Meet the Steel Bands: Metronomes
Meet Metronomes Steel Orchestra, one of Britain's leading Steel Bands that has contributed towards the art form for forty-seven years.
Metronomes Steel Orchestra
Metronomes Steel Orchestra is a leading steel band and unique community based in Ladbroke Grove, West London. They teach and perform steel pan music, promote Caribbean heritage, and run projects that benefit the local community.
Metronomes Steel OrchestraNotting Hill Carnival
How was Metronomes Founded?
Although previously known by different names, Metronomes was officially founded in 1973 by Phil Dubique and Irvin Corridan.
Irvin CorridanNotting Hill Carnival
Irvin Corridan
Irvin Corridan is co-founder and Chairperson of Metronomes Steel Orchestra. Since co-founding Metronomes in 1973, he has continued to play a pivotal role within the band.
Eversley MillsNotting Hill Carnival
Eversley Mills
Alongside Corridan, Metronomes is led by its Manager, Eversley 'Breeze' Mills. Mills is also the Vice Chairman of the British Association of Steelbands (BAS).
Metronomes Steel OrchestraNotting Hill Carnival
Metronomes' Notable Achievements
Metronomes perform at various events all over the U.K., from festivals to award ceremonies. Previously, they have completed international tours in Germany and Switzerland.
Metronomes are regular participants in Notting Hill Carnival festivities. They are three-time winners of the BAS Pan Explosion ensemble competition, four-time U.K. Panorama winners, and two-time ‘Best Band on the Road’ winners, to name a select few of their achievements.
Metronomes Steel Orchestra (2014/2014)Notting Hill Carnival
The Metronomes Community
Metronomes has approximately two-thousand extended family members across North Kensington, around three-hundred of whom live on Lancaster Estate.
Particularly since the tragic Grenfell fire in 2019, Metronomes has pushed for more community projects. In July 2019, Metronomes produced a development plan called ‘All Our Futures’, and are now completing a business plan for their organisation with the aim of serving their community.
Metronomes Steel Orchestra (2018/2018) by Robbie JosephNotting Hill Carnival
Metronomes' Development and Aims
Metronomes plays an important role in the local Caribbean community. They bring families together, helping to reduce social isolation - particularly amongst the elderly and single parents.
A large number of young people who attend Metronomes go on to university and it has helped produce a generation of architects, athletes and doctors. However, they are resolutely focused on involving all young people, including those struggling in life - "Metronomes leaves no one behind".
Notable Band Members
Vivian Miller (pictured) is the current Captain of Metronomes Steel Orchestra.
Heather Joseph is the Treasurer of Metronomes. She is a senior member with over 20 years experience playing with the band.
Notable Band Members
Marva Spencer (pictured) manages administration for Metronomes Steel Orchestra.
Nana Ama Astra has been playing with the band for over 10 years and manages the band’s digital presence.
Nadine Nyapadi manages the band’s publicity and marketing campaigns.
Metronomes at the U.K. National Panorama Competition (2014)
Metronomes' entry into the 2014 U.K. National Panorama Competition saw them achieve second place. They performed Bunji Garlin's hit 'Carnival Tabanca', arranged for the competition by Annise 'Halfers' Hadeed.
Metronomes at Notting Hill Carnival: Access All Areas (2020)
Metronomes has been busy despite the COVID-19 pandemic, performing in the digital Notting Hill Carnival: Access All Areas. If you've enjoyed getting to know Metronomes, be sure to follow them on their socials:
Instagram: @metronomes_mso
Twitter: @Metronomes_mso
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.