Pan in the 21st Century
Vernon Maranzie of Potential Symphony
Staff Article
Interview Recorded: April 23, 2006
For the preliminary round of the Pan in the 21st Century 2K6 Competition, bands were judged as in previous years, in their communities. We interviewed some of the key people within the bands about the competition, their history and other activities in the steelband arena. We spoke with Mr. Vernon Maranzie, Manager of Potential Symphony.
TRINBAGOPAN: Mr. Maranzie what song is the band performing this year for Pan in the 21st Century?
VERNON: This year we are doing "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green. The arrangement was done by Anselm Campbell and Carlon Harewood.
TRINBAGOPAN: How successful have you all been with this competition in the past?
VERNON: We made it twice to the finals. We are hoping to make it to the finals on this occasion. We have a good piece. The members are rehearsing now as you can see. They have worked diligently over a period of time. We are ready for the judges.
TRINBAGOPAN: As with most bands, this band also has a lot of younger members. What do you do throughout the year to keep them occupied within the Steelband arena?
VERNON: As far back as ten years ago, we started a sort of Summer Camp where we would indulge the kids of the community into music literacy and to learn to play the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. They also did some art, some grammar type education and arithmetic. We realized the future of the culture lies with the youths, and we have been targeting the youths. When they get big they go on to other places as was experienced by most bands.
TRINBAGOPAN: Can you give me a brief history of Potential Symphony as a steel orchestra?
VERNON: The name Potential Symphony started back in 1976. Prior to that, we were GT Sylvania East Side Symphony. In 1977 we came second with just half a point away from Desperados with "Tourist Leggo", a Lawrence Guerra arrangement. Subsequent to that we have been finalists. We got another second the year before they brought in the Medium Category. Prior to that, we have always been finalist, zonal winners and that sort of thing.
TRINBAGOPAN: How did you all do this year?
VERNON: We reached as far as the semi-final stage. We were one band away from the finals as we did in 2005. We came second in the 2004 Panorama.
TRINBAGOPAN: Do you have any final words you would like to share?
VERNON: Potential Symphony is one of the success stories in Malick. As you can see, our pan yard is beautiful. The ambience is relaxing. One thing though, we hope to change the name because we have had problems with corporate sponsors. People do not want to put their name with 'Potiential' because it's aspiring too. It's a highly competitive market and we have to be prepared. We are looking forward to changing the name. We have talked to the members in San Juan, Barataria, Malick and so on. We are looking for a name. Very shortly the name will change. You will probably hear another name for 2007.
TRINBAGOPAN: Thank you.
Potential Symphony in Pictures
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