Shannon McDavid - talented and highly qualified musician who brings to life the pitch and rhythm of the music she plays.

I’m a pan enthusiast. I’ve been performing for approximately 20 years now.  I’ve had the pleasure of performing both locally and abroad and spreading the joy of this instrument. I furthered my studies at the University of the West Indies where I achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Music (First Class Honours).  

Interview with Shannon Mc David

PP:   When did you got involved in music and what instruments can you play?

SM: I got involved in music from a young age growing up in a very musical household. Being around different singers and musicians, I actually wrote my first song at about four (4) years old. In terms of instruments, I can play steelpan, piano/keyboard and drums. 

PP: When were you first introduced to the steelpan instrument?  

SM: I was first introduced to steelpan in primary school by Mrs. Vincent-Browne. She encouraged my mother to let me join the pan side back in Std. 3 and I’ve been hooked ever since.

PP: When did you start playing pan? 

SM: The first band I actually played for was Newtown Girls’ RC Steel Orchestra. However, the first conventional band I played for was Silver Stars Steel Orchestra.

PP: What steel bands have you played for? 

SM: I’ve played with Silver Stars Steel Orchestra for 10 years and currently playing with BP Renegades Steel Orchestra for 6 years now.

PP: When was your first panorama? 

SM: My first Panorama was in 2005, Frenzy, Silver Stars Steel Orchestra.

PP: If you could play for any steelband in the world what band would you want to play with? 

SM: I’m already playing with the only steelband in the world I would want to play with, BP Renegades.  (she says with the biggest smile on her face).

PP:  What steelband competitions have you taken part in? 

SM: I’ve played in National Panorama and Pan in the 21st Century competitions. I have also performed in various Music Festival competitions with Newtown Girls’ RC School.  

PP: How many tours have you completed and where did you travel too?

SM: I’ve been on four (4) tours in my career so far. I went to Canada (twice), Miami and Colombia.

PP: What was the most challenging thing you have done to do with steelpans? 

SM: For me, the most challenging thing was probably the switch from cello to double seconds. But in the same breath I would say it was the best move I ever made. It was challenging because the strum was different and I would’ve had more lines to play. But I was always in awe of the Seconds when I was up on the cello rack that I couldn’t help but make the switch. 

PP: What’s been the most inspirational moment in your life? 

SM: In 2010, seeing my mom beat cancer, make it through chemotherapy, play for Panorama Finals night and win Panorama 2010 (Battle Zone) was a very inspirational moment in my life. It just shows that you can achieve absolutely anything you set your mind to, along with that trust and faith in God that he will always take you through it. Amen!

PP:  What is your role in Renegades Steel Orchestra?  Can you let us know what is the importance of your role?

SM: I’m a Double Seconds player for Renegades Steel Orchestra. Our role is to accompany the tenors with the melody line and provide harmony in certain parts of the tune.

PP: What are the important qualities/skills that an individual must possess to perform the role that you do in the Renegades Steel Orchestra?

SM: You have to be dedicated, disciplined and determined, as in any other band, instrument or aspect of life. 

PP: Can you describe your musical experiences playing with all the different steelbands that you have played for? 

SM: I absolutely enjoy playing pan. It’s one of the few things that put my mind at ease. I love performing and making people happy. As a past stageside performer, I think seeing the audience react to your music is one of the most fulfilling feelings you can experience. I like connecting with people through music. I like seeing their facial expression when they recognize their favourite song used in a medley or a Panorama arrangement; and seeing someone at the back of the Grand Stand dancing and waving uncontrollably to your Panorama tune. I would say besides the performance itself, my true joy comes from the audience. 

PP: What advice would you give to a new player?

SM: My advice would be to have fun. Yes, you will make mistakes but that is why you practice. Pan is one of the easiest instruments to learn. However, getting the right technique is very crucial but once you have a love and passion for it you will put in the work to become a great player. 

PP: What is your favourite pan to play? 

SM: Definitely Double Seconds. Low F to be exact! 

PP: Who are your inspirations both to do with pans and musically? 

SM: Growing up in the pan world, I always looked up to arrangers like Edwin Pouchet, Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore and Ray Holman. As the younger arrangers began to take front, I began admire the work of Duvonne Stewart, Kendall Williams and Amrit Samaroo. I admire these arrangers not just for their Panorama arrangements but also for their composition skills and stage side arrangements. Beyond the pan world, I admire artistes such as John Legend, Michael Jackson and Alicia Keys, among many others.

PP: What are your hopes for pan in Trinidad and globally? 

SM: My hope for pan in Trinidad especially is for Trinbagonians to actually love and appreciate pan; to learn about it and understand it. That’s the only way we can ensure the support stays alive in the future. Pan should not just be a “pan people” thing. It’s a Trini thing! We need to recondition Trini’s minds to accept and see pan as a fun, cool, welcoming environment. We need to hear it more regularly on the radios and not just a pan program on a radio station that only a certain age bracket listens to. We need to have pan performing in fetes again; in the airports, restaurants, hotels. I always tell people to come to the yard, have a drink by the bar; we have food on sale. Come and lime! It’s only when they’re exposed to it more that it will become the norm in our society among all age groups. 

PP: What is your vision for pan in the future in Trinidad and globally?

SM: My vision for pan in the future is to see more female arrangers entering the arena. I want to see us women seriously competing with the current arrangers and giving them a run for their money. I applaud the few we have so far like Michelle Huggins-Watts, Natasha Joseph and Vanessa Headley for taking the leap. I truly hope to see more of my colleagues following suit and represent for the women in pan. 

PP: What are your musical aspirations for the future?

SM: I hope to keep developing my music scoring skills. I want to be able to score exactly the music I hear in my head and one day, be able to share it with the world

PP: What do you think needs to happen in the Trinidad for the steelpan instrument and its culture to be more widely recognised on all musical platforms?

SM: I think this goes back to my statement that it needs more exposure. By that I mean, it needs to be exposed more on popular platforms for it to be first accepted by the wider society (outside of the pan world); then it could be further promoted. In my opinion, steelpan is more recognised and accepted globally than in its own country. Once we can get that solid Trini support, and I don’t just mean people posting #fortheculture, then I think anything is possible with the beautiful instrument.