Valley Angels celebrates its tenth anniversary

By Michelle Anderson-Harricoo, member of Valley Angels

Valley Angels Steel Orchestra is nestled within the beautiful green mountains which create the picturesque northern range in Petit Valley.

A small musical jewel located there creates melodies of praise and worship, Classics, Calypso and Soca that fills the air, and the songs of harmony soar to the heavens.

Valley Angels celebrated its 10th anniversary on August 14, 2024 and it is extremely amazing how and why this steelband was established.

In 2012, Mary Siu Butt had a dream where Almighty God instructed her to launch a steelband to harmonise and enrich St Anthony’s parish within the community of Diego Martin.

Mary, a faithful Catholic, believed that she had to yield to this command though she was confused and oblivious. For two years, this message was like a secret in her heart. Eventually, Jan Hepburn, the Choir Mistress at the Nativity Church, was approached and the story told.

As a woman of faith, she understood this dream must become a reality and directed Mary to Fr Leo Donovan OP who was the parish priest and loved steelpan music.

Fr Donovan embraced the idea with enthusiasm, and the journey started. Mary walked by faith and not by sight since she was not music savvy, and no instruments were owned by her or the church.

God’s grace gave Mary the perseverance and made a way where there was no way. Sherwin Chan Tack, her nephew, was a member of Valley Harps, and he created that bridge of friendship between Mary and Roland Augustus, Captain of Valley Harps. Permission was granted, announcements were made at Masses for players and that was the nativity of this steel orchestra.

The Tenors, Bass drums, guitars, Seconds, and percussion were all claimed by the hands of Lynette Robertson, Merlyn Blackman, Marcia Stewart, Pat Mauricette, Judy Braveboy, Annette Mayers, Paula Robertson, Ellesha Jackson, Daniel Seaton, Marilyn Jordon and others.

Most memorable and must be mentioned, the youngest player Melania Chevelier gave the band its name Valley Angels. Sherwin arranged the music for one year and Mary managed the band.

Over the years, Valley Angels grew from strength to strength in numbers and musical talent and had a repertoire of music–hymns, carols, Soca, ballads, Calypso to play accordingly at Lenten Outdoor Retreats, Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Praise and Worship event at Centre of Excellence and other events held at the church–dinners and family days.

God has blessed our band, and our focus is to entertain varying communities and engage our youths as we continue to welcome Confirmation candidates.

As we celebrate this wonderful milestone, we give thanks to the late Fr Donovan. In addition, Valley Harps Management, Yvette Patterson our dedicated tutor for the past nine years, Daniel Seaton our arranger, all players both past and present.

Deepest gratitude to Mary Siu Butt, our manager for her loving spirited personality, support, tenacity, and goodness to Valley Angels Steel Orchestra.