Holy mas
Trinidad NewsdayBy LEISELLE MARAJ Wednesday, January 5 2011
CLEAN MAS: Masqueraders display costumes as the launch yesterday of The Word and Associates' (a Roman Catholic organisation) Carnival mas band 'Genesi...
CLEAN MAS: Masqueraders display costumes as the launch yesterday of The Word and Associates' (a Roman Catholic organisation) Carnival mas band 'Genesi...
THE Word and Associates, a Roman Catholic organisation, yesterday launched its mas band for the upcoming Parade of the Bands, named Genesis 1 — Creation. The band is sanctioned by the head of the local Roman Catholic Church, Archbishop Edward Gilbert.
According to the Word and Associates chairman Derek Walcott, the band’s intention is to bring God and creativity back into Carnival.
Monsignor Jason Gordon, who represented Archbishop Gilbert at the band launch at the Queen’s Park Cricket Club said: “There was a time when Carnival was blessed with creativity and we want to go back to this time. We want to show we can take part in Carnival without alcohol and excess.”
Walcott explained that the band will also cater to children and they intend on crossing the stage at the Queens Park Savannah on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. “The Word realises that as Trinbagonians, we cannot escape the Carnival atmosphere and want to enjoy it in a safe environment conducive to fun,” Walcott said.
Parish priest at St Anthony’s RC Church, Petit Valley Father Joe Harris is the inspiration behind the band. Twelve sections will be portrayed using a maximum of 1,200 masqueraders. Costumes will be priced between $1,000 and $2,500 and the all inclusive band will not be serving alcoholic drinks.
The Word was assisted by several veteran mas makers in producing the band including Rosalind Gabriel whose children’s band has won band of the year several years including last year. Wayne Berkeley created the queen of the band, “Eve” while a renowned but unnamed mas maker, will create the King, “Adam”. Walcott said as part of the drive to bring back creativity the band’s music will be provided by three steelbands; Valley Harps, Simple Song of Arima and the Archdiocesan steel band, a rhythm section and one DJ but dependant on the size of the band, they may include more DJs.
Harris will be deciding the playlist for the band which will include calypsos from over the years. He hinted at songs sung by David Rudder and last year’s Road March and Soca Monarch champions, JW and Blaze with their hit, Palance. Some of the designs were paraded for media at the launch but the Word will be hosting an all inclusive fete on February 20th where they will make a full presentation of the band.
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