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Web Posted - Friday August 31, 2012
DNAInfo.com

A Golden Ear Tends to Brooklyn’s Steel Drums for West Indian Day

Brooklyn, New York, USA - The steel drums may have been born in Trinidad — but for this island-born tinkerer, it took a move to Brooklyn to find the pan's perfect pitch.

Clement Franklin, 54, of Canarsie, began banging out steel drums in 1985, but it was only a decade ago that he undertook the much more delicate art of tuning the popular Caribbean instrument — an intricate process that he and more than a dozen other specially trained ears will repeat over hundreds of steelpans this week in advance of Monday's West Indian Day Parade.

"Some guys can't get the tuning — they can shape and prepare the pan, but they can't get that tone," Franklin explained as he tapped away with his hammer, gently "blending" a pan for Despers USA-Trini, one of about a dozen steel drum bands that will compete and perform during the weekend-long carnival.

"Everybody has their gift, but some people are slower than some."
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Web Posted - Friday August 31, 2012
Billboard.biz

The Business of Brooklyn’s West Indian Day Parade

New York, USA - A kaleidoscope of colors and a cacophony of adrenaline pumping soca rhythms are at the core of the West Indian American Day Carnival (WIADC) parade held on Labor Day along a several mile stretch of Eastern Parkway in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. Commencing on the Thursday night with a display of costumes and climaxing with its Monday afternoon street parade, the WIADC is undoubtedly North America's largest Caribbean cultural event and NYC's largest parade But Carnival is also big business.

According to an impact study funded by Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) in 2003, the WIADC generated $86 million dollars for every 1 million attendees. Carnival now boasts over 3 million patrons and the economic impact generated via tourism, local purchases and sale of goods consumed along with mass transit use, exceeds $300 million.

Currently celebrating its 45^th anniversary, The West Indian American Day Carnival is financed through grants from various New York city and state agencies, corporate sponsors, fund raising events and private donations; support is slightly down, says the President of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) Thomas Bailey.

....Saturday night's steel drum band competition, Panorama, features 11 [sic] steel bands, the majority from the New York area, vying for cash prizes.
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Web Posted - Friday August 31, 2012
When Steel Talks

35th BAS Notting Hill Steelband Panorama 2012

England, U.K. - Real Steel led by young, innovative and talented Leroy Clarke has toppled the London steelbands which have dominated the winning podium for more than a decade.

Leroy and Real Steel have been in the winners’ shadows for some time. In fact, the first year that they entered the competition, they attained 2nd place, a massive feat for an orchestra new to this level of competition. They did not compete in last year’s competition. In this iconic year for the UK, they finally achieved their goal of being the UK’s ‘Champions of Steel’. Leroy’s rendition of Tellison 'Tello' Forde’s Prophet of Pan sung by Keith 'Designer' Prescott, saw them amass 270 points, eight points clear of last year’s champions Mangrove Steelband, led by Andre White.
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Web Posted - Friday August 31, 2012
wbur.com

Bang On A Pan: Steel Drum Orchestras Ready For Battle

New York, USA - Despers USA practices on a big parking lot off Atlantic Avenue. Band members start wandering in around 6 or 7 p.m., and slowly take their places behind racks of steel drums. Like a symphony orchestra, they're organized by section — the thin tenors ringed around the outside; the big, deep, oil-drum basses toward the center; the mid-range "guitars," as they're called, nearby.

Their section leader counts them in. He stops them, and then stops them again, saying the opening needs to be stronger. Eventually, they get it.

Around the corner from the Despers lot is a second steel band — about 20 players crammed into a smaller lot. Around the corner from that one there's a third. The steel band competition has taken over the block.
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Web Posted - Tuesday August 28, 2012
When Steel Talks

Showdown at Despers USA Corral - 2012 Band Launch

Thunder, Lighting and Rain can’t stop New York steelbands

New York, USA - Even as a bright and sunny weekend now looms ahead for the always-anticipated annual steel band music panorama competition in New York, many steel band music connoisseurs do not have to think back too far, to when rain seemed to be the order of the day—or make that evening—in steel band launches. So much so, that if you were a patron at the events, you were pretty much resigned to maybe getting a good soaking to go along with your sweet sessions of steel band music. Just asked the music lovers who were at the Despers USA band launch two weekends ago. It turned into another veritable ‘wet fete’ preceded earlier in the evening by lightning streaking across the sky, and inevitably followed by showers of rain which began while Pantonic Steel Orchestra was in musical charge of pan lovers’ attention. It had been bone dry when hosts Despers USA opened up earlier that evening, followed by New York Pan Stars and ADLIB Steel Orchestra.
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Web Posted - Sunday August 26, 2012
When Steel Talks

