Since 1977, The TCL Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra has been the leader among Traditional or 'Pan Around the Neck' groups in Trinidad and Tobago. In 1993, having matured through this rewarding and illustrious apprenticeship,they donned Conventional Band Status and have sincechallenged the very best in that category. As a prelude to this status and broadening their cultural horizons into Indian Music categories as well; they entered as a Convention band and placed 6th in the first ever Pan Ramajay Competition in 1989 and came 2nd in the Hindi Nidhi Competition of 1990.

AS A TRADITIONAL BAND

Back in their Traditional or 'Pan Around the Neck' Bands category; the band's achievements read like a fairy tale. Skiffle Bunch were the first steelband to register a hat-trick in local competition by being the bi-annual Steelbands Music Festival Winners for 1984, 1986 and 1988. This milestone is made even more significant since they accomplished this playing original compositions by arranger and composer Len "Boogsie" Sharpe.

Founded in 1977 by a closely knit group of young people in Vistabella, these globe-trotting ambassadors have also chalked up four consecutive Traditional Band Panorama victories (1977-1980); were Runners-up in 1981-1984 and bounced back to winners row for four more wins (1985-1988). In between, there were other accolades like Caribbean Festival Winner (1977), Best Beating Steelband in the Prime Minister's Best Village Competition (1977-1983), Best Test Piece - Steelband Music Festival (1982) and Best Tune of Choice in the Steelband Music Festival (1980).

The tenacity of Skiffle Bunch, together with its commitment to the development and marketing of the steeldrum, has made it a clear leader; a fact further evidenced by the band's conversion to Conventional Status in 1993. In the short period since that time, the band has chalked up 1st place in the South Region Panorama Competition both in 1996 & 1997; and has placed 6th (1995), 10th (1996) and improved to 5th place at the National Finals of 1997. The band placed 4th (1995) in the National Pan Chutney Competition and again improved to 2nd place both in 1996 & 1997; as well as winning the Best Dress, Best Tune of Choice and Best Oriental Percussion categories of the 1996 event.

THE INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS

The commitment displayed by Skiffle Bunch, especially on the numerous overseas engagements, resulted in the band scoring another first - a Three Year Recording Contract with Venezuela's Top Hits.

Their overseas itinerary could rival that of any diplomat. From the Oistin Festival in Barbados and the Spice Festival in Grenada to the Common- wealth Arts Festival in Scotland; the Ely Folk Festival in Wales; the Commonwealth Institute in London; the Edmonton Convention Centre, Canada; the World Expo in Seville, Spain; to engagements in Mexaco,the USA, East and Southern Europe and visits to Asia in Malaysia, Singapore and Korea.