Tiajuana Hernandez - My dream is to become a great music educator, touring solo musician and have a successful music business in the future.

Jul 2

Jul 2 Tiajuana Hernandez - My dream is to become a great music educator, touring solo musician and have a successful music business in the future.

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

TH: The first time I was exposed to the steelpan was at primary school Curepe Fatima RC School by my music teacher George Carter. However, at that time I only studied music theory and I never played the instrument. Following that, where I actually played for the first time was at Exocubs Youth Steel Orchestra.

PP: What made you want to start playing pans?

TH: Mr. Carter recommended that I join a steelband, but it wasn’t until 2012, when my dad, who was always a pan fan himself, registered me at Exocubs Youth Steel orchestra and I really got into it and considered it. Following that, I did the Pan Minors scholarship program level 1 & 2, where I got some formal music literacy training and played the double tenor and after that I fell in love with it that so much so I wanted to play every day.

PP: When did you start playing pan?

TH: 2012.

PP: First band you played for?

TH: Exocubs Youth Steel Orchestra.

PP: What steel bands have you played for?

TH: I have played for Exocubs Youth Steel Orchestra, RIPE- Revelation Institute for Performing Education, Georgian Steel, Tunapuna Tipica, Harvard Harps, Fascinators Pan Symphony, Curepe Polyphonics, Stardust, San Juan All Stars, Supernovas Youth Steel Orchestra and Supernovas Steel Orchestra.

PP: When was your first panorama?

TH: The year 2018 was my first Panorama in the Conventional large band category with Supernovas Steel Orchestra. However, I played Junior Panorama from the time I started with Exocubs. My first Junior panorama was in 2013, we placed third in the non-school’s category with “50Years of Steel” arranged by Dante Pantin.

PP: Please give us an overview of you, your music career and your involvement in your communities in promoting, performing and assisting with the steelpan culture.

TH: Believe it or not, my musical beginning was writing calypsos and soca at primary school, and entering in the school competitions, from as young as when I was in the infants’ class. George Carter recognized my musical abilities and accompanied me on his guitar for every Carnival competition. He also taught and signed me up for grade 1-4 music theory examinations. At that time, I wanted to be a song writer and soca artist in Trinidad. I sang with the primary school choir and parang band which entered Sanfest and NPATT competitions.

This musical journey continued in my secondary school life as I continued music theory examinations, entering calypso competitions and singing with choirs.

At Tunapuna Secondary school I did CXC music, and represented the school at the Republic Bank Pan Minors Scholarship programme level 1 and 2.

St. George’s College, where I did GCE music, was an eye-opening musical experience. I was a back-up singer for Osei David at Junior Soca Monarch for three years. I entered Sanfest with the Georgian Instrumental Ensemble, folk, patriotic, gospel and parang choirs. Under the tutelage of Vanessa Marcus Ryan, I did practical steelpan examinations and entered Music festival as a solo panist. I was a part of the Georgian Steel, which also entered music festival as well as played for every school function. Through St. George’s College I joined the TTYP- Trinidad and Tobago Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, where I was a beginner trumpeter and played both trumpet and steelpan for four concerts. I also got to travel through the UNESCO cultural exchange programme twice. I started my junior parang career with Los Chavales de San Jorge, performing for NPATT competitions where we placed 2nd and at the Diplomatic Centre. This led to my membership in Los Buenos Paranderos parang band for 6 years as a singer and maracas player. In 2016, Los Buenos entered the NPATT National Parang Competition and placed 4th. With Los Buenos Paranderos I performed for LACTA fest 2018 and 2019, at Tobago, at Fiesta Plaza and many other gigs, house parang and NPATT events.

My steelpan journey after my time at Exocubs (2012-2013), I became a member of RIPE, - Revelation Institute for Performing Education (2013 -2018). At RIPE I was a protégé and accomplished grade 6 theory and practical pan exam qualifications.

I was a dedicated member of the stage side and panorama group. Under Jamaal Lewis, Devon James, Desmond Waithe, Maureen Clement and Dante Pantin, I was exposed to many genres of music on the steelpan played all the pans of the orchestra. During my time at RIPE, I truly developed my skills and gained my pan family. We entered non-school junior panorama 2014 with Boy Boy and the Magic drum placing 4th ,2015 2nd with Stranger and 2016 with Pan by Storm 3rd.

RIPE then moved to the conventional small band category in making semis with Say in 2017 and in 2018 placing 6th with Birthday Party. The stage side was quite active as we played for Emancipation Village, Tobago Dragon Boat Regatta, Opening of the Eddie Hart League, QRC festival, Pan explosions, the Fore court of Dimanche, was featured on TT Flim Festival Documentary and hosted our very own concerts and Christmas Charity for Children Homes.

