In a thrilling showdown of rhythm and resilience, the St. François Girls’ College Steel Orchestra turned up the heat at the Junior Panorama Finals, clinching an electrifying second-place finish in the secondary schools category. Sharing the silver spot with “Naps Combined” (Naparima Girls’ High School and Naparima Boys’ College), the powerhouse band delivered a performance that was nothing short of cinematic. Bishops Anstey High School and Trinity College East claimed first place.
SFGC made a bold statement, delivering a show-stopping rendition of Black Stalin’s “Bun Dem” arranged by McKeem Joseph and Nalo Elie. Their performance was equal parts passion, precision, and pure fire. The dynamic set featured dancers, a range of traditional characters, including jab jabs and moko jumbies, and iconic flag woman, former teacher and alum, Ms. Vanessa Forde.
The energy? Off the charts. The crowd? Roaring. The judges? Clearly impressed.
Former St. François teacher, alum, and SFGCA Trustee, Vanessa Forde (Class of 1978), served as the band’s official “flag woman”.
It’s no secret that the College has long been a force to be reckoned with within the steel pan landscape. As the first-ever winners of Junior Panorama back in 1975, SFGC has a total of seven championship titles under their belt. This latest triumph only adds to their storied legacy.
As the first-ever winners of Junior Panorama back in 1975, SFGC has a total of seven championship titles under their belt.
As the first-ever winners of Junior Panorama back in 1975, SFGC has a total of seven championship titles under their belt.
It was the Association’s distinct honour to provide support to our “little sisters” of the steel orchestra in a variety of ways. This included providing meals during their gruelling rehearsals, funding the crucial process of tuning the pans, and supplementing the cost of decorating the pan racks.
However, our contributions were just a drop in the bucket compared to that of the faculty, staff, students, parents, and arrangers. From the decorations executed by the Art students to the performance by the Theatre Arts students; the consistent maintenance carried out by Mr. Marlon Des Vignes to coordination by Ms. Michelle Clarke, Ms. Serran Clarke, Mr. Michael Joseph, Mr. Name Ransome, and Mr. James Samuel; and of course, the unwavering support of Principal, Mrs. Pasha Seecharan, Vice Principal Ms. Tracy Ellis and all faculty and staff, there’s no denying that the time energy and commitment these parties continue to pour into the school’s long-standing commitment to steel pan excellence deserves a round of applause as well.
The Alumnae Association remains committed to fostering the school’s artistic traditions and looks forward to championing future achievements in steel pan and beyond.
As the young musicians of St. François Girls’ College continue to break barriers and uphold the legacy of Trinidad’s national instrument, they serve as a powerful reminder of the steel pan’s enduring cultural significance.
Well played girls!