These were all in the last few days (gotta love this place):
- 4 amazing bands (BWIA Invaders, Phase II, Desperadoes, All Stars) all gathered in one place (All Stars panyard) just to jam and celebrate All Stars anniversary
- Virtuoso solo pannists doing their recital for their degree (look where pan has reached!)
- A choir of about 30 people singing the latest soca songs (interesting concept, eh?)
- Exodus practising their festival pieces outdoors under a starlit sky
Ignoring the choir (which was really good btw), the other events all go to show what I was trying to explain to a friend here – that there is so much more to pan than just Panorama. The myriad of configurations is amazing. The music that flows from this instrument expresses so much. It is no wonder that so much of the Trinidadian identity is tied up in the steel pan.
Of course, that has also become true for me personally. I have to be making an effort to not limit myself to pan while I am here. Which is hard because there is easily something going on in the pan world every weekend, not to mention rehearsals to go watch in the week. But since I am in the process of trying to define myself I do have to go beyond the familiar and comfortable. I have started my theatre education with my classmate, Yvonne who is somewhat of a Caribbean theatre guru herself. (besides acting and directing and teaching theatre arts , she also writes novels (well one so far) and poetry – she is a very busy lady). More on this when I start Directing I (I have to do a practical course in the arts as part of my diploma).
Sounds too cool! Take pics and send them so we can try to put hexes on you.
I am definately envying you right now. (sigh)