Known as the pride of Black Rock, Katzenjammers is one of Tobago’s leading steel orchestras.
The medium-sized band, managed by Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore, has won many titles over the years, including National Tune of Choice in 1967; Pan in the 21st Century (2004 and 2008); and National Panorama champions (medium band category) in 2011 and 2012.
In fact, the band’s accomplishments has enabled it to be a sought-after entity for numerous cultural events in TT and other parts of the world.
When Queen Elizabeth II visited TT in 1963, Katzenjammers was asked to entertain her at Government House. And in May 2004, the Tobago House of Assembly also chose the steelband to perform for late South African president and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela during his official visit.
The band has also entertained several other visiting dignitaries.
“Katzenjammers is a household name,” boasts Ramsey-Moore, who has been its manager since 2004.
“We are the oldest playing steelband on the island and although we are from Black Rock, the people of Tobago always come out to support us.”
A significant part of Katzenjammers’ success, Ramsey-Moore said, has to do with its watchwords, discipline, dedication and excellence. She said community pride continues to play a major role in its achievements.
“That is what binds us together.”
She said 95 per cent of Katzenjammers’ players come from the closely-knit, seaside community, and the band comprises members of several well-known families, including the Jordons, Dukes, Ramseys and Douglases.
“So we would have sometimes four or five people from one home playing in the band. That helps to keep us grounded as an orchestra.”
She added five of Katzenjammers’ foundation members are still actively involved, lending guidance and encouragement to the younger players.
The band has a storied past.
Ramsey-Moore said her late father, his brothers and several other young men in the village were enjoying Carnival celebrations in 1951.
“It was about 12 of them from the village and they danced to the music of Wonder Harps Steel Orchestra from Plymouth on Carnival Tuesday."
[caption id="attachment_942321" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Katzenjammers copped third place at the Panorama Medium Bands finals in 2020. - FILE PHOTO[/caption]
She said the sound they heard inspired them to form a steelband of their own in Black Rock. Wonder Harps’ captain George Josey Richardson, seeing their enthusiasm, loaned them a few pans.
In March 1951, three of the young men, Maynard Eastman, Jeremy Williams and Hugh Cassie Ramsey went to Plymouth to collect their first set of pans to set up a band. But on their way from Plymouth, in the Courland Bay area, some fishermen who thought they had stolen the pans ran after them.
‘They ran for their lives, ensuring that they did not let go of their prized possession.”
With whatever money they had at the time, the men bought more pans and got permission to practise under a mango tree in Aden Gordon’s yard at Black Rock Trace Jun
