beautifully painted in grey, red and blue with the Police Force’s logo printed on the front. The cops waved the Guyana flag representing for the state that they serve. And to top it all off, a female mascot paraded with the police flag and gyrated as they played a jump-up piece that kept the crowd on their feet during the whole performance.
It was however Parkside Steel Orchestra and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport bands that reigned supreme. They delivered stunning performances and had the crowd grooving to the vibrant sounds of their beautiful steelpans. Their final pieces left the judges with no choice but to share the spoils between them.

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