There’s just no stopping them!

For the fifth consecutive year, the Sion Hill Euphonium were crowned champions of steel pan at the Steel and Glitter show held at Victoria Park on Friday, July 5.{{more}}

The 75-strong group did enough with their pan sticks to fend off six other worthy opponents to protect the crown they have been holding for the past four years.

Storming behind Sion Hill in second position were the Sea Operations Starlift Steel Orchestra, with their rendition of “King of the Road” by X-A-Dus. Scotia Bank South East Steel Orchestra rounded off the top three with their piece, “Pan Yard” by Winston Soso.

Playing De Man Age’s “I’m Yours”, the passion and energy displayed by the group’s members appeared to have been transmitted to patrons, who were seen gyrating to their sweet play.

Captain of Sion Hill Tilal Webb described their milestone achievement as a “really great feeling”.

Webb, in an interview with SEARCHLIGHT, said the group worked extremely hard this year and even conducted practice sessions into the wee hours on mornings.

He said their arranger, Trinidadian Sean Gomez, arrived late in St Vincent, but they were still able to put together a “decent package.

“It really paid off. Our members really worked hard and I am really glad for this,” the pan man with over 20 years experience said.

Webb said at present, the orchestra is in preparations for the annual children’s summer pan programme, beginning at the end of July. After that, the band intends to go back to the drawing boards for next year’s competition.

The other competing pan sides were Vita Malt Symphonix Steel Orchestra, Georgetown All Stars, Potential Steel Orchestra and Solidarity Inc Elite Steel Orchestra.