Pan Ecstasy pays tribute to Ken “Professor” Philmore

PAN Ecstasy could not have been a more appropriate choice for the concert theme in tribute of the late Ken “Professor” Philmore at NLCB’s Fonclaire Pan Theatre, San Fernando on August 4.

The joy and delight showed on the faces of the hundreds gathered on Claire and Fonrose Streets, from which the band derived its name. Patrons sang along and danced the evening away to the sweet sounds of the steel, which resonated in and around the area known as the “hole” being downwind from the San Fernando Hill.

It was at this venue, where Pro, as he was fondly called, cut his teeth as a respected pannist, giving exposure to the officially designated national instrument of TT, before it was even recognised as such, across the globe. World Steelpan Day will be celebrated on August 11.

Many in the audience knew and revered this exemplary soloist whose life was cut short in a vehicular accident in September 2018.

Joining in the celebrations were reigning secondary schools Junior Panorama champion, Holy Faith Convent, Penal, Fusion 2.0, Pan Trinbago South Central Region Panorama 2024 winners, Heritage Siparia Deltones and NLCB Fonclaire.

“Baronesque” vocalist Nicholas King also added to the entertainment, so perfectly mimicking the sounds of Timothy “Baron” Watkins, that one could easily mistake him for the Baron were it not for his visual.

Chairman of the Pan Trinbago’s South Central Region Philip Barker said the celebration of life was the pan’s body contribution to give something tangible to supporters, during this month dedicated to pan.

He said that on August 4, 2023, the first Pan Ecstasy was held at Heritage Skiffle Pan Theatre, and Pan Ecstasy 2, was the second instalment.

“The intention is to honour and pay tribute to pan icons who were a part of the journey to spreading the gospel of steel and causing the national declaration.

“We have plans to honour the legacy of other icons, but we first had to bring this event to Fonclaire, where Pro really made his name in the steelband movement before considering honouring others.”

Professor’s brother, Brian Philmore said he was ecstatic that the movement his brother served, chose to remember him in this way.

“He was an inspiration for a lot of people. His vision was to see young people and schools getting involved in pan and he would have been happy to see the realisation of this dream, where we have the secondary school’s Panorama champions, Holy Faith Convent, Penal performing at a tribute for him, and Fusion 2.0, also made up of young people, in this setting.

“He lived for this, and this is a way of keeping his legacy alive. I know he is somewhere up there, looking down on us and smiling, happy about what is happening.”

Neil Simon, musical director of Holy Name Convent, Penal, Steel Orchestra said the band was privileged to perform at this concert, and especially as part of their repertoire, the piece Pan Ecstasy, composed, arranged by Pro and vocalised by Designer back in 1991.

It is also the name of an album, now a collector’s item, on sale by the Philmore family.

Convent’s repertoire began with a slew of slow tunes along with selections by Cuban singer Gloria Estefan. A calypso segment, which included Tender by Patrice Roberts, and DNA (Home) by Mical Teja. The band closed off with its winning panorama arrangement of Savannah Grass.

This band created some history as its first entry into the competition, with 90 per cent of the players being first timers, and on borrowed instruments from Panasonic Steel Orchestra was victorious.

Simon said that victory has opened many doors for the school and its ensemble.

“Post Carnival, we have been receiving a lot of invitations. We were invited to perform with Kees at C3 Mall, San Fernando, at the Hyatt Hotel lime, the Ministry of Education District Concert, two school events and Borough Day celebrations. We are also performing at the upcoming Panasonic concert.

“Every time we perform, we get another invitation.”

Pointing out that for each engagement they learn a new song, Simon said the students’ involvement in the band has brought about many positives for them.

“Through this experience they have learned that to prepare for a performance and be successful, they got to be disciplined.

“They have learned to apply and transfer that discipline into their academics. So, you find that most of the students are actually reporting that their attitude towards learning have improved and that they are seeing better grades.”

Commenting on a recent statement by the Prime Minister that while so much money is being invested in education, he could not fathom how the country was churning out cold blooded murderers, Simon said investment in pan is a way to combat crime.

“I was part of the teaching staff for the President Pan Camp, and one of the goals was getting young men in particular involved, to see opportunities in pan. Its already in the communities but to get youths involved is still a challenge.”

Simon spoke about how pan changed his life.

“I grew up in Laventille and I had the option of choosing the gun, but I was always involved in the steelpan. Through the steelpan, from no CXC, I was able to gain my bachelors and a post grad in education to become secondary school teacher. I have travelled all over the world because of this instrument. It is definitely a tool the government and community at large could use to combat crime.”

While commending the government on the declaration of pan as the national instrument and the celebration of pan month and World Steelpan Day, Simon said while pan is accepted and respected as a musical instrument, there is still a long way to go.

“In the main, there is general respect, but in TT there is still a little bit of that stigma. People who come to a pan performance, really come for the lime, not to hear the instrument. If a pannist and a saxophonist walk into an event, there is little more respect shown for the saxophonist.

“Today, pannist of all ages are sharing stages, with some of the best musicians, jazz artiste all over the world.

“When I look around and see the number of young people involved in the movement, I think we are in a good place. We have come a long way, but there is still some distance to go.”

Simon said the band is currently seeking corporate sponsorship to purchase their own pans.

“We are grateful to Panasonic which has been assisting us since our conception, but we really do need pans of our own.

“It is an expensive undertaking. To outfit an orchestra like the one we are using, is upwards of $300,000. Cake sales and jersey sales are insufficient to meet this expense.

“We need corporate sponsors to come on board with us.”

Simon said band members have given up most of their vacation to perform, but promised they are keeping pace to successfully defend their title in 2025.

President of the San Fernando Greater Chamber Kiran Singh who attended Sunday’s event, said the business community was impressed with the youth involvement in the pan movement, and they were giving financial support to the cause.

“We want to support progressive youth development in San Fernando. We believe pan should be made part of the school’s curriculum and there should be events year-round, not only for Carnival.”