laborie.pan@gmail.com
Phone
758 488 0665
Visit
La Croix Rd, Laborie, St. Lucia
laborie.pan@gmail.com
Phone
758 488 0665
Visit
Citrus Grove, Laborie, St. Lucia
laborie.pan@gmail.com
Phone
758 488 0665
Visit
La Croix Rd, Laborie, St. Lucia
laborie.pan@gmail.com
Phone
758 488 0665
Visit
Citrus Grove, Laborie, St. Lucia
Laborie Steel Pan is more than just a music group; it’s a vibrant community initiative based in the picturesque village of Laborie, Saint Lucia. Founded in November 2006, our mission has always been clear: to empower youth through the transformative power of steel pan music. We believe in the ability of music to bring people together, to build bridges, and to create opportunities for personal and collective growth.
Our journey began with the vision of Labowi Promotions, who, with the support of the Cultural Development Foundation and the Poverty Reduction Fund, set out to establish a safe space for young people to explore and develop their musical talents. From our humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a dynamic group that serves as both a cultural beacon in our community and a platform for artistic expression.
Mr. Yves Renard, affectionately known as Mr. Yves, was one of the co-founders of Labowi Promotions, the parent organization of Laborie Steel Pan, and served as an executive member of the band. His intelligence, humility, understanding, joviality, and resourcefulness were just a few of the many remarkable qualities he possessed. Mr. Renard worked tirelessly, dedicating countless hours to developing the band. His unwavering support was especially crucial during the panorama season, as he handled the majority of the logistics to ease the workload on the band, allowing the players to focus on their music. Even when he was away, a single text message or email was all it took to receive his assistance.
Referred to as our road manager, Mr. Yves always accompanied the band on overseas trips, acting as our translator in the French islands and liaison. He was also known as our “avocat ti papier” for handling all the legal aspects of the band. Despite the age difference, Mr. Yves had an extraordinary ability to bond with the players, valuing our input in all aspects. Mr. Yves, your absence will be deeply felt. We will miss your smile, your wise counsel, your jokes, the relaxing and informal meetings with food and a glass of wine, and above all, your passion and love for the band. We love you and will miss you dearly.
Over the years, Laborie Steel Pan has made its mark both locally and internationally. Since our first public performance at the St. Jude’s Jazz Festival in 2007, we have graced stages across the Caribbean and beyond. Highlights of our journey include:
Our remarkable success stems from the unwavering passion, strategic vision, and relentless commitment of our leadership team, who guide Laborie Steel Pan toward continued excellence and community impact.
At the heart of Laborie Steel Pan is a commitment to “Youth Empowerment Through Music.” We are dedicated to fostering the musical and artistic talents of children and young adults, providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed both on and off the stage. Our aim is to create a versatile steel band that can perform in diverse settings, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Saint Lucia while promoting unity and excellence.
Laborie Steel Pan is a community-first organization. We believe in the power of music to uplift and unite. Our members, ranging from as young as four years old, are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a shared artistic vision. Through our programs, we provide not just musical training but also a sense of belonging, discipline, and pride.
Senior Arranger: Andrius Edwide
Meet Andrius Edwide also known as “Pandrius”, whose musical journey began in 2010. Initially a drummer, Andrius transitioned to playing double tenor for four years before discovering his passion for double seconds due to their range and flexibility. His time with the band has been about more than just playing music; it has been about nurturing his passion and honing his craft through countless hours at the pan shed. His progression into an arranger came naturally as he mastered composing for a steel band and embraced the yearly challenge of the panorama stage, where he could unleash his creativity and inspire others in the community.
Andrius’s inspiration to become an arranger stemmed from his expanding musical knowledge and experiences, including transformative trips to Trinidad and Tobago and London. Arranging the band is more than a task for him; it’s a passion project that pushes his creativity and collaboration with talented young musicians. Despite its occasional stressors, he finds joy in the entire process, from initial preparations to stage performances. Being part of Laborie Steel Pan has moulded Andrius in numerous ways, instilling leadership, discipline, and the importance of support, consistency, and unity which lead him and the Laborie Steel Pan to a victory in the 2016 National Panorama Competition.
Meet Jervon Jn. Pierre, a talented junior panorama arranger who began his steelpan journey at the age of 7 in 2013. As a dedicated Cello/Triple Guitar player, Jervon has showcased his musical prowess in four senior Panoramas with Laborie Steelpan. His fascination with steelpan music started in preschool, where the captivating sounds from a nearby steelpan shed sparked his musical journey. Despite his formal musical education ending in the third form, Jervon’s love for music and orchestration skills have driven him to create diverse arrangements, inspired by genres such as jazz, rhythm and blues, calypso, and anison.
Jervon officially took charge of orchestrating for junior and pre-junior groups in 2022 and recently achieved his first major accomplishment, securing 2nd place at the National Youth Panorama competition on December 2nd, 2023. Known for his leadership, discipline, respectfulness, and patience, Jn. Pierre’s motivation for the panorama was fueled by the youngsters’ enthusiasm and passion, along with the desire to bring home the prestigious trophy.
