HISTORY OF PANASH
Early Beginnings
Mountview High School
Mountview High School
Panash was formed in 1983 by David Griffiths at Mountview High School in Harrow. The school closed but their successful and renowned Steel Band continued as an independent borough orchestra.
Mountview High School
Mountview High School
Mountview High School
The genesis period for Panash was the late 1960s/Early 1970s when a London wide programme of introducing Steel Pans into schools was undertaken.
Mountview High School were pioneers in this respect, with David Griffiths and Terry Noel MBE working together to develop the school band, eventually gaining recognition for showcasing the versatil
The genesis period for Panash was the late 1960s/Early 1970s when a London wide programme of introducing Steel Pans into schools was undertaken.
Mountview High School were pioneers in this respect, with David Griffiths and Terry Noel MBE working together to develop the school band, eventually gaining recognition for showcasing the versatility of the instrument and it's value within the school curriculum
1990
Mountview High School
1990
Our current Director , Jay Butcher, took over the Panash name in 1990, whilst being the Steel Pan Tutor at Rooks Heath High School, also in Harrow.
The School band there had also developed and with the help of David, Panash was resurrected.
In this new line up the band continued to follow the ethos of the original group, and flourished
Our current Director , Jay Butcher, took over the Panash name in 1990, whilst being the Steel Pan Tutor at Rooks Heath High School, also in Harrow.
The School band there had also developed and with the help of David, Panash was resurrected.
In this new line up the band continued to follow the ethos of the original group, and flourished for 6 years. Notable appearances include several tours on continental Europe, 2 National Garden Festival appearances , as well as guest performing at the Rose Of Tralee Festival in the Republic of Ireland.
Return in 2008
With the band folding in 1996 as players left for new jobs and university, Jay spent 12 years as the Musical Director for the Comets Steel Band, achieving notable success in its own right.
In 2008 Panash was reformed, settling in the South London area of Crystal Palace.
We have worked tirelessly to promote the Steel Pan locally, with wor
With the band folding in 1996 as players left for new jobs and university, Jay spent 12 years as the Musical Director for the Comets Steel Band, achieving notable success in its own right.
In 2008 Panash was reformed, settling in the South London area of Crystal Palace.
We have worked tirelessly to promote the Steel Pan locally, with workshops and initiatives in a large number of local schools, which has enabled us to recruit new players and develop Panash into the Multi Generational Community Orchestra it has now become.
Panash at the London Notting Hill Carnival 2019
Panash at the London New Year's Day Parade 2020
Panash bringing communities together at the Notting Hill Carnival 2019