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The Champions CASYM Steel Orchestra Close Off Year with a Bang, Thanks and Praises

Just walking the walk... no talk!

A When Steel Talks Exclusive

In Pictures

New York, New York -  There was an extra glistening in the reflections as the light hit the beautiful mirror-like looking instruments played by CASYM on stage. Not a smudge was in sight as the rays seemingly beamed in all directions, but brought a special glow also to that great big 2013 Panorama Champion trophy residing stage left. And on a very cold New York Fall evening (temperatures were more Wintry than fall-like), CASYM fed us, entertained us and filled our spirit with much music and warmth.

CASYM’s 2013 NY Panorama championship trophy at stage left
CASYM’s 2013 NY Panorama championship trophy at stage left

It’s been a fantastic year for New York’s 2013 Panorama champions CASYM Steel Orchestra, and the overall organization. Just a couple months removed from capturing the coveted New York title, CASYM held its annual Christmas show. This year the event was called “A Caribbean Christmas Extravaganza.” And an extravaganza it was. Again, as in past years CASYM demonstrated why their organization is a premiere panorama steel orchestra and much more.

President emeritus and founder of CASYM William Jones (right) addresses audience with CASYM President Travis Roberts at his side
President emeritus and founder of CASYM William Jones (right) addresses audience with CASYM President Travis Roberts at his side

Education and youth development through the arts have consistently been a major part of the CASYM initiative. Celebrating their 30th year of existence as a cultural and educational institution, the CASYM brand has left an indelible mark on the Brooklyn-New York landscape. Generations of youth have now passed through the organization’s instructional classes. CASYM is now reflecting proudly on its legacy among other great accomplishments. At the opening of the show, president emeritus and founder of CASYM William Jones gave the audience a brief review of the organization’s history, while proudly taking the time to publicly spotlight the people who “made it happen,” some who were in attendance.

This is also a pivotal year for Travis Roberts, who assumed the role of president of the organization in December.  Easy-going and affable, Roberts has been a ‘CASYM-ite’ for all of twenty-two years, never veering away from the group.  As he himself proudly put it that evening “I am CASYM; it is my whole life.  If you cut me I would ‘bleed’ CASYM”

CASYM’s Adult Class
CASYM’s Adult Class

The event showcased CASYM Steel Orchestra, CASYM Classes 1 & 2, ICIDIC Dancers and CASYM’s Adult Class - all who performed for the night. It was a fantastic turnout of fans and well-wishers who gave an unrestrained outpouring of support for the organization and its long litany of accomplishments. In addition, the group showed its appreciation to its members for their hard work and dedication.


CASYM’s Class One

There were many great moments at this event as the generations of CASYM members performed mainly selections from a seasonal repertoire of great Christmas music. Of special note was the unprecedented featuring and performance by CASYM’s stage side of three separate musical arrangements by three of New York’s top young arrangers - albeit these arrangers have affiliations with competing New York steel orchestras. The musical works of arrangers Odie Franklin (Despers USA), Kendall Williams (CrossFire) and Marc Brooks (NY Pan Stars) were heard through the execution of CASYM for the concert. Franklin re-imaged Baron’s “Come Go,” with Brooks’ version of The Jackson 5’s “Give Love on Christmas Day” and “Santa Baby” by Williams were on point. All three were in the “engine room” of CASYM for the session, with Williams on drums during “Santa Baby.”

CASYM’s ICIDIC Dancers
CASYM’s ICIDIC Dancers

It is one thing to talk about unity and forward progress - it is an entirely different agenda to put it into practice. This was indeed a magnanimous move by CASYM on their night, and in their celebratory year, to share the spotlight and highlight the untapped talent among the Brooklyn community.

CASYM’s Class Two
CASYM’s Class Two

It was a great night, and a great time was had by all. And of course we have to mention that impetuous CASYM elf, who the audience loved, along with Mrs. Claus, who both enjoyed themselves as much as the guests.

CASYM Steel Orchestra after their 2013 Christmas concert
CASYM Steel Orchestra after their 2013 Christmas concert

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‘CASYM’s 2013 Christmas Concert’ - in Pictures
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