While the Steel Pan may have its roots in Trinidad,
it is Antigua and Barbuda that has produced the
oldest continuously operating steelband in the world
Hell's Gate Steel Orchestra.
(Editors note: Trinidad's
Invaders Steel Orchestras claims that it is oldest
steel orchestras on their
web site.)
Begun as Housecoat Band in 1945, the instruments
then used were automotive clutch housings, hollowed
piped, biscuit cans, pieces of solid iron and the
like. They were obtained from Townsend's Blacksmith
shop on Mariners Lane (now the only existing
blacksmith's shop on the island). Materials of this
nature were also acquired from the Main Solid Waste
Dump which was called Dung Heap by the people of the
Point Area.
The
Steel Pan came to Antigua by Antiguans who traveled
to and from Trinidad in the early years. In 1946,
the transformation of the Oil Drum to the Steelpan
was done locally. Experiments were carried out at
Townsend's Blacksmith Shop and the burning of the
pans was done at the Dung Heap, where fire was
always available.
The name Hell's Gate was given
to the band by the people of the Point Area, and
chosen mainly because of the local noise and variety
of rhythmic beats produced by the then instruments
used. the official naming of the band was adopted in
1947.
The first captain of the band was Eugene Weston and
the first manager was Ivan Edwards. Mr. Eustace
(Manning) Henry, a pioneer member, former captain,
builder and tuner, along with his son, Veron Henry,
the vice-captain, are presently the builders and
tuners of Hell's Gate Steel Orchestra.
During the late 1940s, the steelband movement was
strongly opposed by most of the aristocrats on the
island of Antigua; they even went as far as to send
petitions to then Gov. Lord Baldwin to outlaw
steelbands in the colony. Were it not for Gov.
Baldwin, who himself was a steelband enthusiast and
a friend of the Grass Root People, together with the
Antigua Trades and Labour Union, then headed by the
Hon. Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., the steelband may have
long been extinct in Antigua.
Hell's Gate
performing at 2007 Moods of Pan
The first steelband competition was held in 1949 at
the St. John's Girls' School, which was then located
on the side of the present Economic Development
Building. The test piece was "Peanut Vendor." The
competition was won by Hell's Gate. Red Army of
Green Bay/Grace Farm was second and Brute Force of
the Bridge Area was third.
Over the decades, Hell's Gate Steel Orchestra has
presided over several important occasions and
performed for dignitaries. In 1954, the band was
part of an historic demonstration staged to welcome
Sir Len Hutton, hailed at that time as the world's
best batsman, and the rest of the English touring
cricket team on their first visit to Antigua. A year
later, Hell's Gate Steel Orchestra performed for Her
Royal Highness, the late Princess Margaret at the
Government House. Her visit coincided with the
official opening of the Princess Margaret School. On
March2, 1960, Hell's Gate Steel Orchestra rendered a
number of tunes abroad the yacht Christina for Sir
Winston Churchill. In 1977, the band participated in
the opening ceremony of the newly-constructed
Economic Development Building in the presence of
Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Phillip,
the Duke of Edinburgh.
There are presently two steelbands on the island.
Harmonites International Steel Orchestra and Super
Stars International Steel Orchestra, which are
offspring of Hell's Gate Steel Orchestra. The
world's oldest steelband, Hell's Gate Steel
Orchestra continues to tour the world, bringing the
sound of pan to all who will listen.
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