By Sandy Connors | Photos Courtesy: Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra
Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra (PESO) has much to celebrate in a year marked by milestones and music. Under President Wayne Bernard’s leadership, the Brooklyn-based ensemble clinched an unprecedented double victory at the 2024 Junior and National Panorama competitions — a first for the group and a powerful symbol of perseverance, creativity, and community spirit.
Breaking Barriers in Brooklyn
“Coming into our 10th year, both wins — junior and senior Panorama — are very momentous,” said Bernard in an exclusive interview on Inception FM Radio. “It’s a testament to everyone involved in Pan Evolution, from the core members to the committee, from day one to now.”
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Since its inception a decade ago, Pan Evolution has stood at the forefront of steelpan excellence in New York, despite a narrative that the local scene is fading.
“People are quick to say pan in Brooklyn is dead,” Bernard said. “But our wins show that it pays off when you work through the off-season — when you grind and push. Brooklyn still has life in it.”
Indeed, the Junior band’s history of success speaks for itself, with Panorama titles in 2021, 2022, and now again in 2024. However, the senior band’s win this year came with added emotion: the competition coincided with Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence weekend — an ideal backdrop for their musical selection, “DNA,” a crowd-favorite during Carnival in Trinidad.
The Sound of Success
The choice of music and its execution were no accident. Bernard credited the band’s long-time arranger, Andre White, with creating an immersive and culturally rich performance. Even while based in London during the height of Panorama season, White remained intimately involved—rehearsing with UK band Mangrove by day and video-calling PESO’s members by night.
“You’d see Andre giving us music at 4 a.m. his time, and then an hour later, he’s passed out on the video call. That’s commitment,” said Bernard.
White’s bold, youthful creativity helped transform “DNA” into more than a song — it became an anthem for identity, unity, and celebration.
Nurturing the Next Generation
Beyond competition, Pan Evolution has built its foundation on education and mentorship. The organization runs a year-round training program that nurtures steelpan players from beginner to professional.
“We start them as young as six,” Bernard explained. “They move from the beginner’s class to the junior band and then to the senior band. About 80–85% of our junior members currently play with the senior band.”
The orchestra also offers adult beginner and advanced classes, all of which incorporate instrumental technique, music theory, group performance, and ear training.
“It’s about more than music,” Bernard said. “It’s about community, discipline, teamwork, and preserving a legacy.
Pan and the People
As summer approaches and steel bands move into open-air practice yards, PESO hopes to bridge a long-standing tension: pan music vs. neighborhood noise complaints. Bernard believes the solution lies in cooperation and shared understanding.
“The steel band and the community need to become one,” he said. “Steel bands keep our youth off the streets. They offer a haven, a second family. And most of us aren’t funded — we rely on volunteers and donations.”
He emphasized that even a few hours of help — from chaperoning rehearsals to supporting fundraising events — can make a difference.
“Steelband is a job without pay,” he added. “But the return is priceless.”
What’s Next for Pan Evolution?
Pan Evolution has a busy calendar ahead. In ad
dition to ongoing classes and workshops, the band is slated to perform at:
- May 17: Jamaican Cultural Arts Youth Affair, Queens, NY (closing performance)
- June 21: Music Under the Stars in Brattleboro, VT (headline performance)
- June 22: Philadelphia Pan Stars Band Launch, Philadelphia, PA
To close out the year in true celebratory style, the group is
planning a 10th Anniversary Concert on December 14, featuring all divisions of the band—from children to adult players—in a showcase of PESO’s decade-long journey.
Get Involved
For those interested in joining, supporting, or simply learning more about Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra, the band offers several points of contact:
- Website: www.panevolution.net
- Instagram: @pan_evolution
- Facebook: Pan Evolution
- Email: pan.evolution@yahoo.com
- Phone: 917-620-1125
Bernard welcomes all levels of involvement, from aspiring pannists to community members simply curious to learn more.
“We’re always open to new people,” he said. “Pan is for everyone.”
Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra: 10 Years of Culture, Community, and Championship Wins added by Caribbean American Weekly on
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