Apart from music, I enjoy the arts and being creative. I also did Theatre Arts, under the tutelage of Mrs. George-Calliste and Kurtis Gross. I started writing skits and monologues and performing in community events and talent shows. I also started doing pageants where my talent featured were monologues. My time doing beauty pageants, I was crowned “Miss El Luengo 2012” and “Miss Pretty Teen Maracas Valley 2012”, awarded Miss Intelligent in both competitions. In 2013, I acted on a Charles Chocolate Commercial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMTsDxE3owQ

In 2016, I did work with Chocolate Allen in Kurt Allen’s Music Video for ‘No Grace Period’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txvh-q2e-yo

and worked as an acting extra for Helon Francis’ Dimanche Gras performance 2016 with his 2nd place calypsoes Paradise and Real Bandits.

Within 2018 – 2019, I have taught music at little shining stars preschool, was the steelpan and music theory instructor at USC summer Symphony camp and ran my own private music lessons and steelpan instruction at my community in St. Joseph.

This year for 2020, for the panorama season, I played in the single band category with San Juan All Stars who placed 5th, small band Fascinators Pan Symphony who placed 6th and Harvard Harps who placed 10th, and lastly, in the conventional large category with my home band Supernovas Steel Orchestra playing Dear Promoter and placing 7th.

I was also a soloist at music TT Live at Lunch on the promenade 2020.

Presently, I am pursuing my BA in Musical Arts at the University of West Indies, St. Augustine where thus far I have participated in Intermediate Steel Ensemble, African Drumming Ensemble, UWI Arts Jazz Ensemble, UWI Arts Steel.

I have started retailing different brands of pan sticks, wrap and tube pan stick rubber and pan cases and I intend to turn it into a musician supply business in the future.

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

TH: Hmmm. Well I mean, I had the chance to choose any band I wanted from Trinidad and Tobago and I chose Supernovas, but if I had a chance to play with a foreign band I would choose between UK bands Ebony or Mangrove. They are both of interest to me because of their arrangers, Duvone Stewart and Andre White. If I am considering the USA, maybe Adlib or Crossfire. However, if Steel Sensation becomes a panorama band, yes, by all means, they have my interest as well. If I had to play for another band in Trinidad apart from Supernovas, it would be Renegades for me, knowing that Jit arranged there, and now Duvone is there, both arrangers that I like very much. But as of now Supernovas is my band, I’m enjoying Amrit’s music.

PP: What steelband competitions have you taken part in?

TH: Apart from junior panorama as well as the Conventional Panorama, I have only entered Music Festival a couple of times. Once as a soloist representing St.George’s College, in a quartet with RIPE and other times in orchestral categories with both RIPE and Georgian Steel. Apart from that I don’t compete just yet.

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

TH: I have been to London, Paris and Spain on a Europe tour with a UNESCO cultural exchange programme at St. George’s College. We attended Den Norkse Skool, where we were able to educate Norwegian students of Trinidadian culture and I covered the steelpan. Following that, I have visited Costa Rica, Kamak School, for the same purpose. I am looking forward to future tours and performances at other parts of the world.

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

TH: Attempting to play with four sticks, or accompanying myself where you strum with one hand and play the melody with the next. I still am working on that. Other than that, I would say being a soloist on the whole is challenging because I always get nervous about improvising or suddenly get stage fright knowing I’m playing alone. I believe I will overcome that.

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

TH: I can’t say that I have had only one moment of inspiration that surpass the rest. Some definitely include moments of interactions with Mr. Jessel Murray, after some minutes with him I am always reminded of what I’m working towards and the dedication it takes to be at his standard.

Others include attending “Pan on a Higher Note” concerts hosted by the NSSO. Seeing my very own band arranger Amrit Samaroo in his “musician day job” alongside other top of the line pannist of our country sight reading and entertaining in a prestige way. That is truly inspiring. Looking at Akua Leith conduct and the orchestra so poise and professional gives me this warm feeling.

What made it even more inspirational was them featuring “women in pan” like Natasha Joseph and Mia Gormandy- Benjamin. There was a concert with the boss Boogsie Sharpe himself, as well as Liam Teague and seeing them solo was mind blowing. These moments have me thinking to myself” WOW! I would like to be like them one day.”

PP: What role do you play in Supernovas and can you let us know what is the importance of your role?

TH: I am a stage side tenor player at Supernovas Steel Orchestra. Basically, apart from panorama, stage side members perform with the band at gigs and playouts. I believe representing the band well and giving a certain level of discipline and dedication are important in the role I play as a stage side member.

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

TH: I believe that stage side members must possess a certain level of loyalty and dedication to the band. Attendance to rehearsal, giving your time and learning all your music is important. I believe as a stage side member you form the core of the group and put a face to the name “Supernovas” and with that being sad, you have to represent well. There is an expected behaviour, during panorama you just have to mind your business and put in the work. I must say however, it takes a certain level of dexterity and skill to play Amrit’s music, it isn’t a walk in the park all the time. The cellos and quads can attest to this.

PP: Can you describe your musical experiences playing with Supernovas?

