Golden Hands Steel Ensemble – Under the Sapodilla Tree

Golden Hands was founded by Franka Hills-Headley, the Director, approximately 15 years ago. With the assistance of Dane Hinds, Assistant Director/Arranger, the bans has amassed numerous titles and trophies. The 80 young musicians of Golden Hands range in age from 3 to 19 years. A core group of these youngsters are directly involved in the management of Golden Hands.

Golden Hands is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s premier youth steel orchestras. They have amassed numerous titles that include winning 7 trophies in the prestigious Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival on three consecutive occasions. The National Junior Panorama is a pan festival that is highlighted during Carnival celebrations. The band placed second in the 2008 celebrations with a calypso arrangement by Vanessa Headley, the youth arranger.

The soloists, Vanessa Headley, Richardé Bereaux and Jonathan Grant of Golden Hands are also the reigning champions of many National competitions. Golden Hands teamed up with Dr. Jeannine Remy approximately 4 years ago. A mutual relationship developed that allowed further development of the group’s musicianship while affording Jeannine the opportunity to experiment with avant garde musical ideas.

Golden Hands is a musically literate, highly skilled group of musicians who are extremely committed to the Steelpan and who operate on the cutting edge of the steelpan culture. They have represented Trinidad and Tobago on their international tours to the USA and several Caribbean territories such as Antigua, Dominica, Barbados and Martinique.

Golden Hands has facilitated many steelpan workshops both locally and internationally. In addition, students of Golden Hands have received scholarships to universities in the USA such as Howard University because of their involvement with the steelpan. The group is very involved in charitable efforts with a primary focus on young people, the disabled and senior citizens.

Our Panyard

The Sapodilla tree is the central feature of that verdant, rustic space known as the Golden Hands Backyard. This tree has seen three generations of children play under its spreading branches in this precious spot, right in the heart of San Fernando, Trinidad.

Now another generation, Golden Hands is “playing pan” under the Sapodilla Tree. A natural shed, The Sapodilla Tree shelters the pannists from sun and rain alike. The music never stops. Birds and squirrels frolic in it during the day and at dusk, fruit bats visit, all partaking on its luscious fruit.

The band spends not only time rehearsing here but also stages numerous social events and concerts in the Backyard with The Sapodilla Tree as the central element in this natural amphitheatre. Under The Sapodilla Tree presents Golden Hands in this very relaxing mood.

Slow down and unwind with Golden Hands Under the Sapodilla Tree.

By Franka Hills-Headley
Founder/Director Golden Hands Steel Orchestra