2012 UK Panorama Championship Results - Real Steel Wins!

Global - Plymouth-based steel orchestra Real Steel took several in the UK pan-world by surprise when they copped the 2012 UK Panorama championship title, on what started out as a rainy English evening on Saturday August 25. With a rain-delayed start, the six steel orchestras took their turn on stage in the musical duel which saw last year’s champs Mangrove Steel Band settling in at the second slot.
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Web Posted - Wednesday August 22, 2012
Sun Jounral

Guitarist, steel drum band will play to benefit library

Wayne, Maine, USA - A summer music fest featuring guitarist/songwriter Ed Desjardins and the Mad Anthony Pan Handlers steel drum band will be held Sunday, Aug. 26, at the Ladd Center.

The event will benefit the Cary Memorial Library.

Desjardins has accompanied world-class musicians at concerts he has hosted in Readfield and Winthrop over the past few years. For this show, he will be accompanied by percussionist Alfred Lund and bassist Dave Thibodeau.
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Web Posted - Wednesday August 22, 2012
When Steel Talks

Six Steel Orchestras vie for 2012 UK Panorama Championship Title this Saturday

Global - Six of the UK’s most noted steel orchestras will put their best musical notes forward, in the annual tournament of bands coming together in their efforts to cop the prestigious title of Panorama champs. Five will endeavor to wrest the title from the 2011 champions, Mangrove Steel Band. With instruments tuned by Dudley Dickson and returning with champion arranger André White, Mangrove takes the stage first in the competition playing Faye-Ann Lyons’ & Baron’s All Over as their tune of choice.
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Web Posted - Monday August 20, 2012
When Steel Talks

New York Steelband music Panorama 2012 Info

New York - New York Steelband music panorama 2012 competition results, tunes, orchestras, bands, captains, arrangers, tuners, songs
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Web Posted - Monday August 20, 2012
When Steel Talks

NEW YORK Steelband Practice Sites

New York - New York Steelband Pan Yards - (Locations) 2012.  Find out where the bands are practicing in their panyards, and drop by to check them out!
click for sites

Web Posted - Monday August 20, 2012
When Steel Talks

NY Panorama 2012 - Pan Sonatas - Yohan Popwell - Arranger -

New York - Yohan Popwell champion arranger for Sonatas Steel Orchestra.
meet him

Web Posted - Wednesday August 15, 2012
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Fr Harvey calls for Pan at every function

Pan Trinbago celebrates Steelband Month

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Roman Catholic priest Fr Clyde Harvey yesterday expressed hope that pan music would once again be a source of quality entertainment at every event across T&T. Harvey made the remark in a sermon at a service held at the St Joseph’s Convent Chapel, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, to mark Pan Trinbago’s observance of Steelband Month, celebrated in August this year.

Harvey said during his travels, particularly in the United Kingdom, he saw seven-piece steelbands travelling across the country performing at different venues, spreading the gospel of the T&T instrument. “This is one of the ways in which we can spread the pan here in T&T. Put pans for a band that size in a pick-up truck and going around spreading the gospel of the pan,” he said to a congregation that included Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz and other members of his executive.
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Web Posted - Wednesday August 15, 2012
New York Carib News

Steelband musicians finally receive long overdue payment

New York, USA - At Last!

It may have taken them almost a year to receive their performance fees and prize money but the Caribbean steelbands have finally been paid the $52,000 owed to them by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association.

The payout was received a few days ago and it has probably paved the way for an end to a long-running drama that had threatened this year’s steelband Panorama at the Brooklyn Museum on September 1^st.

“Yes, I can confirm that the outstanding amounts were paid to the respective steelbands by WIADCA,” said Anthony “Ike” Hinds, President of the National Alliance of Steelbands, a major group that represents the interests of the musicians, some of whom are as young as 12 years old.
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Web Posted - Wednesday August 15, 2012
Haringey Independent

Tottenham teenagers take part in summer music programme

Tottenham, London, England - Teenagers from Tottenham have been learning the steel pans as part of a summer music programme.

More than 25 teenagers from the ages of 13 to 19 have been learning the steel pans at The Green Church of England Primary School, in Somerset Road, for the past four weeks.

Pupils with very little experience spend a week learning the instrument and by the end of five days they are able to play eight songs, which they perform in front of their parents on Fridays.

