BT Melodians was formed by Terry Noel in September 1987 and maintain close links with the historic Melodians Steel Orchestra in Arima, Trinidad, the land of the Steelpan.  Since then they have provided opportunities for young people from varied social and racial backgrounds to develop musical skills, techniques and a wide repertoire including classical, modern, calypso, Pop and Jazz compositions. Their players’ ages range from 12 to over 21 and are drawn from all walks of life.

The versatility of this orchestra’s repertoire is recognised. It is the first steel orchestra to receive two Performing Rights Society Enterprise Awards, BT Innovation Awards and Her Majesty The Queen’s Fortieth Anniversary Challenge Award.

Travel is encouraged with frequent performances in London, throughout the UK, Europe and further afield. They are currently billed to appear at the April Spring Friendship Festival in Pyongyang, North Korea from 12/4 to 26/4/2002. Melodians will also appear in Belfast during May 2002 and Aberdeen in July/August. These visits introduce audiences to the world’s music through the medium of instruments originating from Trinidad.  Some significant London venues included three visits to Buckingham Palace to perform at the Garden Parties and eight consecutive performances at the Commonwealth Day Service in Westminster Abbey in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.  Melodians have also performed twice at Highgrove House, the home of the Prince of Wales.

Melodians have produced two CDs. The first is entitled Live at University of Hertfordshire which was recorded in October1998 and mixed at The Raunch Studio. The CD has thirteen tracks with a playing time of 73 minutes. The selection of tracks demonstrates the ability of Melodians and the versatility of the steelpan instrument to play a wide range of music from classical to contemporary. The second is Pan Y2K recorded in February 2001 and features ‘Tropical Monsoon’ played in Chutney style.

Throughout history, art, in all its many forms, has been one of the most powerful and enduring ways in which people have communicated feelings, ideas and emotions. BT Melodians have proved to be a fine example.

If you want to know more about BT Melodians Steel Orchestra you can visit their website at www. btmelodians.co.uk or contact their manager, Terry Noel, at 60 Greenford Gardens, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 9LZ, Tel/Fax 020 8578 6485 or email him at terry.noel@btinternet.com.

by Terry Noel