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St.
Veronicas Youth Steel Orchestra perform
in the Gold Room at the White House |
St. Veronicas Youth Steel Orchestra performed at
the White House on February 7, 2008. The group
was invited to be the entertainment for the
Helping America’s Youth Program celebration.
Helping America’s Youth Program was initiated
three years ago by the President and was chaired
by the First Lady, Laura Bush. On this day the
President signed an Executive Order establishing
the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs
thus ensuring that the program will continue by
the new incoming administration.
It started on January 24 when I received a phone
call at my office. I was asked if I was Anthony
Mc Farlane and if my wife, Anita and I were
responsible for the St. Veronicas Youth Steel
Orchestra. The person introduced herself as Sara
Gesiriech, Education Advisor to the Office of
the First Lady, Office of the Secretary, U.S.
Department of Education. I was informed that she
had some questions for me concerning the band.
Various questions were asked about the existence
of the band, how long have we been together, the
purpose of the group, age of its members, number
of members, etc. I invited her to visit our
website,
www.paninthecommunity.org. I was then
informed that they were looking for a group to
perform at Helping America’s Youth Program being
celebrated in the White House on February 7th
and that we were highly recommended for
consideration. I was advised that security
checks will have to be made on my wife and
myself and if okayed by the White House, the
members who will be performing will also have to
be checked.
This conversation was followed by emails
requesting additional information and personal
information on my wife and me. I was later
informed that St. Veronicas Youth Steel
Orchestra was contacted because of a performance
we did 4 years ago for a conference on National
Youth in Washington DC. Due to our professional
approach and the sweet music that we provided
our name was the first that was mentioned
amongst others that were under consideration. My
wife and myself were okayed by the White House
and discussion was held on the number of members
to perform. I was advised not to discuss much of
this until it happened because security checks
were still being done on all concerned. Once
clearance was obtained and we were informed that
we were indeed the performing group for the
occasion, plans were put in place for this to
happen.
A stage plot was requested, list of performers
with their ages, social security numbers, and
addresses were sent to the White House. We were
informed of expected protocol when performing
for the President and First Lady and the invited
guests. We were expected to arrive at 15th Street
not later than 12:00 PM, where we were to undergo a
security check before proceeding to the drop-off
point in the East Wing of the White House. Security gates were opened to allow us to enter
and finally we were provided with passes to
enter the East Wing after we were individually
checked by security.
Ten of us visited the White
House: Kish/ low bass, Sade/ double tenor,
Antoinette/ tenor, Carol/ four cello, Ayana/
tenor, Jonathan/ drum set, Gregory/ congas, Elan/
cowbell, accompanied by Anthony Mc Farlane/
scratcher and Anita Mc Farlane/ tambourine. At
the end of the official signing and making of
remarks, the First Lady introduced the group. We
played "Save the Last Dance" to a standing
ovation. The President and First Lady tapped
their feet during the performance and joined the
group on stage at its conclusion. The President also took the
opportunity to play the tenor pan. All major
news media was present to witness the
performance. At the conclusion, the applause continued for a while
with invited guests congratulating the group
on an outstanding performance.
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St.
Veronicas Youth Steel Orchestra |
The event took place in the Gold Room of
the East Wing, but prior to the beginning of the
ceremony the President and First Lady took
photographs with the group in the Blue Room. All
of this was rehearsed prior to the commencement
of the ceremony to the exact minute. We were
applauded, praised, questioned, and
congratulated by guests. Many questions were
asked about the steel drum during the reception
dinner. It was an opportunity for steel drums to
be known by many: where it came from, how
it is made, how the various musical notes are derived
on the pans, etc. What an opportunity for “pan”,
“panmen”, and Trinidad and Tobago. No one
could have informed us as to whether or not
steel drums were ever in the White house. It was,
however,
confirmed that it was the first time under this
administration, and the first youth steel band to
perform in the white house.
To visit the White House walk through the East
Wing, sit in the Blue Room, sit in the Green
Room, perform in the Gold Room - is still a
dream. It is an occasion that will never be
forgotten, an historical moment. The members are
still reminiscing on the occasion, their schools
are congratulating them on their visit and
everyone is expressing a feeling of joy for
those who experienced this occasion.
Contact Anthony Mc Farlane at:
1 (410) 986-5449
(O); 1 (410) 292-6814 (Cell)
or
email
amcfarlane@paninthecommunity.org .
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