Pantastic Steelband

The Pantastic Steelband was established in Noosa (Sunshine Coast, Qld) in 1998 by Clive Stead and Matt Davies. Both grew up in Trinidad, home of steelpan instruments and calypso music. The band started life as a 5 piece but has grown into a 9 piece, with three Trinidadians in its ranks.

From the start, Pantastic has aimed at creating an authentic Trinidad-style of music tailored to suit local audiences. While calypso and soca music alone is fine in Trinidad, Australian audiences need to hear more familiar songs. Consequently, our repertoire incorporates a wide range of material from the pop, jazz, calypso, reggae and Latin repertoire, as well as some original pieces from our own band members.

The music exudes an atmosphere of sunshine and ‘good-vibes’ which has a captivating appeal to all ages, making Pantastic the perfect choice for parties, weddings, markets, festivals and any occasion that celebrates life. The strong rhythmical drive of the music can compel the most indolent to their feet!

Pantastic is unique in Australia, being the only professional Steelband of its size in the country. Since the middle of 2008 we have been very fortunate to have the services of Lennox Jordan, one of Trinidad’s leading Steelband arrangers, join our ranks. Lennox is a second generation steelpan maker/tuner and is responsible not only for keeping our instruments in tune but also for developing the bands authentic Trinidad style of arranging. He has been the musical arranger of Fascinators Steel Orchestra, one of Trinidad’s leading steel bands, for the past 10 years. As well as arranging material for us, Lennox is also a brilliant pan player and percussionist, bringing the authentic sound of Trinidadian steelpan music to the band.

Panschool is a unique programme based on the Sunshine Coast, offering, for the first time, an opportunity for students to learn to play steelpans.

With Lennox’s expertise, Panschool directors Sharon Brown and Matt Davies are confident that their goal of establishing strong, community based steelbands throughout the South East Qld will become a reality in the near future. Learning to play a steelpan is relatively easy and adults too can pick up the skills quickly. In fact, our regular classes attract a high proportion of mature-aged students.

How a Workshop is conducted

We supply all the various steelpans needed for a workshop. Typically, we set up enough instruments for 15 participants and, after a short introduction on the origin of the instruments and their proper care, we get them to choose which steelpan they would like to play. The band is divided roughly into three sections with each of us taking responsibility for a section. The back line comprises of the bass instruments; the middle section contains the mid-range pans, which usually provide the harmonic structure and; the front line is made up of the lead (melody) and harmony pans. This is a very rewarding experience for most people, especially if they have never played an instrument before, let alone, in an ensemble.

In Summary participating in a Panschool workshop:
* is lots of fun
* appeals to all ages
* is quick and easy to learn
* requires no previous musical skills
* gives participants an immediate sense of satisfaction
* is a stimulating introduction to steelpan music.

If you would like to know more about the Panschool programme please call either Matthew Davies or Sharon Brown on 5471 1165 for full details.

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