About Phase One

Based in Coventry, the band has performed at numerous prestigious events, such as Notting Hill Carnival and Caribbean Carnival Extravaganzas in Morecambe, Newcastle and Arundel. As well as taking part in all of the UK carnivals, the band performed before HM the Queen in 1985 and have also performed at such fine venues as Symphony Hall, Fairfield Hall and The Wembley Conference Centre. Phase One is no stranger to television, they have made a number of TV appearances on shows such as Stop, Look & Listen, Emu’s World, Play for Today, Pebble Mill at One, The Holiday Programme, Songs of Praise (Performing for Bishop Desmond Tutu). Children in Need, Style Challenge and Going Live.

The band have also toured, visiting Germany on two occasions, Hong Kong, Trinidad and Tobago, and more recently Spain-Barcelona (2007), France-Paris (2009), Italy- Lake Garda (2011) and Belgium (2014 and 2016).

August 2017 saw Phase One return to the National Panorama competition in London for the first time in 30 years. Performing “Hold Dat Panstick” originally by K.Y.L.E and arranged by Stephon Phillip, we placed joint 5th in the competition.

In 2018, we returned the the UK’s panorama competition, this time with a rendition of ‘Hulk’ by Blaxx. The tune was arranged by Stephon Phillip, the pans were tuned by Victor Phillip and our band captain was our late dear friend JJ Mattu.

And in 2019, we went to the competition once again, performing ‘Savannah Grass’ by Kes. Once again arranged by Stephon Phillip, pans tuned by Victor Phillip and Norman Stewart and captained by JJ Mattu.

With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting in 2020, Phase One has not yet returned to the Panorama competition – however we plan to in the near future!

Phase One – ‘Thank You’

In the lockdowns of 2020, our band leader, Stephon, wrote a song to say thank you to all of the key workers who were keeping the country going. The nurses, doctors, posties, sanitary workers, supermarket staff… all of them kept the country on its feet! Listen to the song and watch our (virtual) performance here 🙂

Amongst other lockdown endeavours, we also covered one of the band’s favourite songs: ‘Toast’ by Koffee. Arrangement by Stephon, audio and visual editing by Riann. Watch/listen below 🙂

About Phase One

Based in Coventry, the band has performed at numerous prestigious events, such as Notting Hill Carnival and Caribbean Carnival Extravaganzas in Morecambe, Newcastle and Arundel. As well as taking part in all of the UK carnivals, the band performed before HM the Queen in 1985 and have also performed at such fine venues as Symphony Hall, Fairfield Hall and The Wembley Conference Centre. Phase One is no stranger to television, they have made a number of TV appearances on shows such as Stop, Look & Listen, Emu’s World, Play for Today, Pebble Mill at One, The Holiday Programme, Songs of Praise (Performing for Bishop Desmond Tutu). Children in Need, Style Challenge and Going Live.

The band have also toured, visiting Germany on two occasions, Hong Kong, Trinidad and Tobago, and more recently Spain-Barcelona (2007), France-Paris (2009), Italy- Lake Garda (2011) and Belgium (2014 and 2016).

August 2017 saw Phase One return to the National Panorama competition in London for the first time in 30 years. Performing “Hold Dat Panstick” originally by K.Y.L.E and arranged by Stephon Phillip, we placed joint 5th in the competition.

In 2018, we returned the the UK’s panorama competition, this time with a rendition of ‘Hulk’ by Blaxx. The tune was arranged by Stephon Phillip, the pans were tuned by Victor Phillip and our band captain was our late dear friend JJ Mattu.

And in 2019, we went to the competition once again, performing ‘Savannah Grass’ by Kes. Once again arranged by Stephon Phillip, pans tuned by Victor Phillip and Norman Stewart and captained by JJ Mattu.

With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting in 2020, Phase One has not yet returned to the Panorama competition – however we plan to in the near future!

Phase One – ‘Thank You’

In the lockdowns of 2020, our band leader, Stephon, wrote a song to say thank you to all of the key workers who were keeping the country going. The nurses, doctors, posties, sanitary workers, supermarket staff… all of them kept the country on its feet! Listen to the song and watch our (virtual) performance here 🙂

Amongst other lockdown endeavours, we also covered one of the band’s favourite songs: ‘Toast’ by Koffee. Arrangement by Stephon, audio and visual editing by Riann. Watch/listen below 🙂

Booking Information

Phase One Steel Orchestra have a large and varied repertoire with music from all genres; from traditional calypso to jazz, pop and classical. If you have any specific requirements for your event feel free to contact us.
The band normally performs for 1.5 hours (usually split into two 45 minute sessions, or three 30 minute sessions) over a 3 hour period. Shorter or longer performances can be arranged with notice.

Space Requirements
Approximately a 20 square metre area is required to accommodate the full band, though if space is an issue, a reduced band could be arranged to fill the area that is available.

Hear The Band
If you would like to see/hear the band before booking, please contact Stephon Phillip to arrange a suitable time to view the band either during a rehearsal, or performing in an area near you. There is also small selection of our repertoire that can be heard in the video gallery on this website.

Pricing
Prices start at around £500, plus travel expenses. Please contact Stephon Phillip for a quote.

