Description
Success Village in Laventille, suburban Port of Spain, welcomed the construction of a co-educational, five year, secondary school in 1983 with attending students ranging from eleven to eighteen years. Renamed Success Laventille Secondary School (SLSS) in 2006, it resides in the belly of the Steelpan world, home of many renowned innovators and pan tuners. The school’s musical programs, from inception, reflect its love and respect for the heritage and legacy of the founding fathers of the Steelpan. SLSS has spawned the Success Stars Pan Sounds, a steel orchestra which has copped many trophies throughout the years.
Success Spawns Success
In 1985 and 1986 the steelband, fondly abbreviated Success Stars participated in two prestigious music competitions for the first time – the Steelband Music Festival and the Junior Panorama. In 1987, under the musical tutelage and directorship of teacher Sean Lewis, the band claimed its first victory in the Steelband Music Festival. This was followed by winning the Junior Panorama title in 1988. The band then continued to win the Steelband Music Festival in 1991, 1995, 1999 and 2003 under the baton of Ben Jackson.
With past students having allegiance to their school and steelband, Success Stars now comprises alumni and present students teaming up to enter competitions. Manager Mrs. Kay Felix, arranger Mickiel Gabriel and dedicated parents supervise rehearsals on the compound after school hours. These young people are committed to doing what they love doing -“playing the pan”. Success Stars has performed in Canada, Scotland and USA. In March 2014, the band was selected by the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the IX International Festival Cedros in Mexico.
The Future
In recognizing the abundant talent and vibrant energy of its students in the field of Visual and Performing Arts, the school strives to support and nurture them within the academic framework as proud associates and descendants of a creative and innovative sector of the population. Success Stars is delighted to present its new fund-raising CD entitled ‘Legacy of Excellence’ to be launched during Virtual Educa 2014, an international conference carded for the Regency Hyatt, Port of Spain from May 18th to 21st.
