They have the distinction of being the only Steel Pan Association representing the Islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in the New York area. Formed in 1981 with a membership of over forty-five players, Alford Morgan captained the orchestra with musical arrangers Kenton Kirby and Arthur “Bono” Smith.
Arthur remains committed and lead 20th Century to win three panorama competitions in SVG and the Bomb competition in 1982. In the spring of 1982, the group accepted a gig with a five-man team of pannists entertaining cruisers aboard the Tranois Cruise Line. The cruise ended and the group began a new chapter in New Jersey with the aid of Maria Ferreira. This group of regenerated pannists entertained pan lovers for six years at various functions in New Jersey, most notably at the annual Spring Music Festival, a cultural music festival held in May on the campus grounds of Rutgers College, New Jersey.
Their vivacious Captain, Ingrid “Bebbes” Cambridge, a pannist for nineteen years began her career and credits her successes to a school Steel Pan program with Bishop’s College, Kingstown, SVG tutored by Monty Constance. Her winning years includes all the Junior Panorama competitions in SVG from 1990 to 1998, the National Panorama Competition in 1994, and the Easter Pan Festival in 1989, 1991 and 1994. She hopes to develop the 20th Century Orchestra into a household name within the global pan community.
Terry Haynes, an all rounder in the world of pan, with the Cello as his “most loved” instrument, began his love affair with pan at the age of six. Influenced by his father Lawrence “Pappy” Haynes who managed a family band, he was instrumental in the development of the Bishops College Steel Pan Program. His fondest memory is that of performing at the 1998 World Pan Expo in Portugal and hopes to produce and release a recording of it in the near future. Terry is focused on the growth of their membership and exposure of the orchestra.
The multi talented Vice Captain, Roxy Monroe, formerly associated with the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra, plays the tenor and keyboards. He attributes his induction to the love of pan to his uncle, Randolph “Bull” Simmons, and keeps his memory alive with the Silver Cup his uncle won in a pan competition. Roxy’s accomplishments include an Honor for his abilities to read and interpret music for pan.
Their current arranger, Treldon “Tubu” Gordon has visions for the future of the pan. His goal is to instill a love for pan in today’s youth with the missive that the “memory of pan” is handed down to future generations. To that purpose, he is tirelessly recruiting and training the youths of Brooklyn and the tri-state area.
They practice at Café Omar in Brooklyn, New York in preparation for the 2004 West Indian Labor Day Parade. 20th Century Steel Orchestra USA hope to support Vincy Mas 2004, showcase the talents of Vincy Calypsonians and ignite pan lovers enroute to the Labor Day festivities with the eclectic mix of Vincy Kaiso and the sweet sounds of pan. They also look forward to entering the 2005 New York Panorama Competition.
by Vanessa Clarke