Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Tribute To Women In Pan

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Meet Shelly George - New Jersey, USA

“Finding a place for steelbands to practice is one of the greatest challenges this current generation is facing. Not only is this a problem in New York but also in New Jersey where my home band practices.”

Oasis Steel Orchestra in New Jersey has been her ‘homebase’ but she is equally at ease performing with New York’s major bands. She’s passionate about her pan of choice - the guitar, as it resonates throughout her being. The steelband art form means much to her, and in an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist, performing artist and designer Shelly George 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 Shelly George?”

Shelly G. - “I am 23 years old, born and raised in New Jersey. First of 2 siblings and a first-generation American with Trinidadian parents. Along with many talents I have been playing pan for over 10 years.”


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

Shelly G. - “Growing up around a strong Caribbean culture - music, steelpan, and art were always apart of my life. I was 10 years old when I was first aware of the steelpan. My uncles and cousins played for a band in New Jersey called ‘Pan Jersey.’ My parents made sure my sister and I were a part of their first youth classes.”


WST - “The contributions of women to the steelpan movement are undeniable. Do you believe women are finally getting that acknowledgment?”

Shelly G. - “I think women gained that acknowledgment in the generation before mine. Today, women are arranging and running a full steelband. That’s an amazing accomplishment.”

Shelly George
Shelly George

WST - “Who is your favorite arranger and why?”

Shelly G. - “I don’t have a favorite arranger but I do admire listening to different styles of arrangements.”


WST - “What is you favorite Pan piece?”

Shelly G. - “One of my favorites is: Pan Redemption - Desperadoes ‘09.”


WST - “You and your sister Ashley are both musicians.  Did you both become involved with the steelband art form at the same time?”

Shelly G. - “Yes we did! Being not too far in age my mother made sure we did everything together.”


WST - “Is there anything else that is, comparable - like pan, for you?”

Shelly G. - “Fashion/Art. I am also a designer.”


WST - “You currently play guitar; do you play or have you played other voices of the instrument? And what is it about the guitar that resonates with you?”

Shelly G. - “The first steelpan I ever learned to play was Tenor Bass. I also played four cellos. The aggressiveness of the guitar resonates with me! I love the vibes it gives off.”


WST - “You are beginning a course in Digital Marketing. With what you know about the components and coursework, what aspects of Digital Marketing could perhaps be of benefit to the business of the steelpan instrument and art form?”

Shelly G. - “This is actually one of my future goals. Digital Marketing is advertising/marketing businesses or brands online. Digital Marketing can help push the steelpan instrument to gain a huge audience online. The media plays a BIG part of this generation. It’s how musicians, artists, brands, and companies gain more following, advertisement, and exposure. Digital Marketing has the power to introduce people to the art form of steelpan internationally on a media base.”

Shelly George
Shelly George

WST - “Have you encountered people unfamiliar with Pan, and what is that interaction like, how do you explain it to them?”

Shelly G. - “I have. People are usually intrigued when I mention to them I play steelpan. I explain how the steelpan is made and tuned to sound like different tones.”


WST - “With a varied repertoire over the years, do you have a favorite genre of music to play on steelpan?”

Shelly G. - “Always loved a good calypso/soca song, but I also enjoy playing a good Jazz piece.”


WST - “When you are not listening to pan music what are you listening to?”

Shelly G. - “A little bit of everything. Neo-Soul, Indie, Rap, Jazz.”


WST - “In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge facing this current generation of steelpan musicians?”

Shelly G. - “Finding a place for steelbands to practice is one of the greatest challenges this current generation is facing. Not only is this a problem in New York but also in New Jersey where my home band practices.”


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

Shelly G. - “Definitely the people. I LOVE MY CULTURE. Knowing that I can, and continue to learn to - play such a unique instrument is a blessing. It keeps the vibes alive!”


WST - “What is your most memorable experience in Pan?”

Shelly G. - “As of now, one of my most memorable and favorite experience in Pan is getting the opportunity to play in Trinidad for the ICP (International Conference and Panorama). Enjoyed every moment of it. (big ups to BSO (Brooklyn Steel Orchestra)).”

Shelly George practices with BSO (Brooklyn Steel Orchestra) for the International Panorama
Shelly George practices with BSO (Brooklyn Steel Orchestra) for the International Panorama

WST - “Do you play any other instruments?”

Shelly G. - “No.”


WST - “If you could have a major ‘say’ in the issue - what would be your vision for the future of the steelpan instrument?”

Shelly G. - “My vision for the future of steelpan is for the instrument to become a major instrument all over the world.”


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

Shelly G. - “I am proud of the diversity. Pan has brought people from all different parts of the world together to enjoy as one.”


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

Shelly G. - “The ‘Politics’ disappoint me the most. Its sad, because steelbands have fallen apart because of the politics in Pan.”


WST - “What is Panorama to you?”

Shelly G. - “Panorama to me is when pan lovers and panists enjoy a moment to hear the styles of different arrangers’ music and enjoy the different ‘vibez’.”


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

Shelly G. - “Panorama is a blessing. It’s amazing when you can be apart or even sit and listen to the passion and love arrangers put into a song. No matter the results, everyone is there to enjoy the music and be inspired.”


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

Shelly G. - “My vision for the future of steelpan is for the instrument to become a major instrument all over the world.”


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

Shelly G. - “No.”

Shelly George with Oasis Steel Orchestra




Their Story, Their Voice, Their Life, Their Dreams - click for more stories

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