Marjorie Wooding

Marjorie Wooding was born in 1923 Trinidad. She was affectionally known as the ‘godmother’ of Pan Trinbago.

She learned to play the piano at the age of three.    

Her musical career began at the age of thirteen when she was chosen to become the local church organist for St Paul’s Anglican Church, San Fernando.

In the 1950’s she became a judge for the San Fernando Carnival, and in the 1960’s her status enabled her to become a judge for the Parang and Panorama competitions.

In 1971 Marjorie became the first female to arrange for a steelband at Panorama. Her tune of choice was Lord Kitchener’s ‘Wait Teacher’, performed by the Silvertones Steel Orchestra from San Fernando.

Her music education enabled her to pass on the skills learned to the panmen. At this time she was still actively involved in the church and became a champion for steelbands so that they can perform in church.

In 1975, she became Vice Principal of St Stephen’s College, Princes Town.

In 1976 Marjorie became more involved with the steelband movement and cemented her place in history with the idea to blend the word 'Pan' with parts of two existing words 'Trinidad' and 'Tobago'. Pan Trinbago' became the name for the collective of all steelpan organisations at that time. Her efforts were rewarded as she was widely accepted as the ‘godmother’ of Pan Trinbago.

In 1978, she became Principal of St Stephen’s College.

In 1987 as chief judge at the Panorama finals, Marjorie was famously noted for stating that Len Sharpe was taking pan into a new era and she reaffirmed her prophesy that as judges, they would have to deal with him one day. That day came when Len and his Band Phase II won Panorama with his composition ‘This Feeling Nice’.   

In 2010 at the Panorama Finals, Trinidad, Marjorie was presented with an award in recognition of her contribution to the development of the steelpan culture.

In 2011 she received an award from Pan Trinbago for her contribution to the development of the steelpan movement.

Marjorie passed away on 22 January 2013 in Orlando, USA. As a mark of respect, a one-minute silence was held before the Panorama Finals.