If success could have been painted and hung in an art gallery for all to admire, it would most definitely look like 20-year-old Mickiel Gabriel. Possibly one of the youngest arrangers in the local steelpan fraternity, Gabriel steered the Success Stars Pan Sound Steel Orchestra of the Success Laventille Secondary School to a two-year consecutive win. Last year the team took first place in the Junior Panorama Competition (Secondary School category) with Original Defosto's Raging Storm.
This year, in the Non-School category, it proved it was the true champion, taking first place once again with a piece composed by musical director and drill master for the band, 21-year-old Gerrell Forbes.
With hope to strike a third win next year, Gabriel said the band was already working on the piece chosen for Panorama 2013. "We never really stop working. The band is always practising and I am always working on finding ways to make my arranging a bit more intricate than the last," said a smiling Gabriel.
Driven by passion
At 20-years-old most young men may not have a very clear vision of what they really want to pursue.
But for Gabriel, music has always caught his attention. Although he was not always fond of the national instrument at first, being "forced" to watch panorama with his dad, also a former panman, made him a bit wary of the art. Reminiscing on those days Gabriel said: "I could not stand pan because my dad used to make me sit down and watch it with him when I just wanted to play." However, as the old adage goes: "Que sera sera." What was meant to be was manifested and Gabriel eventually fell in love with pan when he started attending the Success Laventille Secondary School. Under the supervision of the band's manager Kay Felix, also his former educator, Gabriel learned to challenge himself as good grades afforded him the opportunity to grow as a panman.
"Ms Felix was very strict. You could not do poorly at academics and come to pan practice or even join the band. She was adamant and clear on our much needed focus on academics as well. That in itself was a huge challenge, but wanting to excel in both areas I really worked hard for it," Gabriel explained.
As one good turn deserves another, Gabriel's commitment and hard work paid off. Today, this youngster, who originally hailed from Rio Claro but was raised in Laventille, has led the band to other numerous victories, including the first place title in SandFest 2010 and 2011. Presently the band also has a full repertoire arranged by Gabriel and has had the opportunities to perform for prime ministers and on major stages like NAPA and Naparima Bowl. It even hosted a full concert at Queen's Hall in August last year. To master his craft, Gabriel who is also a music teacher at Success Laventille Secondary School, is currently completing a music certificate programme at UWI.
I will remain humble
Humility also seems to be one of Gabriel's key attributes in keeping him focused-a quality he credits to Felix's influence on him as a mentor. He said with all the flattery and praises that he receives on his arranging skills, he has learned to be humble and never get ahead of himself. "I am very modest in my approach to my work. I know that I am good at what I do but I never want to think that I reach, especially when there is lot's more to be done," Gabriel articulated.
He said being a part of a band or any group activity teaches you to be responsible and disciplined.
"Being with the band has given me a personal sense of pride, especially seeing that I had no intention in the beginning to be a panman," noted Gabriel. "Professionally it has made me gain recognition, but more importantly, it has taught me the magic of teamwork," he added. So what's next for this enterprising youth? He says: "I am going to be the most unpredictable pan arranger there is....the element of surprise," he laughed.