It is indeed a reality that the Pantime Steel Orchestra has come a very long way. Reflecting on the first panorama outing for the band, it seems so long ago. It was in 2001 that Pantime performed in their first National Panorama Competition, utilizing the abilities of the youngest arranger Andre Mc Intosh age 17 ever to arrange in that competition and while the band placed last, the showing was applauded by all. It was said then that great things could be expected from this band which functioned not just as a band but more as a group. Over the years the band has met many of these expectations. In 2001 Pantime was the first to hold and awards ceremony showing appreciation towards it members for its first year in existence. In that year, the band apart from performing at panorama, performed at charity events at the Adelaide’s home, performed at a steel pan festival in December of that year, began public performances on behalf of their then sponsors Cimpex, and also started private and public performances to raise funds for itself and its members. A band which started with approximately 20 members is today about 70 members strong and this was the number that marched into the 2005 panorama festival where the band placed fourth. With more members come more infrastructure and with the help of its Captain Mynell Lovence and Manager, Cecil Philgence the band has grown from just 15 instruments to almost 65 instruments ranging from tenor to seven bass, nine bass, and even the coveted quarto phonic pan of which the band has two. The players also have excelled tremendously, two of whom were afforded a scholarship at the St. Lucia School of Music and one of whom Vladimir Lucien, recently arranged for the Junior Band at the 2005 Junior Panorama Competition where the band placed third. The band again under the guidance of Andrew Mc Intosh performed at the 2002 Jazz festival in Soufriere as one of the main attractions. The band also has under its belt overseas performances in Martinique, Guadeloupe and soon to be Cayenne. On a recently completed tour of Martinique in September 2005 the band was flooded with praise and an invitation was extended by the mayor of Saint Luce where the band performed ,and returned to play in Martinique in that same year.

Founder and Manager, Cecil “Tortee” Philgence

The band over the years has also conducted beginner programs where in fact many of its now skilled and versatile players have arisen. Also included in its programme of activities for members are annual tours to Trinidad and Tobago and land of the steel drum where members get the opportunity to showcase their talent by learning songs in literally days to compete with Trinidad bands in the National Panorama of that country. Popular bands include Witco Desperados where Captain Mynell Lovence plays and 2003, 2004 Panorama champions Exodus where Devon Barrow, former Pantime captain performed.

The band now performs on a regular basis at the many of the islands hotels including the Royal St. Lucian, Cocoa Palm, Rex St. Lucian and Cara Suites Hotel providing a steady income for many of its key stage side players. The band is very appreciative of its sponsors Digicel who have in many ways provided support both financial and otherwise to the band.