Marie Toby Pan Leader

There was no doubt that in this year’s Panorama Semi-finals, the RBC Redemption Soundsetters Steel would place in one of the top ten spots; it couldn’t have happened without their highly motivated and inspiring leader Marie Toby. Elected band captain in 1995, Marie Toby directs and manages the RBC Redemption Soundsetters Steel Orchestra. Based in Tobago – Montgomery Road, Bethel to be precise – Marie instils discipline and pride in the pan orchestra’s members (ranging from ten to 65 years). RBC Redemption Soundsetters Steel Orchestra was formed in 1988; at that time there were not many involved in leading steel bands. But, Marie was a cut above the rest; her diligence and managerial skills made her a prime candidate for the position of PRO, Vice Captain and now Captain. “When I was elected, I had a dream of bringing a national title to Tobago. In 1997, we were in two categories and had sufficient qualifying points to compete in both.  As we were still growing, we opted to stay in the Small Band conventional category, which we won that same year with a rendition of ‘Pan in Town’ by The Original De Fosto.

 

An outspoken and well-respected Community member, Marie has always been a leader.  She was part of Pan Trinbago’s board for three to four terms as Assistant Secretary to Vice Chairman for the Tobago region and served two to three terms on the Pan Foundation Board. She is also holder of the Ansel Williams Award for 2007 in recognition of her dedicated service in the steel band movement. “As a leader, respect is something you earn. You don’t demand it. Be humble; not everything you hear you should believe. Give everyone a listening ear,” she says. During Toby’s leadership, the RBC Soundsetters Steel Orchestra has been a THA Pan Champs holder for ten years and has also been through Panorama finals for ten consecutive years. For the first three years of Pan Jazz, she was responsible for coordinating the Tobago leg of it with promoters in Trinidad.  

 

Marie Toby has had many challenges but even more victories. Married, a mother of five and a grandmother of many, Marie enjoys working with young people and encourages them every day to strive for excellence. “During the FIFA world cup the band was also selected to perform the various anthems of the different countries and we were honoured in playing the national anthems of Japan, France, Brazil, Nigeria and the USA,” Marie says, recalling one of her greatest moments. Marie believes that more emphasis should be placed in proper management in the steel band fraternity and from that, exemplars to come into the steel band movement. Having to maintain a whether small or large it is very costly, but she is indeed grateful for the RBC’s support throughout the years. “RBC recognises their responsibility extends beyond the financial; promoting culture and empowering social responsibility can work for all groups helping stronger communities. They understand that art plays a critical role in enriching and enhancing communities; that cannot be underestimated. Their partnership is well in keeping with their pursuit for social investments.”