Panhandle energised by support from bpTT

As a relatively young steelband based in Mayaro, Panhandle Steel Orchestra has been energised to excellence through the sustained support from energy company bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT).

The partnership with Panhandle is one of bpTT’s initiatives to boost the development of steelpan in Mayaro. During last year’s carnival celebrations, the Panhandle and Mayaro Cadenza Steel Orchestras were provided with uniforms, signage, instruments, materials to repair their pan floats, and additional pan racks. 

The established partnership with Panhandle was expanded this year when bpTT sponsored a July-August vacation pan camp that was enhanced by the donation of brand-new instruments to the band. The camp was attended by over 80 students from across the southeastern community, who attended classes during different sessions over the course of six weeks.

According to 12-year-old Jaysean Sobion, who attends Mayaro Secondary School, “I started playing with Panhandle six months ago and I really love the steelpan. The vacation camp was excellent, and we gained practical and technical skills that empowered us to perform at a higher level. It was very exciting to get the new instruments and that motivated us even more. I want to keep practising to become great, and my dream is to play with bp Renegades in the future.”

The community-based Panhandle Steel Orchestra was founded in 2017 by arranger and captain, Al Hughes, who has been playing the national instrument for over 35 years, of which 27 were spent playing with bp Renegades. Hughes explained that the steelband featured members as young as six years old, and that Panhandle provided a safe and supportive space for the community’s young people to learn music through the national instrument. 

He added that the partnership with bpTT brough myriad positive benefits, including positive guidance for players, as well as increased confidence and positive impacts on the overall performance of members; musically, academically and otherwise. Because of their presence in the band, some of the players were also able to access employment opportunities.

In trying to encapsulate the scope of bpTT’s investment in Mayaro steelpan, Gamali Balkaran, communications and external affairs advisor, noted: “bpTT invests in shared visions for development that are made stronger through fruitful partnerships. We recognised that Panhandle is a conduit for young people to develop holistic skills, both in playing pan and achieving success in life. As our relationship deepens, we expect that a new generation of pannists and future Mayaro leaders will be empowered to achieve their dreams.”