Become a Member
Panoridim recruits new members in September of every year. The only prerequisites for joining are dedication, commitment, and a love for music. No prior musical knowledge is required, though it is an asset. Space is usually limited, so check back at the start of the UWI semester for recruitment dates and like our Facebook page for more updates.
- Q. Can I only join in September?
A. No. Though September is the main recruitment period, very interested persons can join at other times of the year if a Section Leader has space on their section and is willing to take a new person at that time.
- Q. Can I join even if the band is full?
A. Maybe. Someone with prior steelpan experience may still be able to join even if the band is full at the discretion of the Section Leader. Others can join our waiting list and may be contacted to join at the beginning of the second semester if space becomes available.
- Q. Do members pay dues?
A. No. Members are not required to pay dues, but instead earn funds for the maintenance of the band through playing engagements in which they are required to participate.
- Q. Do members receive payment for performance at major events?
A. No. As a non-profit society of UWI Mona under the Philip Sherlock Centre, members will not be paid for their contribution in the band. Members do however receive incentives for commitment through organized band activities paid by the band.
- Q. Can student members receive UWI course credit for playing with the band?
A. Yes. Members can receive credit after a year of being active in the band. The awarding of credits is dependent on the commitment of the player and their integration into all of band life. This is assessed by their Section Leader.
- Q. Do members learn to read music?
A. Yes. As most of our pieces are arranged using music scores, members will develop the skill as they play with the band.
- Q. Are music scores used in performance?
A. Generally no. Though the band may learn the music from scores, almost all music is committed to memory for performances.
- Q. How many times a week must members attend rehearsals?
A. General rehearsals (or Group Practice) are two times a week: Tues and Thurs for the student band, or Wed and Sat for the senior band. Individual sections will schedule Section Practice on times convenient to their members separate from Group Practice time. it is recommended that a player be present at all scheduled rehearsals. The frequency of rehearsals may increase close to major performances.
- Q. Are junior members allowed to perform at major events?
A. Yes. All players are encouraged to participate in all major events. Where space on the pans may be limited, space on the Engine (rhythm section) is typically available. Players who get involved on the Engine tend to learn the music and integrate into the senior band much faster than player who do not.
