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The Band Today The band is now 60-plus percent(%) female. The gradual increase in the female population of the orchestra is a direct result of the increasing female population of the campus. As the male : female ratio on campus changed, so did the band's character. As with their counterparts in Trinidad, a "rough neck" stigma was associated with Panoridim in the past. Richard Quarless, past musical director, captain, and band member since Panoridim's inception states “The panyard is a much more civil place now.” The
Band's membership is comprised primarily of U.W.I. students and graduates,
and a few musically inclined individuals from other educational Of course, we are a non-profit organization. We raise funds through sponsorship or charging clients for play-out engagements, and these funds are used to cover administrative expenses and the costly maintenance of our instruments. We also give consideration (based on the merit of each case) to performing without charging a fee, for charity/ non-profit organizations and ventures. WE ARE THE FIRST STEEL BAND ESTABLISHED in Jamaica, W.I. We have also played a critical role and offered assistance in the formation of the other major steel bands in Jamaica today.
Present "Active" Band members include:
The 2002-2003 Executive Committee:
"Steel Pan Alley" The band's latest venture is the recording of our debut CD, "Steel Pan Alley"! This saw the members being "packed" into a record studio and experiencing pan music in said environment for the first time. Needless to say, we quickly discovered that playing pan in a studio is very different from playing pan live. At times we were playing for six hours at a time. However, we are satisfied with the end result. Contact any member of the band to order your copy of "Steel Pan Alley" today!
Sponsorship Over the years Panoridim has benefitted from the kind support of many companies. The main ones have been BWIA International, Shell Company (W.I.) Limited, and the I.C.W.I. Group Limited. Currently we are without a sponsor, but we are actively seeking one.
Read more about our annual playouts and lymes....
*Active members are those persons in the band who have maintained consistent participation in musical engagements, and general band activities in at least the last 6-8 months. However, other members in the band include those in "training", those studying abroad, and others who leave only to come back and play from time to time. It has always been said, "once a member, always a member". |
institutions and the University's surrounding communities. Currently
of the regular/core members, there are two Trinidadians, and the rest
are Jamaican. Panoridim is an established recreational facility-cum-cultural
institution, and an extra-curricular activity within the campus activity,
under the auspices/umbrella of the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative
Arts (PSCCA).
Our mission is to foster a wider appreciation of the Steel Pan in Jamaica.
The Band can be found playing almost anywhere on campus and throughout
the island at a variety of functions and events. We have even
toured overseas in the past. We now have a core membership of
approximately 25, and are constantly recruiting during the academic
year, primarily at the beginning of semesters.