TH: I joined Supernovas in 2018 for Panorama playing Sweet Fuh Days. That year I played with their youth band as well. Following panorama, I played on the road for Jouvert 2018 and it was such an enjoyable experience that I decided to join the stage side. With the stage side, I played for Borough Day, Jouvert, Pan on the Avenue, A Day in Surrey, Sponsor night events, Pan in d Rosa, Duvone Stewart’s Birthday bash, the PTSC launch and many other events. I have also assisted the junior band playing for Five Rivers marathon and their Christmas concert. This year 2020, I can say I have seen the band change as they continue growing each year. I have also seen Amrit and the management’s hard work in trying new things each year to improve the band’s panorama performance, from dancers for 2019 Hookin Meh, to a new drill master Ben Jackson for 2020 Dear Promoter. At Supernovas, I have improved as a tenor player, and I must say I am looking forward to continuing the hard work and contributing to future growth and accomplishments of the band.

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

TH: To a new pan player, I would say that pan is one of the easiest instruments to learn. But like all instruments it’s important to learn good technique and practice, practice, practice. Only with practice you will get closer to becoming a professional. Put the time into your craft and with practice you will get better. Also, it’s wise to have a musician you look up to, give yourself an example or a goal to work towards.

PP: What is your favourite pan to play?

TH: I would say I have two favourites, Tenor (Low C) and Double Tenor.

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

TH: I try to draw on inspiration from everyone, using them as examples to set goals for myself.

I would say that all my music influences have been inspirations in my life. Starting with all my teachers and persons that advised me along my musical journey, from lessons in technique, pan history, music literacy, aural training. My teachers from primary school, secondary school and ALL of them from the University of the West Indies, Department of Festival and Creative Arts, (UWI- DCFA). They have all shaped the musician I am today as I follow in their footsteps. Special mention to my RIPE inspirations Maureen Clement, Desmond Waithe and Dante Pantin.

One person that stand out to me a lot as of recent, is Duvone Stewart, since with my time at home during this 2020 Corona virus pandemic, I have followed him and his live performances, his Steelpan Chronicles and videos. I paid attention to his soloing styles, his musical repertoire choices and his joyful passionate spirit playing at home. His confidence is everything. It’s really important to have a steelpan inspiration that you can in turn learn from and mimic.

Other pan inspirations for me are the Samaroo and Lopez pan families.

It really is an inspiration to see multiple members of these families having a common interest and passion for steelpan supporting each other and playing in the same group. I have always listened to the music of the Samaroo Jets and watched old videos of them playing together and its really nice because they are all like bosses, and they play so smoothly. Jit was always my biggest inspiration and favourite arranger and to see that his siblings played, as well and his son as an arranger now, is really cool. Even seeing a few of the Samaroo’s around Supernovas is inspiring to me. Likewise, the Lopez family together at Renegades. To me they are one of the biggest; the Lopez brothers, their children and grandchildren, with members in both the junior and senior band of Renegades, down to the flag women are Lopez. I think what is truly inspiring about it is idea of how they pass on the steelpan tradition for generations of their family. If you aren’t playing, you are there every step of the way supporting. If you really stop like me and look at how they play, it’s like their hands just slide across the notes naturally and they have amazing technique. It makes me really happy seeing them play, having a member in every section of the band. It’s a wish for me too one day, to have my family as a boss pan family.

I cannot forget my younger musicians that I admire, listen too, watch and was taught by, some of my idols really, Chronixx, Hector Lewis, Natasha Joseph, Cheriese Pierre, Kurn Lopez, Denzel Headley, Keishaun Julien, Khion Delas, Erphaan Alves.

And of course, as a parandero I have parang inspirations as well. George Carter and the Carter family with Amantes de Parranda, Daisy Voisin, the Ganpats and Alicia Jaggarsar with Los Alumnos de San Juan, to name a few. It is a dream of mine to sing and tour with a parang band.

PP: What are your hopes of travelling and playing pan in the UK?

TH: I would like to experience playing pan in the UK one day. I am yet to see what it is like apart from watching videos of the UK panorama on YouTube. I am still not too familiar with too much of what steelband is like outside of the Caribbean.

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

TH: I do hope that pan can continue to grow around the world amongst various platforms. I believe that there should be more female arrangers in the steelpan industry, not just in the Trinidad UK globally as well.

PP: What are your musical aspirations for the future?

TH: My dream is to become a great music educator, touring solo musician and have a successful music business in the future.

I’m working on completing my music degree and later maybe pursuing my masters in music education. I would like to open a music school. Apart from that, I would like to improve as a pannist and work on my solo pan career. I would like to conquer some more complex solo pieces, on both the tenor and double tenor and maybe dabble my hand a bit in arranging repertoire for a school stage side or youth touring group.

I will be continuing with my parang looking forward to new experiences within the parang industry and touring with a parang band as well. Maybe even learn to play some other instruments. In addition, I would like to be successful as a music supply retailer, growing my small pan stick business to a one day popular music store.