Meet the Steel Bands: Contrast
Meet Contrast Steel Band, a Leicester-based ensemble with a range of musical talents.
Contrast Steel Band
Contrast Steel Band are based in Leicester, West Midlands. They have performed countrywide and overseas playing a wide repertoire ranging from Jazz to Reggae, to Pop, Ballads, Gospel and Traditional Calypso.
Contrast Steel BandNotting Hill Carnival
How was Contrast founded?
Contrast Steel Band was established in 1974 through the creative vision of George Fisher, with a set of pans worth £265 and a steel pan tutor named Cyprian ‘Cy’ Jean-Jacques.
Cyprian 'Cy' Jean-JacquesNotting Hill Carnival
Cyprian 'Cy' Jean-Jaques
Cy, also known as Mr. Jacques, became the manager of Contrast Steel Band and he led the band until 2002.
Contrast Steel BandNotting Hill Carnival
Contrast's Management Committee
Management of the band was then handed down to the current band manager Pat Munroe.
Pat MunroeNotting Hill Carnival
Alongside Pat, the management committee also includes the Band Captain and Leader Donna Munroe and Treasurer Thelma Davis-Simon.
Contrast Youth BandNotting Hill Carnival
Contrast's Development and Aims
Contrast has a growing youth side and works hard to pass down the love for the instrument to the next generation. One of Contrasts’ many aims is to raise awareness of pan across the East Midlands region.
Contrast Steel Band at Home (2020)
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Contrast has continued to entertain us, coming together (virtually) to perform a beautiful rendition of Rose Royce's 1977 hit 'Wishing on a Star', arranged by band member Serena Haye.
Contrast Steel Band (2017/2017)Notting Hill Carnival
Contrast Steel Band
If you've enjoyed getting to know Contrast, be sure to follow them on their socials:
Instagram: @contraststeelband
Twitter: @ContrastPan
Facebook: @Contraststeelband
