STEEL PAN ORCHESTRA
"We walk by faith, not by sight"
Work towards establishing a multigenerational Steel Pan Orchestra at the St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church was started in November 2015. The Orchestra began rehearsals in March 2016 and had our first performance in May 2016. Since then the Orchestra has played regularly at Sunday services. They have also performed at several special functions including the Annual Mardi Gras. Members of the Orchestra range in age from 10 to 70+. None of our members had prior experience playing steel pans and while a few had musical knowledge it is not a requirement for becoming a member and recruitment is ongoing.
The year 2017 successful one for the Orchestra. We continued under the tutelage of Mr. Carlton Lambert, an accomplished Steel Pan Player. We played regularly at worship services and participated in several of the church functions such as Mardi Gras and Evening of Jazz. The highlight of our year was the invitation from our Diocesan Bishop, Peter Eaton, to play at the Diocesan Convention in November. This was apparently the first occasion that a steel pan orchestra would be playing on such an occasion. This was for us a tremendous honor. On that occasion we played “I've got my mind made up” as the prelude, “He's got the whole world in his hand” during communion and “When the Saints go marching in” as the postlude which we were asked to repeat as members of the congregation gathered round and took photographs.
Special thanks is due to our tutor Mr. Carlton Lambert for his tremendous efforts and leadership over the last years. Thanks also to everyone for their continued support. We promise to continue to give of our best efforts in supporting the ministry of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church.
Expenses are met through dues, donations and fundraising activities. With sufficient notice the Orchestra is able to accept requests for special performances. Requests can be routed through the Church Office to the attention of Anthony Mullings, the Ministry Leader
