ROY EDWARDS, Chief Adjudicator
Mr. Roy Edwards holds a Diploma in Education and a Bachelor of Science degree, in Mathematics and Chemistry, from the University of the West Indies, and Licentiate and Associate diplomas in music (practical and theory) from the Trinity College, London and Yamaha Music, Japan. He was the soloist, Mozart's Piano Concerto, at Classical Jewels For more than ten (10) years, he has been: an adjudicator of soca and steelpan competitions (at home and abroad); a teacher of mathematics, keyboard, pan, guitar & theory of music; a radio commentator for i95.5 fm for steelband shows; a performer at hotels, banks, dinners and cocktail parties; the coordinator, and performer with his group, The Crystals, of musical programmes, for entertainment of residents of homes for the aged three (3) times a year; the tutor and conductor of the Dunross Preparatory School steelband, winners at the music festival, 2006, 2008 and 2010; an arranger for steelbands, calypsonians and parang groups.
JOSEPHINE TORREL-TAYLOR, Technical Advisor, International Soca Monarch
Mrs. Josephine Torrel-Taylor is a Regional Coordinator and currently, the Acting Project Coordinator with the Pan in the Classroom Unit, Ministry of Education, Trinidad and Tobago. She has been a Curriculum Facilitator in Music and Visual and Performing Arts with the Ministry of Education and has conducted extensive workshops in teacher training and staff development. Josephine possesses a Teacher's Diploma, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Musical Arts and a Master of Philosophy (MPHIL) degree in Cultural Studies from the University of the West Indies. Her passion for finding practical methods to improve the academic success rate of students has propelled her to conduct critical research and experiment with the use of indigenous arts to enhance classroom learning. Besides the Junior Soca Monarch and International Soca Monarch Competitions in Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada, Josephine has adjudicated for the Young Kings and Young Queens Calypso Competitions, the Veterans Calypso Competition, Stars of Tomorrow, NYACC Juniors and Pioneers Calypso Competitions, Parade of Bands (Carnival Masqueraders) and several other competitions. She has also been a coordinator and director for drama groups, choirs and instrumental ensembles and sat on many cultural committees.
CARLYLE BABB
Mr. Carlyle Babb is a retired Prisons Officer. Currently, he officiates as a radio presenter of steelpan and calypso music on Radio 104.7FM. Carlyle is a trained calypso and 'mas' judge and has adjudicated at several calypso contests, including those at the prestigious Dimanche Gras Show. He has also been a Soca Monarch adjudicator for the past seven (7) years – adjudicating at home as well as at the Grenada and Antigua Soca Monarch competitions.
JOHN BARRY
John Barry is a cultural researcher, filmmaker and author who has dedicated his life to documenting the cultural expressions of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. His book "The Finalists" which chronicles the history of final-night performances for Trinidad and Tobago's Calypso and Soca Monarch Competitions has settled many a debate on various aspects of these two major competitions. His acclaimed film "Dance De Calypso" continues to entertain and enlighten audiences both locally and internationally. He has served as an International Soca Monarch adjudicator since 2006.
CARL "BEAVER" HENDERSON
Carl"Beaver"Henderson, President of The HOTT Music Group is one of the Caribbean's most experienced musician/producers, mainly in the genre of Soca and Calypso. He produced one of the biggest Reggae songs in the Caribbean, "Ganja Farmer" performed by recording artiste Marlon Asher. "Beaver", as he is fondly known, has been the Musical director and Creative Producer of the biggest "Straight-up" Jazz Festival for the last five years, The Mt. Irvine Jazz Festival On The Beach Series in Tobago.
MARCIA MIRANDA
Marcia Miranda is Trinidad and Tobago's Queen of Soca Parang. She is well known for her very energetic, feisty and warm personality on stage. Marcia is one of Trinidad and Tobago's versatile performers, and thus, she's been a finalist at the International Soca Monarch Competition, the International Chutney Soca Monarch Competition , the National Calypso Queen and Young King Competitions, and a semi finalist at the National Calypso Monarch Competition.. Marcia has been awarded the prestigious New York Sunshine Awards "Female Vocalist of the Year" on two occasions. When she is not performing on stage, Marcia Miranda is a radio presenter with the Caribbean's only radio station dedicated to women's issues, Heartbeat Radio for Women 103.5 FM, in Trinidad & Tobago.
JOEL MORRIS
Joel Morris, also known as "Signal To Noise" is the owner of Noise Productions Limited, a company that provides, marketing and production services, event planning and radio consultancy. He was a part of the management team that created and launched 98.9FM and 96.1FM and worked at both stations at the management level and as a radio personality as well. Joel has been involved in the music industry for over 20 years and has produced various mixes and re-mixes for a number of soca artistes. He has taken his business throughout the Caribbean.
MARVA NEWTON
A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Marva holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with Linguistics. She studied music theory under the tutelage of composer/arranger/educator Anthony Williams, and attained a certificate in jazz improvisation from the University of Trinidad and Tobago. She has participated in numerous musical and dramatic presentations, providing guitar and vocal support in well-known plays. When she is not playing music, Marva works as a Public Relations and Communications Specialist.
CHRISTOPHER SEON
For the past 14 years Christopher Seon has been a radio announcer with RADIOVISION LTD, POWER 102.1FM and BOOMCHAMPIONS 94.1. He also performs the function of a Disc Jockey at the radio station and at private events. Christopher is also a music director. He has been a Soca Monarch adjudicator with the Caribbean Prestige Foundation For The Performing Arts since 1999 and has adjudicated at eight International Soca Monarch Finals in Trinidad and Tobago as well as in Grenada in 2007.