Their teacher is Maisha Adams-Amalemba, who was born and raised in Tottenham, learnt to play the steel pan while she was at school.
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Web Posted - Wednesday August 15, 2012
When Steel Talks

Pan Month continues with more Steel band events

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago’s Steelband Month continues with three more events. They are Defenders of the Pan – Pan Pioneers, Youth Rally and Pan on de Broadwalk.

“Defenders of the Pan” is a talk format show during which steelpan stalwarts reminisce and share their experiences of the days of old. Here the audience receives insight into the history, most of which are locked away in the minds of the diminishing few. Speakers include: Hugh “Dasheen” Hackett, Kirton “Eddie Boom” Moore and Claude “Six Kerchiefs” Bryon. This event is carded for Wednesday 15^th August at the Renegades Pan Theatre, Charlotte Street, Port of Spain, from 6:00 p.m.
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Web Posted - Monday August 13, 2012
When Steel Talks

New Dimension Steel Orchestra Comes Back to Winner’s Circle - Grenada Panorama 2012 Results

Global - “We go be dangerous, when we come back” – and the band was indeed the ‘comeback kid’ of the 2012 season. Like the lyrics of their Panorama song, When We Come Back, Grenada’s New Dimension Steel Orchestra triumphed and did just that, turning out to be the band to beat for this year’s Panorama. ‘In Pursuit Of Excellence’ is their motto and excel New Dimension did, ahead of seven other orchestras in their country’s 2012 National Panorama.

Arranger David “Peck” Edwards explained his band’s journey back to winner’s circle. “This performance tonight started from August last year – was from Panorama last year; we placed fifth. We licked our wounds…We were a bit complacent, and we said that we would not let this happen to us again....”
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Web Posted - Friday August 10, 2012
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Pan pan everywhere, not a drop to drink

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ....I was embarrassed last weekend when a group of young people from Finland and Denmark were asked to contact me to find out where they could go in Port-of-Spain on a Friday evening to hear live pan music. The visitors said they play pan in Europe and, having come to Trinidad, they thought there would be pan music on every block of the nation’s capital.

“Aren’t you ‘the land of the steelband’?” asked Henrietta. I was stumped for an answer as I had no tangible proof to provide her with to support that boast, and widely touted claim. In an attempt to appease the visitors, I phoned Pan Trinbago’s office and, speaking to a trustee, was told: “Nah, it have no place where pan is played on a Friday evening, or on a weekend. But, if they (Fins) still here on Sunday, they could go to the Laventille Steelband Parade.” I also called an official of bp Renegades, knowing that the Charlotte Street band recently hosted a vibrant Friday-evening show, who also said there was no live pan action in the pan theatre, but there would be some guys playing All Fours. I also called around to no fewer than half dozen panyards....same answer...no live pan music.
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Web Posted - Thursday August 9, 2012
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

Emancipation street parade

...tamboo bamboo group, rhythm sections and dozens of steelbands...

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Rain may have delayed the start of the 14th Annual Emancipation Street Parade on the Eastern Main Road, Laventille on Sunday but it didn’t dampen the spirit of performers or spectators.

The 4 pm start was pushed back by 45 minutes, at which time, the national anthem was played on a steel pan, followed by a libation to our African ancestors and a brief but proud welcome to the modest crowd by Chairman of the Laventille Steelband Festival Foundation (LSFF), Michael Cooper.

He said “overcast conditions and rainy spells were no match for the spirit and determination” of the folk performers, tamboo bamboo group, rhythm sections and dozens of steelbands which had helped to make the parade the biggest steelband event after Panorama.
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Web Posted - Tuesday August 7, 2012
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Richmond Street Boys’ Steelband shines in Hollywood

Hollywood, California, USA - Richmond Street Boys’ Steelband and Fire in the South tassa group from Iere High School represented T&T [Trinidad & Tobago] at the 16th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) last month in Hollywood, California.

....The event kicked off with the Parade of Nations, with the T&T team portraying 2012 Word and Associates (Catholic Band) The book of Exodus presentation.
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Web Posted - Tuesday August 7, 2012
Wiscasset Newspaper

FLASH! in the Pans Steel Drum Band returns

Maine, USA - When talking about the FLASH! in the Pans Steel Drum Band, listeners could echo what teens used to say on the old “American Band Stand”: It’s got a great beat and you can dance to it! Add to that the captivating sounds of island music, and you have a recipe for a lively, entertaining concert outdoors at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17.

