I first heard the magical voice of pan in 1978 when the BA Groovers steel orchestra was playing at the International Festival in the courtyard of St Martin in the Fields. I was immediately captivated by the thrilling sound – the vibrations bringing healing to the body and mind.  Later when the concert gave a concert inside the church I was amazed by their range and versatility – someone actually thought that the organ was playing too!

I love a wide variety of music, but have no talent to play.  However, I wanted to help promote ‘the sound of steel’ so joined the committee of the Steelband Association of Great Britain (London and Home Counties Branch). I realised that all the members who were players were all busy rehearsing, performing arranging Festivals, GLC concerts, Residential workshops and seminars for teachers, so I did my best to publicise their work.

My first contribution was to give out leaflets at all the events and sell hundred of home produced badges to the children. I acted, as liaison with the public, many of whom were experiencing pan for the first time.  I always wore my long red skirt and our colourful T-shirts and led everyone in the dance to the irresistible rhythms; even the gloomiest faces broke into smiles!

I took over editorship of our journal, Pan News, and spent many hours typing, collating, stapling and stuffing envelopes. My small bed-sitter became an office! I ran many regular features including, ‘Calling All Children’, headed by our mascot – my dear ‘Little Ed’. I got lots of help in this undertaking from Clyde Dias, the peripatetic pan tutor. My greatest scoop was to interview the late Anthony Prospect. Pan News went to 33 editions. I also produced an updated band list for all the steelbands willing to perform in public. I found this was always in demand.

I have made lasting friendships with so many SAGB members, Elisabeth Morris of the North West Branch (where I became a Trustee); Susan Morgan of Oldham, Sister Monica Tywang whose mother was my generous host for the 1983 Trinidad Carnival in Port of Spain; Aubrey Bryan who played at my recent celebration party and Debi Gardner, my favourite player who does so much now for BAS. In the late 80’s, I gave a talk on Trinidad Carnival in the UK illustrated by Carl Gabriel’s superb slides at the Mary Ward Centre in Queen Square, London. 

My association with the world of pan involved a lot of commitment and hard work but I reaped so many rewards. I try to attend all the pan events these days and write to the Mayor of London to encourage the GLA’s support for Pan promotions. I love the Festival of Music for Youth and the Schools’ Proms (Larry Westland promised me to include steelbands and he has).

Have I an ambition?  Well, all I want is for Pan to be encouraged everywhere and I would love to attend the World Steelband Music Festival someday. Happy music-making everyone!!

by Greta Trevers