Meet the BT Melodians Steel Orchestra

Originally from Trinidad, Chris joined the Melodians in 1990. His steel pan education started in Trinidad at an early age where he played with Hilltones and Exodus Steel Orchestras. He joined the Groovers Steel Orchestra in the UK and then moved to the Melodians as a Tenor player.

Joanna became fascinated with the steel pans and started playing from the age of 9 while at primary school. She continued playing at Burntwood Secondary School where she gained a GCSE in Music using the steelpans. She joined Melodians in 1992 and is now a key player in the orchestra.

Robert's interest in Pan started when he was given a Tenor Pan by his Grandad who is from Trinidad. He proved to be a natural pannist and joined Melodians in 1989 while still at school. He has risen to be a key player who is now developing his skill as an arranger. He also plays in duets and quartets with other members of the orchestra.

Julie started playing the pans while at Dick Sheppard Secondary School in Brixton.  She joined the Melodians in 1989 while the Orchestra was based in Harrow.  Julie also sings and sang with the Orchestra at its Annual Award Concert in 2001.

Amy started playing the steel pan in 1993 as a double second player. She was introduced to the Melodians by Steve Allen in 1998. Over the years she has developed as the leading Tenor player in the section, performing as a soloist in several concerts both in the UK and abroad including North Korea.

Anne learned to play pan while a student at Roehampton University, where she is now steel pan tutor.  She joined Melodians in 2005 and has played with Melodians in Trinidad Carnival 2006.  She plays Tenor pan and has written a number of arrangements for the band.