Walk into the Old Mill High School’s “panyard” and the first thing that strikes you is the variety.
When you hear names like Dhumrongyud and Dambach, Scalice and Swieczkowski, Concepcion and Kim
you know that magic is about to happen. This folks, is the ultimate “One World Band”, a true representative of what pan has become…Global. At yesterday’s practice session, the Old Mill H.S. Steelband, together with band director, Michael Miller and Ray Holman, were fine-tuning the selections for tonight’s grand concert at the Center for the performing Arts, Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn [Nr. Glen Burnie] Maryland. The show begins promptly at 7:30pm and from observing the session, promises to be another good one.
An interesting observation was the band’s undersized “Tenor Guitar” pans. Hosting at least four sets, these double pans, believed to be in the Mezzo Soprano range, are definitely no toys folks. When played by themselves, they could use a slight blend [or maybe it’s the tone that I’m not used to]. When played together with the entire orchestra though, they definitely make a contribution.
It will be interesting to see how they stand up to Double Tenor parts. Be on the look out for them.
The band’s repertoire swings from the expected Ray Holman composition [It’s Ray’s Show] to Santana to Dizzy Gillespie/Chano Pozo’s Soul Sauce. Look for Greg Brown’s ear piercing trumpet solo on the latter.
$5.00 tickets for this 7:30pm show can be purchased at the school, 600 Patriot Lane Millersville, MD 21108,
410-969-9010 or at the concert venue.