Punctuality, Politness, Professionalism

February 15, 2013 — Dane Gulston, steel pan, Trinidad

The the P’s have served me well as a guide since I first saw them on a sign in a panyard in Port of Spain, Trinidad.  I hung out at the Neal and Massey Trinidad All Stars yard in the early 1980’s.  I took my video camera and shot the practice sessions.  I adored the look as well as the sound of the steel drum.  The panman was just leaving the shadows of  Trini society in the 1980’s.  The Despers, The All Stars, and some other very old steel bands were representing very hard neighborhoods in Port of Spain.  The idea that you could build an instrument out of an oil barrel and make a professional orchestra of people who did not read music was not yet considered to be a fine art by everyone.

I had some of the best times of my life at that yard.  I remember Dane Gulston for his artistry and also his super friendly attitude.  He was very young, but was already indoctrinated with the discipline of the All Stars.  Dedication and cooperation are the ingredients needed to win in Panorama and in life.  Today Pantrinbago oversees educational programs and the nation is proud of their indigenous instrument. Brooklyn has a large contingent of the best musicians for at least part of the year.  In the above solo Dane ably demonstrates the benefits of practicing the three P’s.