Victor Antoine of T&TEC Power Stars
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 to share a general idea of what goes on behind the scenes. We are here with Mr. Victor Antoine, Arranger for T&TEC Power Stars.
TRINBAGOPAN: Mr. Antoine, what is your tune of choice this year?
VICTOR: Our tune of choice is 'In My House' by Oba Sinette.
TRINBAGOPAN: Who is the manager of the band?
VICTOR: Actually, there isn't any manager or captain. The band is run by a community.
TRINBAGOPAN: How has Panorama 2006 been for you all?
VICTOR: It has been stressful. One of the problems is there are senior players who go to other bands. Because of that, our band sort of suffers in terms of having serious practice sessions. For instance, one player would play with six and seven bands. This is the time of the year when what we call 'crack shot players' make extra money by lending their services to other bands. Their home band suffers while they do that.
TRINBAGOPAN: What do you have planned for after Carnival?
VICTOR: We are hoping to maintain a stage side throughout the year and try to build a repertoire of music. We will have our engagements and so on.
TRINBAGOPAN: Do you have any advice or final words?
VICTOR: I am hoping that players who grew up in a particular band in a community where they learned their skills and understand the national instrument, should try and stay in their band and help it to grow. When they leave and go to other bands, they make it very hard on the said band in terms of progressing in the manner they would like too. I am hoping in the future this problem can be resolved via Pan Trinbago (to allow players to stay within their band in their community instead of migrating to bands outside).
TRINBAGOPAN: Thank you sir.
T&TEC Power Stars in Pictures
Panorama 2006 Interviews | Trinbago Pan Homepage
|
|
