About Pan Sonatas, Inc.
Performances
Pan Sonatas has been blessed with many great performances, some of which are:
- Billie Holiday Theater, New York, 1975
- West Point Academy, New York
- Giants Stadium, New York - before 77,000 fans
- Airline travel shows, Minneapolis, MN and Philadelphia, PA, 1978
- Ball in honor of Prince Andrew, Rhode Island, 1982
- Madison Square Garden, New York, 1983
- Carnegie Hall, New York, 1964
- In concert with the St. Augustine Church Choir, Brooklyn, New York, 1991/1993
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York
- Halloween Parade in the Village, New York
Achievements
- Incorporated in July 1993 as a Not-For-Profit organization
- Organized ‘Air Charters’ to the Caribbean
- Many members have graduated with undergraduate and graduate degrees; one is currently a doctoral candidate
- Built and expanded our musical facility (pan theater)
- Expend over 10,000 man-hours of rehearsals in preparation for New York’s annual Labor Day Carnival competitions
- On-going fundraising activities
- Use of modern management techniques, including Total Quality management
- First band to hold a formal awards dinner in New York honoring youths and other steel bands
Accomplishments
- Steelband panorama competition champions- 1974, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1989, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010
- First band to achieve a “hat trick” of wins at New York’s annual Steelband Panorama Competitions
- Train youth from as early as nine years old in the Steel Pan art form
- The recording of the band’s first album in 1985
- One of the band’s greatest accomplishments is their annual bus ride. What started off as a small family bus ride in 1984 has become known by many as “The Bus Ride of the Year” with twenty-eight buses in 1988. The ‘family’ concept has not disappeared as many parents and children joined with friends and relatives to have a fun-filled day of games, competitive sports and all-day outdoor entertainment. Not only does one enjoy the music of Sonatas but they also enjoy the music of popular disc jockeys. What is a summer without a Sonatas Bus Ride?
- College student and band member is profiled and honored in the New York Times
The Founders
Throughout their lives, the men would continue a working relationship as well as build deep friendships. They watched the organization grow to heights that even they had not dreamed. Through it all they would have the satisfaction of knowing they had created a successful arena for expressing the love of music.
- Randolph “Bugs” Hilliare
- Macauly Scott
- Hugh Julian Raphael
- Hector Forbes
- Geoffrey Rahael
- Dennis Cuffy
- Stockley Callander
- Frantz Malcousou
- Lynton Raphael
- Kennety Wilson
- Rudolph
History
The existence of sonatas Steel Orchestra is a tribute to the spirit and determination of the eleven men who founded it in 1971. Three decades later it has become one of the largest steel bands in the United States, with over sixty- five members during the summer months and a stage side comprising of more than twenty members practicing year round. The eleven men decided to form a steel orchestra because of their love for music and their culture. They also had a special concern for the youth in their community. Their main focus soon became youth development. Providing an arena where music could be taught in a drug free environment, thus introducing youths to the world of steel pan while keeping them off the streets. The continuous hard work of the entire band has caused the environment and focus of Sonatas Steel Orchestra to remain the same over the years.
The band’s first attempt to raise money was by having a fundraiser. As a result of the vast turnout instruments were purchased, and rehearsals began shortly there after. This marked a memorable occasion for the group. The founder s were all gifted in their own right, many being familiar with the tuning of the pans, arranging music, and playing the instruments.
Sonatas Steel Orchestra has shaped, and been shaped by its members and its strong committee. The leadership of the bands's first captain, Randolph “Bugs” Hillaire led the young group to their first panorama championship in 1974. In his term, Mr. Hilliare began a ritual of praying before each performance, a ritual which continues today. Amazingly the 1974 competition was the first in which the band entered. Their victorious entrance showed nothing more than this band meant business.
As years went on Sonatas Steel Orchestra became an important source of leadership for many youths who may not otherwise have similar opportunities. In addition to opportunities for leadership, players were given the opportunity to learn a musical instrument that was like no other. They were blessed with being in a safe environment while making lifetime friends.
The band became an instant supporter and magnet for their players. Higher education as well as community involvement was encouraged. The band has been blessed to have been in the company of many pan greats. Some of whom were Ken Professor Philmore, Quarless, and Earl Brooks the bands present arranger. Of course it is more than well-known pan greats, or historical firsts that make up the meaning of the thirty-nine year old organization. The band represents hard work and determination. When in 1971, those men organized Sonatas steel Orchestra, they added an important and vital dimension to the “steel pan idea”- and idea that filled such a compelling need, that gained such wide currency among neighborhood families and other bands far and near.
Mission Statement
“One Family...Strong and Sweet”
For thirty-eight years, Pan Sonatas. Inc. of New York City (formerly Sonatas Steel Orchestra) has been a progressive steel band organization dedicated to supporting, mentoring and educating young people by developing lasting relationships with all peoples through music. Based in Brooklyn, New York, the Pan Sonatas is an international Family with members ages seven through adult.
Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart. -- Shinichi Suzuki, Japanese violinist who introduced millions of children to his “Suzuki Method.”
1898-1998.
Understanding that strong healthy families make strong communities that ultimately create strong and healthy nations, we at Sonatas are nation-builders through the practice of musical discipline and stewardship. By supporting and educating the individual, we heal our communities and prepare generations of young people arid adults for leadership roles that will change the world. We aim to achieve these goals through concrete means, namely providing our protégés a solid musical education and encouraging their participation in a winning competitive professional orchestra.
Such an important commitment is not undertaken lightly and through the rigors of learning to “play pan”, we foster intellectual development, self-sufficiency, self-discipline, self-esteem and communal responsibility. No matter how much we give our participants, Sonatas members all reap untold personal rewards, most of all the satisfaction of mentoring our youth through the positive and joyful creation known as Pan Sonatas.
Excellence, experience and the fulfillment of high expectations -- this is Pan Sonatas’ proudest legacy.
Pan Sonatas Inc.
| Board Members | |
| Director of Operations | - Macauly Scott |
| Director of Public Affairs | - Selwyn John |
| Director of Finance | - Rose-Anne Malcolm |
| Director of Youth Affairs | - Leslie-Ann Mason |
| Chairman | - Winston Young |
| Committee Members | |
| Trustees | |
| Tyab | Mervin Maruel |
| Shirley Griffith | Canton Darcueil |
| Sherwin Edwards | |
| President | - Macauly Scott |
| Vice President | - Selwyn John |
| Treasurer | - Rose-Anne Malcolm |
| Assistant Treasurer | - Joanne Scott |
| Secretary | - Leslie-Ann Mason |