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PANP ODIUM YOUTH
Nneka Granderson on a MISSION to teach the artform to the youth.
PP: When were you first introduced to the steelpan instrument? NG: I was first introduced to the steelpan at Diamond Vale Government Primary School at age 8 playing double seconds. I grew up playing piano with my aunt and cousins and when given the opportunity in primary school I decided I would try it. I have always been intrigued by how the different steelpans combine to produce one sound.
PP: What was the first steelband you played for? NG: The first band I played for was Nutrien Silver Stars and since then I have played with First Citizens Supernovas, Tunapuna All Stars, Musical Gems, Pan Elites PP: When was your first panorama? NG: It was in 2010 with Silver Stars
PP: If you could play for any band in the world which band would you want to play with? NG: Each band brings its own unique vibe and experience that impacts differently, but I have always admired the vibe and discipline that Trinidad All Stars exhibits-both during panorama and outside of the season.
PP: What steelband competitions/tours have you taken part in? NG: Aside from Trinidad’s annual panorama competitions, I played in the Miami Carnival’s panorama competition and travelled with Musical Gems to Canada’s Caribana Panorama as a guest band.
PP: What was the most challenging thing you have done to do with pans? NG: Every panorama arrangement usually has one challenging part to play. It usually requires more practice and tactic to decide my hand movement in order to play it successfully. One year I also had to play the 4cello which was quite a challenge as well.
PP: What is your role in Supernovas Steel Orchestra? I am a 7 bass pan player on Supernovas Steel Orchestra’s Stage side.
PP: What are the important qualities/skills that an individual must possess to perform in a steelband? NG: I believe anyone that has a passion, enthusiasm, discipline and willingness for playing the steelpan can become a member of any steel band.
PP: Can you describe your musical experiences
playing with all the different steelbands that you have played for? NG: I have enjoyed playing with all the steelbands so far. Each band has a different culture and each arranger brings a different vibe and experience to the music that is played. Generally, the entire panorama experience is one of the best. To me, at least a couple months in the year, people who love the instrument come together to complete and play musical masterpieces to display on the ‘Big Stage’.
PP: What advice would you give to a new player? NG: You have so many choices as a new player. Each band has so many different ranges of steelpans that anyone can learn. Embrace the experience and be willing to invest time into practice and make sure you have all your music.
PP: What are your hopes and vision for pan in Trinidad and globally? NG: I hope that pan can one day be more appreciated and respected in Trinidad and Tobago as well as gain the recognition it needs as being our National Instrument. Globally, I hope that pan continues to be recognized and appreciated for the amazing instrument that it is. As the national instrument, learning about the history, culture and playing should be integrated into the curriculum, especially from young ages. The education system always seems to focus on other aspects of our culture but gives very brief introductions about our national instrument. I hope that with pan becoming more recognized and appreciated, its potential to foster positive social and emotional development is acknowledged.
PP: What are your musical aspirations for the future? NG: Hopefully one day I get the opportunity to introduce and teach young children to play the steelpan.
PP: What do you think needs to happen in the Trinidad for the steelpan instrument and its culture to be more widely recognised on all musical platforms? NG: While there has been a greater presence of the steelpan instrument across recent musical platforms, there can be more outlets for persons to access steel pan music throughout the country. For example: more radio stations playing varieties of genres of songs played on steelpan, as well as more pan jams or shows where bands get the opportunity to showcase their talents with people in and around the various communities.
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