Pan Down Memory Lane
Roger Whiteman of La Famille United
Staff Article
Interview Recorded: April 20, 2006
For the preliminary round of the Pan Down Memory Lane 2K6 Competition, bands were judged, as in previous years, in their communities. We interviewed some of the key people within the bands about the competition, their history and other activities in the steelband arena. We spoke with Mr. Roger Whiteman, Captain of La Famille United.
TRINBAGOPAN: Mr. Whiteman, could you give us a little history about the band?
ROGER: This band started in 1989. In the earlier days we only played at Christmas time up and down the Cascade area. Two years ago, we decided we were sounding good enough to enter competitions. Following that, I registered the band and talked to the fellas in the community. Well, we are here today.
TRINBAGOPAN: What has the response been like from the community?
ROGER: The community's response has been excellent. All the pans we have here are contributions from the community. The main sponsors are like Trinidad Pest Control and British Gas.
TRINBAGOPAN: What song is the band performing in this competition?
ROGER: The band will be performing "Tell Laura I Love Her".
TRINBAGOPAN: How are the young people responding to the band?
ROGER: Well, as you can see, it's only young people in the band. I am the oldest.
TRINBAGOPAN: Do you have any final words you would like to share with us?
ROGER: I need more support from my community. You cannot forget where you started, otherwise I think you would get lost in going where you want to go without a proper foundation. I would like my community to come out and support me. We did this tune within a couple of days. We registered a long time, but it has been a problem even with a lot of bands, to get the community and players to support you. With the support of the community and the players you will exist. Without the support, you alone cannot play all the pans, either as a manager or as a committee.
TRINBAGOPAN: Thank You.
La Famille United in Pictures
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