Hana Richardson - Disciplined, Passionate and Community Minded

Jan 3

Jan 3 Hana Richardson - Disciplined, Passionate and Community Minded

Global, Europe, Caribbean, Canada, Africa

Hana was first introduced to pan at age 10 by the legendary Mr Clyde Dias. She very quickly, soon after dropped the trumpet. In her primary school she had the “Invaders” tenor with the massive P# in the middle. She remembers being intrigued by the different layouts that even just a tenor pan had.

If you know about Mr Clyde Dias, you know he was very old school. He gave her a cassette tape of “Rock Around the Clock” that she would play at home.

Soon after being introduced to pan, Hana went to a holiday workshop class with Haringey Young Musicians, met Chris Storey BEM and the rest is history.

She consequently joined Haringey Young Musicians Steel Orchestra and later joined Pan Nation Steel Orchestra in 2011, as one of the youngest players at the time. Her Mum also became part of the Pan Nation family soon after.

Hana performing at Endurance Blockorama 2025.

Mr Dias said Hana would go far in pan… she was not quite sure what he meant, but 15 years later, she still plays. Pan has taken her to different parts of the world, including Barbados twice, Leeds Carnival, Rotterdam Carnival and Glastonbury Festival.

To date, she has played a total of 6 UK Panoramas with Endurance Steel Orchestra, Pan Nation Steel Orchestra and Ebony Steel Band.

Even though pan is more of a hobby, it has taught Hana skill and discipline. It has taught her that when you put in the time and dedication – you get the results.

Hana performing at Pan Nation Winter Concert 2025!

Playing pan is almost spiritual to Hana. It is a big part of her life and allows her to feel connected to a part of her culture that she doesn’t fully get to experience living in the UK. It brings her love of music, soca, carnival and liming all into one! Hana’s work however, is completely different.

Day to day, she works as a Children and Young People’s Wellbeing / Mental Health Practitioner. Part of her job is helping others by encouraging them to do more of what they love. Playing the steelpan helps Hana practise what she preaches!