Samantha Ward – Music In My Blood
Samantha always thought her destiny was to play the steelpan. From the days on her Dad’s shoulders at Republic Day Pan J’ouvert, to the Big 5 concerts with her grandparents, and then to the pan yards with her aunt and uncle, she was being shaped into a pannist. It was ironic that her grandfather, Mac Ward, was a founding member of the Silver Stars Steel Orchestra and mother’s uncle, George NgWai was a member of old band- the popular Dixieland that toured the UK in May 1961 led by Curtis Pierre and managed by the late Sonny Blacks following their sweep of the Trinidad and Tobago’s National Steel Band Music Festival.
Young Samantha trying out the tenor.
That trajectory became clear when her father brought home a Tenor pan. She was just a toddler at that time, but spend a lot of time with it. As time elapsed Samantha started downloading notes online and taught herself to play songs like “I Love You,”- the theme from Barney, “Amazing Grace,” “Silent Night,” and “Jingle Bells.” This led to various pop, reggae, and even video game music.
Samantha playing with Phase II Pan Groove.
Her primary school, Bishop Anstey Junior School, started a steelpan program. She wanted to play the Tenor, but the other kids got to it before her, so she had to play the Guitar pan. Even though it was not the steelpan she had at home, Samantha soon got the hang of it. After school, she would rehearse the song they learned on the Tenor pan at home.
Samantha performing with Phase II Pan Groove’s Junior Steel Band
The pandemic caused a complete disruption to her band practice, but it was during this time that she was introduced to online music classes with Kyshon Frith at Mannette Academy. It was then that she really began learning scales, sight reading, playing by ear, and proper playing technique. During her six years at Mannette Academy, she played at their Christmas concerts, and also began learning the art of performance.
Samantha with her Tenor Pan going to playing with Phase II Pan Groove’s Stage Side.
During high school she had to study classical music and her mother introduced her to the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra’s classical album. She was truly amazed! She eventually learned a few pieces from Mr. Frith and submitted them to her US based tutors who were totally blown away. Needless to say, Samantha got an A+ for the class.
Samantha Jamming with Phase II Pan Groove’s Stage Side.
Another big impact was an old video of Phase II Pan Groove’s “Woman is Boss.” She liked the groovy and jazzy undertones which made it unique. She believes that Dr. Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe is a musical Genius. Samantha knew that one day she wanted to play with that band. Luckily, her Mother knew Cleve Leonard, and she was able to start with Dr. Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe’s Musical Academy. This led to her involvement with the Phase II Pan Groove’s Junior Band from 2023 where she became a section leader and then progressed to the Senior Band for the Trinidad and Tobago’s Large Steelband National Panorama competition and Phase II Pan Groove’s Stage Side from 2025. Pan and Soca 2025 was a magical experience! Even the difficult arrangements, the late nights, the hurting feet could not stop her.
Samantha in her signature Sun Glasses
During her performances she is known for wearing dark aviator sunglasses which she adopted from my favourite performers- Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. She also wears her curly hair out like Shaka Khan and Donna Summer. At first, she was a little stiff, but now she has more confidence and able to dance while playing. She acquired a few moves from Soul Train, and the likes of Earth Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, and Tavares. Clearly she is a child from the ’70’s and 80’s.
Samantha on the Shoulders of her Father.
Her plans for Panorama 2027 are to continue playing with Phase II Pan Groove and with Harvard Harps Steel Orchestra in the small steel bands category as well. Samantha had a smile on her face when she stated that it would also be nice to try the quadrophonic pans, if she gets the chance. She also intends to start the pan tuning and manufacturing course at UTT.
Samantha performing with Phase II Pan Groove’s Stage Side
Panpodium recognises Samantha as an aspiring musician and wishes her all the best for the future. Hopefully she will treat theory as a tool that unlocks her creativity and enhances her collaboration with other musicians.
