The Casablanca Steel Orchestra is one of several steelbands that contributed to the development of the steelband movement in Trinidad & Tobago. Founded as Merry Boys in 1938, but emerging as Casablanca in 1945 it is one of the oldest surviving bands.
In addition to its steelband activities, Casablanca is involved in a broad range of community centred ventures - including a music literacy program that is run each year. Read about Casablanca's involvement in the community in the article Steeldrum salvation for Port-of-Spain’s neighborhoods. |
A Brief History of Casablanca ....
The youths of Argyle and Oxford streets in the vicinity of an upper Oxford street landmark, the 42 steps, began socializing as a unit under the name Merryboys. The teens Arnold ‘Payee’ Agard, Randolph ‘Croppy’ Simmons, Arthur De Coteau, James ‘Toddy’ Strong, Oscar ‘Bogart’ Pile, the Miller and Manning brothers were influenced by the Gonzales tamboo bamboo band and hence as the transition from bamboo to metal containers began to take shape they joined the experimentation. In their recreational space on Argyle street they constructed a bamboo tent to continue the process of transforming discarded metal cans to musical instruments. The group expanded to attract more skilled players such as Orman ‘Patsy’ Haynes, Philmore ‘Boots’ Davidson and Fitzroy ‘Gaga’ James. The youths liming under the street light at Brown Boy palour and in the bamboo tent created instruments to satisfy their desire to make music a significant part of their recreation. In the protected areas of east Port-of-Spain in spite of bans imposed on the population during the war in Europe, East Dry River (EDR) youths paraded into Gonzales daring the police to enforce the laws prohibiting assemblies and music making.
As the influence of the American culture spread throughout Port of Spain the group changed its name to Casablanca in 1945 following the release of the movie starring Humphery Bogart. The influence of Casablanca now covered an area bounded by Quarry Street, Observatory Street, Charlotte Street, Belmont Circular, Hermitage Road and Thornhill Street. The Cross of Lorraine on the French flag became the symbol of a powerful force in east Port-of-Spain, and the band was a pioneer in all areas of steelband activity. By the end of post-war decade, Casablanca had expanded beyond its original boundaries and attracted a formidable group of players and followers from various parts of the city and country districts. In the image of French Freedom Fighters, they defended their territory but also gained for the band a reputation as trendsetters in steelband music.
As the influence of the American culture spread throughout Port of Spain the group changed its name to Casablanca in 1945 following the release of the movie starring Humphery Bogart. The influence of Casablanca now covered an area bounded by Quarry Street, Observatory Street, Charlotte Street, Belmont Circular, Hermitage Road and Thornhill Street. The Cross of Lorraine on the French flag became the symbol of a powerful force in east Port-of-Spain, and the band was a pioneer in all areas of steelband activity. By the end of post-war decade, Casablanca had expanded beyond its original boundaries and attracted a formidable group of players and followers from various parts of the city and country districts. In the image of French Freedom Fighters, they defended their territory but also gained for the band a reputation as trendsetters in steelband music.