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Meet Jalissa Lynch - Brooklyn, New York

“When I was about 6 years of age my grandmother would take me to the panyard where my uncle would practice. That’s when I became aware of steel pan and its culture. I didn’t actually start playing until I was 7 yrs because my grandmother told me that was the age to start playing; so on my 7th birthday I called her and asked if she was taking me to start that day. This began my journey as a steel pan musician...”

She who feels it knows it. It’s part of her DNA and in her blood. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist and performing artist Jalissa Lynch shares her reflections, experiences and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.

A When Steel Talks Exclusive

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WST - “Tell us about Jalissa Lynch?”

Jalissa L. - “I am 27 years old, Brooklyn-born and raised, energetic tenor player. I am the oldest and only girl child of four. I have played pan with CASYM Steel Orchestra for 18 years and now play with Crossfire Steel Orchestra. Although I was born into Guyanese culture I would say I’m Trini at heart.”


WST - “When and how did you first become aware of the steelpan instrument?”

Jalissa L. - “When I was about 6 years of age my grandmother would take me to the panyard where my uncle would practice. That’s when I became aware of steel pan and its culture. I didn’t actually start playing until I was 7 yrs because my grandmother told me that was the age to start playing; so on my 7th birthday I called her and asked if she was taking me to start that day. This began my journey as a steel pan musician.”


WST - “What keeps your passion for the instrument and music going?”

Jalissa L. - “Playing with CASYM for over 10 years and growing up with people who became more than friends, but extended family, had a huge part to play in my passion and interest for the instrument. The arrangements are another major reason why it has stayed alive for so many years.”


Jalissa Lynch
Jalissa Lynch in 2002 with CASYM

WST - “What does your family think about your involvement in Pan?”

Jalissa L. - “My grandmother introduced me to pan and my uncle Curtis Lynch plays pan with me, even my 3 year-old daughter picks up sticks and tries to play what she sees me or her father playing. I would say my family is very much involved in pan as I am.”


WST - “What is the greatest challenge facing this current generation of steelpan musicians in Pan?”

Jalissa L. - “The greatest challenge that is affecting the current generation of steel pan musicians is the lack of dedication. Practice spaces are also becoming harder and harder to find and I believe it’s really discouraging as a newer pan player, to become great or dedicated when they have no idea if their panyard is going to be gone, or if they will have to suddenly move. Another thing is that there is not much going on for the younger musician such as social events that will bring back unity and excitement to the pan community.”


WST - “Describe your most memorable steelpan musical experience?”

Jalissa L. - “My most memorable experience is when BSO (Brooklyn Steel Orchestra) attended International Conference and Panorama (ICP) back in August 2015 in Trinidad and Tobago. The reason is not only because we were the top foreign band in the competition, but because this event brought together 60 players with different personalities to accomplish a mission (ICP) and changed the mindset or outlook people have on pan players in Brooklyn. From traveling to Trinidad and Tobago, I’ve noticed that some seem to think the talent of playing pan lies in Trinidad, so it was nice bringing awareness to the naysayers.”


WST - “What have you been most proud about as it relates to Pan?”


Jalissa L. - “Seeing people from all over the world enjoy listening and playing the steel pan. It’s amazing when I visit Trinidad for carnival to see so many different races and cultures get together and unite because of this instrument.”


WST - “What disappoints you the most in the steelpan movement?”

Jalissa L. - “The lack of unity and support is very disappointing. The amount of times I’ve been on Facebook and seen people bashing Brooklyn Steel Orchestra and trying to discredit the arrangers and their arrangement was very heart-breaking. It made me not only upset that people that I’ve spoken to could say these things about a group that was put together to represent Brooklyn, but it hurt my feelings to see that people could be so malicious. Rather than coming together as a pan community and working out the problem, we create unnecessary problems within ourselves. Another disappointing factor is that bands are struggling for players, and to keep or find a panyard. I wish there was a way to get help with these problems.”


WST - “If you had the power to change something in Pan immediately what would that be?”

Jalissa L. - “If I had the power, I would love to change the time and dedication that players of this generation and generations to come, put into their respective bands.”


WST - “How was your experience at the international Panorama? What did you take away from it?”

Jalissa L. - “My experience was amazing at ICP. It showed me that hard work and dedication shows positive results.”


WST - “What is Panorama to you?”

Jalissa L. - “Panorama to me is a joyous time for all bands to come together and showcase the talent that is present in Brooklyn, from the arrangers to the players.”

Jalissa Lynch
Jalissa Lynch

WST - “Is Panorama a curse or blessing from your perspective?”

Jalissa Lynch
Jalissa Lynch

Jalissa L. - “Panorama is a blessing to me because it encourages friendly competition. Panorama night always brings out the best in people and brings forth opportunities for aspiring arrangers.”


WST - “What type of music do you listen to outside of Pan?”

Jalissa L. - “Besides pan music I listen to soca and R&B.”


WST - “What is your vision for the steelpan instrument?”

Jalissa L. - “My vision for the steel pan instrument is to have orchestral-styled concerts where arrangers who compose their own music can showcase their work all over the world.”


WST - “Are there any other steelband-related matters you would like to bring forward?”

Jalissa L. - “I can’t stress enough the lack of panyards. This to me is killing the instrument in Brooklyn and the spirits of the pan community and our young musicians.”



Jalissa Lynch performing with CrossFire Steel Orchestra




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