Phyllis, playing pans since 2004
Day job: I am a domestic engineer of sorts and master scheduler for our family of 6. I am also a freelance artist and a volunteer extraordinaire!
Favorite songs to play: 5th of Beethoven, Soca Pressure, Love, Rock 'n Roll Medley, Iko Iko
How did you get involved in PanJammers? In August 2004, after a camp was offered to introduce Blacksburg to steel pans, I was hooked. We started PanJammers and have not looked back!
What advice would you give to a new pan player? "Feel" the music and it will happen!
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? I enjoy the Caribbean sound of these instruments, the harmonies, and, of course, the friendships I have made.
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: Billy Joel, Carlos Santana, Frank Sinatra, Chicago, Vivaldi, Glenn Miller, Stephane Grappelli, Plain White T's, Bob Marley and all kinds of smooth jazz.
David, playing pans since 2005
Day job: Associate Vice President, Research Compliance, Virginia Tech
Favorite songs to play: I like 'em all.
How did you get involved in PanJammers? Saw a performance in Squires and the whole family signed up to be in Island Pan (a sister band that merged with PanJammers in 2011)
What advice would you give to a new pan player? Be patient. It's not that hard.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? Getting better and being part of a professional group.
Other musical instruments played: Trumpet (high school band 40+ years ago)
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: Anything but country.
Interests and hobbies: Photography, genealogy, Civil War research.
How did you get involved in PanJammers? Saw a performance in Squires and the whole family signed up to be in Island Pan (a sister band that merged with PanJammers in 2011)
What advice would you give to a new pan player? Be patient. It's not that hard.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? Getting better and being part of a professional group.
Other musical instruments played: Trumpet (high school band 40+ years ago)
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: Anything but country.
Interests and hobbies: Photography, genealogy, Civil War research.
Derley, playing pans since 2005
Favorite songs to play: Love, Over the Rainbow, Rock 'n Roll Medley, 5th of Beethoven
How did you get involved in PanJammers? Years ago I was invited to a show by the mother of a player in the group. The show was great fun, so when I found out about a workshop, I signed up and have been playing ever since.
What advice would you give to a new pan player? I learn by listening, so I recommend listening to the song a couple of times before playing it to avoid getting frustrated. It's a lot easier to play a song when you know what your part should sound like when played with the rest of the group. Also, move while you practice. Tap your feet. Sway. Bob your head.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? I’ve been playing a musical instrument since I was 8, so it fills my need for making music. Plus, I have made some great friends in the band who don't care if I bounce around or dance when I'm playing! It's a good time.
Other musical instruments played: Piano... and I'm usually the drummer when I play Rock Band with friends because we lose when I play guitar. Does that count?
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: I like all kinds of music from John Mayer to Michael Buble to U2.
Interests and hobbies: Taking photos, shooting and editing videos, going to concerts, traveling, writing.
Meet the Basses
Laureen, playing pans since 2004
Favorite songs to play: Peter Gunn. Also I LOVE to play 5th of Beethoven, Fever, and Rock 'n Roll Medley.
How did you get involved in PanJammers? Signed my kids up for a one-day workshop after a concert and it looked like so much fun that when it was suggested that we could form a band in Blacksburg, I jumped in. I consider myself to be the "veteran" of the band, as I have been with it from the very start. And even though I took a year off, I am still rocking the pans!
What advice would you give to a new pan player? Contrary to popular belief, playing the pans is an extreme sport--if you don't break a sweat then you are not moving enough! Seriously, the audience will enjoy the show more if you are moving and having fun! It also helps to keep you in time. And most importantly: SMILE, especially if you are air-panning, as it makes it so much more believable.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? Well obviously I love to be next to Derley as she is a super fun player who also loves to dance! I believe my year off was most difficult for her and that she really missed me. I also enjoy incorporating my newly discovered belly dance moves into our routines!
Other musical instruments played: Whistle, kazoo, scrapers, shakers, tambourine, brake drum. And I play the best air pan ever! Pan: Lead
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: ABBA….Pink Floyd, The Pogues, Grace Potter, ABBA, The Beatles, Nirvana, ABBA, The Old Ceremony, Pat Bennetar, ABBA, Madness, Peter Gabriel, ABBA, Classical Music, Chris Rea, did I mention ABBA? It should also be noted that I do not like country music… at all.
Interests and hobbies: Belly dancing. However after 3 6-week sessions at beginner level, I think I have reached my limit... just cannot shimmy or roll in the right places!
Catherine, playing pans since 2005
Day job: Senior assistant director at Career Services, Virginia Tech
How did you get involved in PanJammers? My daughter was a rising 5th grader and joined the band summer 2005. Many parents of young players also played in the band, so I joined in fall 2005.
What advice would you give to a new pan player? Give it time. Don't let anyone rush you.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? Two things: 1)When I get a song, and playing it flows, and 2) when all the instruments in the band playing together make the song happen.
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: Classic rock, R&B, Jazz, Blues. Warren Zevon, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Traffic, dozens of others.
Interests and hobbies: Biking, yoga, walking (running if my knee lets me), lifting weights, reading, gardening/yardwork, traveling, going to concerts, hanging out with my family and friends.