The talented and enthusiastic members of the steel-drum ensemble have fun, and it’s fun that’s contagious. Anyone who’s moved to get up and dance or join a conga line is welcome to do just that when the band returns to the Gardens by popular demand.
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Web Posted - Sunday August 5, 2012
When Steel Talks

Humidity, Hot Steel and Rumbling Rhythm - 2012 Pantonic Band Launch

Pantonic, CASYM & Natural Expression keep things churning

Brooklyn, New York, USA - It was another hot Summer night, and a very humid one at that - for the 2012 Pantonic Band Launch. Combine the entertaining and sultry steel band sounds of Pantonic and CASYM, with the hot rhythmic session laid down by Natural Expressions, and it was a great way to plunge into a warm and very ‘moist’ Saturday evening. Keep in mind that it had already been an active day for some of these pan players, some of whom had finished earlier on, several stints of fun-filled activity under very sunny skies at Sonatas’ 3^rd Annual Sports Day.

When Steel Talks arrived as Pantonic was into their first set for the evening, and a small crowd ringed the sides and front of the band as they dished out a performance to match the heated weather. The only thing “cool” about the band was their attire - white polo shirts; otherwise, it was music to match the temperature as onlookers danced.
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Web Posted - Sunday August 5, 2012
When Steel Talks

Pan Sonatas Steel Orchestra 2012 Sports Day

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Sonatas Steel Orchestra held its annual sports day festivities the first Saturday in August. And for anyone who has ever attended the event, it’s a day of fun, fun and more fun as New York steel orchestras square off in a host of battles - that have nothing to do with music.
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Web Posted - Sunday August 5, 2012
When Steel Talks

On the Road with Pantonic Steel Orchestra - New Rochelle Here We Come

New Rochelle, New York, USA - The large Summer evening crowd sang, clapped, danced and rocked to the unmistakable music, sounds and rhythm of Pantonic Steel Orchestra. And when it was over the crowd clamored for more. All too ready to oblige, the group performed one more song, bringing to a halt the folks who had already started to move to the exits - believing that the show was over. Yes indeed, it was a true case of dancing and singing in the exits and in the aisles, which were at the periphery of the Green. If there is a “no dancing in the end zone” rule in New Rochelle, it was clearly happily violated by these concert attendees.
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Web Posted - Friday August 3, 2012
When Steel Talks

Meet Robert Cadet, Jr. - Junior Panorama Arranger for Grenada’s Pan Ossia Junior Steel Orchestra

Global - Robert W. Cadet, Jr. better known as Junior Cadet started playing Pan at the age of 10 in New York. The first band he played for is now known as Harmony Music Makers; he then moved on to Metro and other bands. In 1997 when his father, Robert Sr. from Grenada came to New York on vacation, he realized his son’s love for the Pan and bought him a tenor pan of his own. That was all the inspiration Robert Jr. needed.
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Web Posted - Friday August 3, 2012
When Steel Talks

Song for Grenada’s Junior National Panorama 2012

Grenada’s Pan Ossia Junior Steel Orchestra goes with
“Music Man” for Junior National Panorama

sung by Ajamu

Global - Music Man by Ajamu (pictured) is the tune of choice for Pan Ossia Junior Steel Orchestra. For several weeks, it has been the task of arranger Robert Cadet, Jr. or simply “Junior” as he is best known - to conceive and put together, a musical work that will showcase the song as a Panorama piece, and that the junior arm of Pan Ossia will properly execute as they take their best shot at bringing home the title of 2012 Junior Panorama champions on August 4.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Thursday August 2, 2012
When Steel Talks

Kadeem Alleyne speaks on NY Steelband Panorama - A Call for Unity

Open letter to the Caribbean Community from Kadeem Alleyne

New York, USA - Greetings to all: I currently am a songwriter and producer. I’m one of the only YOUTH artists coming out of New York writing songs for the steelpan instrument, but to add seasoning to the flavor, it seems to me that the majority of Pan youth in New York only care about Panorama. For years it has been expressed that there are other ways in which we Pan people could propel this instrument. Now, all of a sudden, that the panorama is hanging over the cliff, some want to call for action. And not only that - but scorn those who have been fighting eons before they even knew about this movement.

