JOURNAL 20th January 1998
Tojo dem see what dem say:
The Elf the 'Prof' and Fonclaire
JOURNAL 20th January 1998
|
|
It was 'under Scotties house
(1)' on Ditton Street in San Fernando where Fonclaire have had their first main 'yard' they could call their own - the 'big' main yard is across the road - that the band was having their usual 'teaching sessions' with the 'Prof'. I had arrived at about 10:00pm in the evening, and the session was about half way through.This was the first time I ever saw the 'Professor'. This was his first session here for the season. He was 'showing' a 'part' of his arrangement for the 98 Panorama tune High Mas' to the 'bright' front-line players of the band. They would in turn teach it to their respective sections during 'band practice' the next day.
In this small garage , with one side wall stacked with unused drums, Ken 'Professor' Philmore sat at his tenor 'bore' pan, setting the melodic line in quick bursts. His back to one wall; he faced a square 'circle' of attentive steeldrumers; behind which were crammed the few privileged spectators and other band members.
1 x 4 bass, 1 x 6 bass, 1 x 9 bass, 4 x tenors, 1 x double tenor, 2 x double seconds, 2 x guitar pans, 1 x 4 cello and 1 x 3 cello completed the ensemble.
The 'Professor' 'plinged' out pieces, indicating to each section in odd turn. They would 'pling' in return and after a short time 'get it'. Then off they would all go, for a phrase or two, and nearly fall apart. 'Prof' would think, 'plink', gesticulate again, and off they would go again. Over time it grew, and grew and grew. At times the 'Prof' would jump up an dance around in the middle of the empty circle, hands palms up, conducting here and then turning them in and pointing there. It was concentrated work and amazing music. These are sharp musicians. There is sweat and laughter; there is rapport.
I noticed an 'elf' with a pony tail, reversed cap and black sneakers; just about tall enough to reach into his 'tenor' pan; elbows skimming the lower rim. He was keeping up with the rest and sparkling. I remained fascinated between watching him and the antics of the 'Professor'.
After about an hour, at the end of this part of the session, there was a brake. The 'elf' was escorted into the inner circle to talk quietly to the 'Prof' and showed him a trophy. The 'Prof' who is short, bent himself to listen, his arm on the 'elf's' shoulder. The 'Prof' then lifting his head, waving the trophy above his head and turning himself and the 'elf' to face those assembled, stated with a smile, "Well boys, I'm going to have to drop somebody! [referring to the 100 person limit on the 1998 Panorama side] Because I want to put this little fella right there in the front row; that would be so nice. He plays a very good pan!.."
Nine year old Khion Delas was now officially part of the Fonclaire Panorama 98 side. He then went off, on his way home walking up the hill with his 'minder'; his 'Hazel Ward Young TV Pan Player of the Year
(2)' trophy stashed in his back pack.. Everyone, including the 'elf', was smiling. © 1998 tobagojo@gmail.com
[(1): This reference is a matter of research for these pages]
[(2): I don't quite know yet what this award is exactly and I have probably got the name wrong. This reference is a matter of research for these pages]
http://www.seetobago.org/trinidad/pan/journal/1998/01/j980120.htm
| © 1997: tobagojo@gmail.com - 19980120 - 1m20071228 - 2m20140615 Historic Update: 05 February 1998; Last Update: 24 June 2014 05:15:00 TT Processed by: Jeremy G de Barry |
|