Richard Gittens & Hollister Smith
of Pan Elders Steel Orchestra
Staff Article
Interview Recorded: February 12, 2006
We are at the Queens Park Savannah where the Panorama Semi-finals is taking place. Many of the bands are already here and anxiously awaiting their turn to perform on stage. We are interviewing some of the movers and shakers within these bands. We are here with Mr. Richard Gittens, Arranger of Pan Elders and Hollister Smith, the Captain of Pan Elders.
TRINBAGOPAN: Mr. Richard Gittens, what is Pan Elders tune of choice?
RICHARD: Our tune of choice is 'Tempo', remixed by Calypso Rose and Shurwayne Winchester. Currently we are running second in the competition.
TRINBAGOPAN: Who is the Captain of the Band and the manager?
RICHARD: The Captain of the Band is Hollister Smith. The manager is Mr. Williams.
TRINBAGOPAN: How has it been this Carnival Season for you all?
RICHARD: So far it has been very interesting. As you can see the name of the band is Pan Elders, but that name can be deceiving because we have a lot of youths. It was trying, but working with the youths was lovely. They show interest and are very enthusiastic so I do not have any major problem.
TRINBAGOPAN: Where is Pan Elders from?
RICHARD: The band is from 18A Carib Street, San Fernando.
TRINBAGOPAN: Tell me a bit about your experience in Pan.
RICHARD: Well, I was with Longdenville Claytones in 2005. I took them to the victory in 2004 and in 2005 they came second. I am with a new band now and I am looking to go down the same road.
TRINBAGOPAN: Do you have any final words?
RICHARD: Yes. I want to just comment on Pan Trinbago for having this Small Band Category. There are bands that go unheard when you have just the big bands in Panorama. I must say, hats off to Pan Trinbago for having the Small Bands Category. It's good that small arrangers like me can be heard now.
TRINBAGOPAN: Thank you sir.
We are also here with Mr. Hollister Smith, Captain of Pan Elders. Pan Elders Steelband placed second in the Preliminaries.
TRINBAGOPAN: Mr. Smith, what are your plans for the band after Panorama this year?
HOLLISTER: To begin with, our plan is to win the Semi-finals and go straight into the Finals and win too. We have a program set to train the young people in the band. The arranger will be the instructor for that program.
TRINBAGOPAN: Do you have any words of advice to Pan Trinbago or the members of the Pan Fraternity?
HOLLISTER: What I would like them to be aware of is the problem getting transport for the pans to get here. That is the only thing I could think about for the moment.
TRINBAGOPAN: Do you have any final words?
HOLLISTER: Good luck to all the bands and hope they come second to Pan Elders (laughter).
TRINBAGOPAN: Thank you sir.
Pan Elders Steel Orchestra in Pictures
Panorama 2006 Interviews | Trinbago Pan Homepage
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