....Now to get into the topic at hand. I personally have mentioned boycott of the [New York] panorama, and also a youth revolution because of this constant circle of speakers who have no interest in the uplifting of this instrument. Now when we take the meaning of the word “Revolution” it simply means “Change”, but in today’s society when our people hear the word “revolution” they quickly associate it with riots, violence and other negative actions or ideas.
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Web Posted - Thursday August 2, 2012
NewRochelleTalk.com

New Rochelle BID Presents Music on the Green 2012: Pantonic Steel Orchestra August 2^nd

New Rochelle, New York, USA - The 16-piece steelband orchestra, five-time champion of the prestigious Panorama competition, performs an astounding array of musical selections – from Caribbean to jazz, R&B, popular and rap on steel drums.

....The outdoor concert is held on Library Green, in the heart of downtown New Rochelle (Huguenot & Lawton Streets) In the event of rain, the concert moves indoors to the Ossie Davis Theater of the New Rochelle Public Library, on a first-come, first-served basis to the capacity of the 145-seat theater, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
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Web Posted - Thursday August 2, 2012
When Steel Talks

Desmond Chase speaks on WIADCA and NY Steelband Panorama Issues

Open letter to the Caribbean Community from Desmond Chase

New York, USA - Thus far, I have endeavored to stay clear of the controversy which has engulfed the West Indian-American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) since the mass resignation of its president, Ms. Yolanda-Clarke, followed by a bunch of misfits who have over the years abused the talents and dedication of Mas makers, Steelbands and Mas players. I was relieved for a while thinking that here at last this, most important cultural event would be rescued from the brink of demise.

I am forced at this time to respond to Mr. Thomas Bailey, President of the new WIADCA or as I would prefer to rename - OWINB - “Old Wine In New Bottle.” His hypocritical statements in the New York Carib News-Online Edition recently, regarding his ascension to the presidency begs for clarification for the uninformed and unsuspecting members of the public, and affected victims of historical mismanagement. From his appealing tone one would think that he has emerged from a place far away from the feeding trough of this Association.
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Web Posted - Thursday August 2, 2012
When Steel Talks

Pan Trinbago celebrates Pan Month in August

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago is celebrating Steelband Month in August. This year’s program will coincide with the celebration of the Golden Anniversary of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’s Independence.

In this regard, a number of events and activities have been planned commencing with the Visit to the Foundation Stone, St. Paul Street, Port of Spain, on Friday 3^rd August 2012, at 2:00 p.m.

Highlight of the month’s program is the Annual Pan Trinbago Awards Function.
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Web Posted - Wednesday August 1, 2012
When Steel Talks

Antigua & Barbuda’s 2012 National Panorama Line-up - Bands, Tunes, Arrangers

Global - It’s time once more for the annual Antigua & Barbuda National Panorama competition, and six steel orchestras will vie for the 2012 championship title on August 2 at Carnival City in St. John’s. East Vibes Steel Orchestra is expected to throw their hat into the musical battle ring with around 60 players. Ebonites, who celebrate their 40^th Anniversary this year, look to field about 100 members on stage.

....Antigua & Barbuda’s Emmanuel McLean, known to many throughout the years as King Short Shirt, and presently as Brother Emmanuel, celebrates fifty years in the calypso business. In homage, the majority of the selections in this year’s panorama are by Short Shirt, in recognition of his cultural significance and musical acumen.
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Web Posted - Wednesday August 1, 2012
When Steel Talks

Song for Antigua & Barbuda’s Panorama 2012

Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra looks to clinch title - again - in Antigua-Barbuda’s National Panorama with
“J’Ouvert Rhythm”

sung by King Short Shirt

Global - For Antigua & Barbuda’s 2012 Panorama season, ace musician Khan Cordice has arranged the legendary King Short Shirt’s 1987 Road March, J’Ouvert Rhythm. It is now the tune of choice for Cordice’s band Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, in the 2012 Panorama competition when they take the stage August 2.

Hell’s Gate was initially sole defending Panorama champion. After an adjudication-related controversy, Halcyon Steel Orchestra were reportedly proclaimed co-champions for 2012.
click to hear song

Web Posted - Wednesday August 1, 2012
Antigua Observer

LIME and Digicel row over sponsorship rights

“...the newly renamed Digicel Halcyon Steel Orchestra”

Web Posted
When Steel Talks - Special

Champion Panorama Tunes of Trinidad and Tobago

Global - A critical component to winning any panorama competition is the song the orchestras choose to use as the basis of their panorama arrangements. Over the years these songs have inspired classic panorama arrangements. When Steel Talks invites you to take a look at and listen to, these famed tunes which have played more than just a cursory part in the history of Pan, and the lives of the players and fans.
click to hear and/or view