Port-of-Spain,
Trinidad, WI: While adults can take claim for the eventual
reunification of the legendary Solo Harmonites Steel Orchestra, youths are
getting the credit for making it work.
The impact of their innocence binds the band as was clearly represented at its
first ever reunification dinner held at its Morvant Junction, Barataria panyard
in east Trinidad on December
29.
That’s where panists once on opposite sides of the divide
now sat as a family, ate,
raised toasts, laughed and danced.
It was the perfect setting to illuminate signs of progress, and ultimately hope,
for a lasting togetherness.
Panists get their serving of sumptuous holiday cuisine |
Shelford Lawrence, right, captain
of Solo Harmonites
chats with Peter Kanhai, manager, administration |
The wondrous situation in which Harmonites finds itself comes almost six weeks
after the band and its spin-off Pan Knights Steel Orchestra announced that a deal had been
struck to formally merge both brands after the 15-year split.
Harmonites absorbed the assets of Pan Knights to stamp its return as a musical
force in the pan world, with Solo Beverages as its sponsor.
Harmonites chairman Joseph Reneaud, left,
with panists
Jamila Peters, brother
Jamal Bubb and mother June Bubb |
Panists Kern Bobb, right, and Anthony
L.P. John share a photo moment |
Pan Trinbago’s National Panorama competition is the first showcase where the
reconstituted band aims to demonstrate its musical might. The band will be
appearing in the large category, and Yohan Popwell will be responsible for its
musical output.
Joseph Reneaud, a former captain of Harmonites, is its new chairman.
Shelford Lawrence stays as captain, while Owen Serrette of Pan Knights fame
serves as manager operations.
Peter Kanhai, who managed Harmonites up to the time of the merger is manager
administration;
Sheralda Moore, is vice-captain of the band.
Percussionist Joel Phillip, left, chats with manager, operations Owen
Serrette |
Sheralda Moore, vice-captain of Harmonites in
candid conversation with captain Shelford Lawrence, left and arranger
Yohan Popwell |
Staying true to his utterances at the media conference to signal the band’s
reunification, Reneaud maintains that the newly installed executive intends to
build a band full of confidence, that is not averse to the tenets of hard
working and embracing discipline.
He would only hint that the band had a plan to achieve it goals by stepping up
to the necessary demands that is required in the weeks and days leading up to it
major showcase.
Positive happenings in Harmonites’
camp have breathed a new sense of community in Morvant and Barataria,
where proud residents to the band’s reunification have put aside differences
towards a bright future.
Peter Kanhai, left, manager,
administration at
Harmonites greets
Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz |
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From the
News Desk of
Sean Nero
Photos:
Courtesy
Solo
Harmonies
Steel
Orchestra
|