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History Of The Band

The band was founded in 1978 by Victor Phillip, originally under the name Broad Heath School Steel Band, but so many children from other schools wanted to join that the band had to change its name to something less exclusive; and so Phase One was born!

The band enjoyed many successes, with a tour to Hamburg, Germany and many gigs up and down the country. After a few years the band was invited to Keele in Germany, which is twinned with Coventry. The band went to Hong Kong in 1984 representing Coventry and introduced the Cantonese people to steel pans, which for many, was the first time they had ever seen such an instrument.

Phase One were invited to take part in the very first episode of Emu’s World, a very popular children’s programme in the 80’s. Another popular children’s programme the band appeared on, was Going Live. Phase One has also taken part in several Children in Need broadcasts.

In the late 80’s a very popular band of the time was a group called A-Ha. Phase One was booked to greet them on the platform of Birmingham International train station, playing some of their most popular hits. A-Ha were so impressed, they immedia tely asked Phase One to perform that very night, at their concert at the NEC in front of thousands of screaming fans.

Phase One has played at many festivals and competitions in their 30 year history. In the beginning steel pan festivals were held in the Commonwealth Institute and then at Warwick University Arts Centre where steel bands from all over the country used to meet and share music.

Phase One decided to enter the Panorama competition in London in 1987 for the first time. It was a great achievement for Phase One to even participate, and to everyone’s great surprise Phase One won the competition outright.

In 2007 Phase One teamed up with members of Steel Pan Academy and went on the first of a series of tours. The first to Barcelona. The tour was a big success with every performance seeing many local people coming out to listen to the bands. As well as this being a musical tour, with great locations for the performances, it was also an enjoyable holiday for the band members who had worked so hard to raise the money to go in the first place.

In 2009 Phase One and Steel Pan Academy went on tour to Paris. Where the bands played at Disney Land Paris as well as in the Jardin du Luxembourg.

In 2011, Phase One and Steel Pan Academy travelled to Lake Garda, Italy and performed in squares in many of the surrounding towns and villages.

Most recently, Phase One and Steel Pan Academy toured to Belgium in July 2014. Here the bands performed at the prestigious Ghent Festival on the main stage in Sint Baaf’s Square, Ostend and De Panne.

Check out our Photo gallery for pictures from all of the tours!

The band has now moved in a more educational direction. Many of the band members are full time Pan teachers in schools in Coventry, Birmingham, Warwickshire, Leamington, Rugby and Nuneaton.

Phase One is a working band – consistently in demand, especially at peak times of the year (May – September). Phase One’s future plans is to record a new CD and to attend an international music festival. Phase One will be moving premises and consolidating all their activities under one roof. This will include their Training school, workshop and band practice room.

Phase One Costumes Over The Years

 

Photo Gallery

Shackerstone Festival 2014

Phase One performed at Shackerstone festival for the 4th consecutive year this September, entertaining crowds in the beer tent on both Saturday and Sunday. The sun shone and we’re looking forward to next year already!

Belgium Tour 2014

Phase One Steel Orchestra and the Steel Pan Academy travelled to Belgium this July to perform in the world famous Ghent Festival. We performed on the main stage of Sint Baaf Square to quite an audience!
Whilst in Belgium, we also performed at Wapenplein bandstand in Oostende and Leopold Esplanade in De Panne.

Coventry Fundraiser 2014

Phase One Steel Orchestra performing at the Cocked Hat in Coventry fundraising for children with Down Syndrome. There were two types of entertainment this evening, Phase One and a group of Brazilian dancers. Both performed throughout the night and came together for a limbo finale.

Nuneaton 2012

Phase One Steel Orchestra performing in Nuneaton Town Centre, for the Mayor of Nuneaton. Photos taken by Andy Evans www.AndyEvansPhotography.com

Nuneaton 2011

Phase One Steel Orchestra performing in Nuneaton Town Centre, for the Mayor of Nuneaton.

Shackerstone Festival 2011

Phase One performed at the annual Shackerstone festival on the 3rd & 4th September 2011. they’ll be performing again this year for the sixth consecutive year!

Coventry Godiva Festival 2011

Phase One took part in the Godiva Festival carnival procession in Coventry again this year. The rain held off and the crowds were out in force.

Italy Tour 2011

Phase One went with the Steel Pan Academy on tour to Lake Garda, Italy in July of 2011.

Caribbean Festival 2011

Phase One performed at the Coventry Caribbean Festival held in the Memorial Park in July.

Coventry Godiva Festival 2010

Phase One took part in the Godiva Festival carnival procession in Coventry this weekend. Live music in the procession included Coventry’s Dave Barrett & Drumestra, Dhol drummers, Phase One Steel Band, Triumph RBL Pipe Band, and guest band –  Bloco Fogo from the South East  playing Brazilian, Cuban and African Rhythms.

Paris Tour 2009

Phase One toured in Paris in 2009 with The Steel Pan Academy, here are some photographs of our performances in the Jardin du Luxembourg and the grounds of the Eiffel Tower.

Barcelona Tour 2007

Phase One toured Barcelona in 2007 with the Steel Pan Academy, here are some photographs of us performing on the steps of the cathedral at Tibidabo and at the Barcelona Water Park.