Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2018 | Page 145

Alexander Evans shared with Mélange . . . About his musical life so far “In my early days of playing music, I gigged around playing drums, bass, and guitar for several small rock bands, and I got the opportunity to travel around Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico with Pantempters Steel Orchestra. for “The Remaining” rock band, and a s guitar accompanist for Jael August, for whom I’ve served as accompanist, mentor, and big brother through music for the past 6 years. About when his interest in music was awakened Since then, I’ve performed alongside noteworthy Belizean artistes such as: Tanya Carter, Denise Castillo, Ernestine Carballo, Nello Player, Jenko Veli, and Chanelle Parks. I’ve worked with famous Belizean Composer, Francis Reneau and Internationally renowned Trinidadian Pannist and Composer, Liam Teague. I had always been a huge fan of music growing up, but it wasn’t until late high school, around age 16, that I finally got the opportunity to get my hands on some musical instruments and had friends who could teach me a bit in their free time. I have accompanied American Jazz Vocalist Aja Wilson, Canadian Jazz Vocalist, Tabby Johnson, and Jamaican Dub Poet Lillian Allen. I’ve also performed as a member of Belize’s National Youth Orchestra as both Principal Double- bassist and Timpanist in collaborations with the Youth Orchestra of the Americas (YOA), Orchestra Juvenil Centroamericano (OJCA), Trinidad and Tobago Youth Philharmonic (TTYP), and Orquestra Filarmonico de Xalapa (ORFIX). My biggest role model in life has always been my father. I’ve always found his combination of intelligence, patience, and altruism to be incredibly inspiring. He has dedicated his life to working with young people as a teacher, coach, and mentor. Musically, two people come to mind: Liam Teague and Jessel Murray. In both of them I see the brilliance, humility, and selflessness that I’ve learned to value so highly. I also hope to someday emulate their standards for excellence, and their willingness to help others. I have performed at Belize’s International Jazz Festival with the Pandemonium Steel Band and also as a Pan soloist. I’ve performed at The International Costa Maya Festival on three occasions: Once on the Darbouka as a dance accompanist, once as the drummer About his mentors/role models in that industry About pan music in Belize The first steel pan in Belize (All Stars Steel Band) was established in the 1960’s and since then, a steady love and appreciation has been built. The steel pan has post-slavery, Afro-Caribbean