Bands

Click on any of these amazing bands to find out more…

Pantonic All Stars

Pantonic All Stars Steel Orchestra was founded in November 1985 when two families — one of whom had recently returned from working in Trinidad — came together with a shared vision: to create a steel band that would give children in Stockport a positive, inspiring musical opportunity. From the very beginning, the Orchestra was built on family values, run by parents for the benefit of young people, and guided by a simple but powerful motto that still defines us today: “We Not I.”

Alongside its musical aims, the Orchestra was created with a strong charitable purpose. One of its founding goals was to raise money for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Bone Marrow Trust Fund. Since 1985, Pantonic has raised over £60,000 through street collections across North West shopping centres, while also supporting many other local and national charities by performing at fundraising events. Community service remains at the heart of everything we do.

As the Orchestra grew, so did its reputation. Pantonic took part in numerous competitions, most notably the National Music for Youth Festival, where the group twice received the Outstanding Performance Award. These achievements led to performances at major School Proms concerts across the UK, including St David’s Hall in Cardiff, St George’s Hall in Bradford, and four appearances at the Royal Albert Hall between 1989 and 1995. One of our most unforgettable moments came in 1992, when we performed Bohemian Rhapsody on the first anniversary of Freddie Mercury’s passing — joined spontaneously by a Welsh girls’ choir in a moving and powerful tribute.

Pantonic has also been featured several times on television and radio, appearing in arts festivals and youth programmes, including Blue Peter and the BBC’s Young Entertainer of the Year semi‑finals. These opportunities helped showcase not only the talent of our young musicians but also the unique sound and spirit of steel music.

Our recordings reflect the same commitment to authenticity and versatility. Each album blends easy‑listening pieces and modern tunes with lively calypsos and well‑known classics, recreating the traditional sound of the Caribbean while demonstrating the remarkable range of the steel pan. Today, Pantonic All Stars Steel Orchestra continues to thrive as a vibrant, community‑driven organisation. We remain dedicated to nurturing young talent, celebrating Caribbean musical heritage, supporting charitable causes, and bringing people together through the joy of performance. Nearly four decades on, our founding values still guide us.

Sensory Sounds Steel Band

Sensory Sounds Steel band was established in 2010 following a Christmas workshop at Walthew House in Stockport, led by Sunshine Steel band.

After the success of the event, regular classes were introduced and with Arthur’s Class Act Steel band looking for a new home, the partnership naturally evolved. Using Arthur’s original steel pans and with the continued support of the Northwest Steel band Association and Walthew House, Sensory sounds was born.

Based at Walthew House, our unique band is for adults with sight and/or hearing loss. We currently have 11 members, supported by four dedicated sighted volunteers, with music specially adapted to meet each player’s individual abilities and needs.

We rehearse every Tuesday from 1pm to 2.15pm and enjoy performing an eclectic repertoire of gentle, acoustic music for community events.

For more information about Sensory Sounds Steel band including bookings, please contact Walthew House or our steel band teacher.

Janice Turley B.Ed (Hons)
Home: 0161 4941197
Mobile: 07719 586668
Email: janiceandbarrie@gmail.com

Arthur’s Class Act

Arthur’s Class Act was formally named when the Teacher’s Inservice steelband class Manchester Music Service (MMS) ran jointly with North West Steelband Association (NWSBA) was invited to play at the retirement concert in 1995 of Trinidadian Arthur Culpeper, the group’s founder and leader – Head of World Music at MMS.

He was persuaded out of retirement a couple of years later to run an adult class at Zion Arts Centre using instruments bought by NWSBA for a Youth orchestra run by MMS.

In 2007 founding member and current player Vivien McDougall took over and ran the group for about 10 years in various venues, using methods and techniques taught by Arthur. The baton was then passed to John Unwin, the current leader.

ACA perform regularly in Stockport and further afield and the class is held in Walthew House, Shaw Heath on Thursday evenings.

We play calypsos, old favourites and modern hits.

Beginners or experienced players of all ages and abilities are made very welcome.

Further information from John ……..

Or Vivien 07961119909