For the Love of Pan: An Artform in Transition

Abstract

Popular steelband arrangers Leon ‘Smooth’ Edwards and Arddin Herbert share their thoughts on living a life dedicated to the steel pan. Edwards discusses his entrance into the world of arranging when he joined Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra in 1968, on the invitation of then captain Hamilton Web Alexander. Arddin Herbert on the other hand is both an arranger and composer. He started his pan playing days with Players Symphony Street Orchestra in 1989. Both Edwards and Herbert discuss their strategy for choosing the right Panorama song for their respective bands. Herbert states that “choosing a song is probably the most difficult and important aspect of the Panorama competition.” They also share their views on Pan Trinbago’s restrictions on allowing arrangers to arrange for more than one band per category.