Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - As it can always be said, Pan was the winner! Big time at Antigua & Barbuda’s annual Schools’ Junior Panorama competition, which was part of the twin-island country’s 41st Independence celebrations. The culture and steelband art form are alive and well in the hands of the nation’s young musicians, with support from their veteran counterparts.
Pigotts Primary School Steel Orchestra bested its two fellow competitors, while Princess Margaret Secondary School Steel Orchestra triumphed in their category, dethroning title defenders Antigua Girls’ High School (AGHS). In all, eight steel orchestras - five at secondary and three at primary levels reveled in the spotlight at the venue of the Antigua Recreation Grounds on October 31, 2022, as do their counterparts at the National Panorama Competition.
The bands brought the enthusiasm, and not only in their performances. Even as the names of their respective arrangers and band captains were announced, each set of players roared their approval. And that was also evident in the full crowd in front the stage; they matched the passion of the youngsters they came to support and hear.
Triumphant Pigotts Primary School Steel Orchestra with their trophy
There was a live-stream for a good part of the event courtesy ABS TV (Antigua/Barbuda Broadcasting Services Television), appreciated by many online viewers. The station did though have to honor regular news programming between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Font of information during the event as co-host, Carl “De Panman” Richards shared that the entire orchestra of instruments used by the fifty-player Princess Margaret Secondary School Steel Orchestra was new, manufactured and tuned right in Antigua by the country’s own master pan manufacturer/builder Veron Henry, internationally-renowned and respected. The orchestra was the fourth of five bands competing in the secondary school category. It is the work of Kareem King - with his arrangement of Burning Flames’ classic “Island Girl” - that took the band to the top spot.
At the end of the competition, certificates of appreciation and prizes were presented, respectively, to each participating steel orchestra and specific Individuals within each band. Results were announced, trophies awarded, with all wrapping up by 10:25 p.m.
Princess Margaret Secondary School Steel Orchestra - Champions
| Plc | PRIMARY School / # of Players / Co-ordinating Teacher | Tune/ Performer |
Arranger/ Tuner/ Captain |
| 1st |
Pigotts Primary School 25 players Kenya Wetherill |
Soca Music (Claudette Peters) |
Arranger: Kenwa James Tuner: Eustace Harris Captain: Steve Williams |
| 2nd |
T.N. Kirnon School 35 players Jessica Thomas |
Stressless (Claudette Peters) |
Arranger: Devonson David Tuner: Orville Henry Captain: Jakayla Henry |
| 3rd |
Nelvie N. Gore Primary School 30 players Chaka Grant |
God Bless Antigua (Robin Margetson) |
Arranger: Curtis “CC” Cochrane Tuner: Steve Edwards Captain: Indeica Otto |
| Plc | SECONDARY School / # of Players / Co-ordinating Teacher | Tune/ Performer |
Arranger/ Tuner/ Captain |
| 1st |
Princess Margaret School (PMS) 50 players Sharisse Moore |
Island Girl (Burning Flames) |
Arranger: Kareem King Tuner:  Veron Henry Captain: Rishon Davis |
| 2nd |
Antigua Girls’ High School (AGHS) 50 players Gavin Francis |
Dis Party on Fire (Edimelo) |
Arranger: Arielle Jeremiah Tuner: |
| 3rd |
Antigua Grammar School (AGS) 45 players Nerisa Joseph |
Rude Boy Bacchanal (Mighty Swallow) |
Arranger: Aubrey “Lacu” Samuel Tuner: Veron Henry Captain: Keondre Athill |
| n/a |
Clare Hall Secondary School 46 players Abi McCoy |
How MA Sound (Lyricksman) |
Arranger: Danny Hosier Tuner: Veron Henry Captain: Shakila Nedd |
| n/a |
Ottos Comprehensive School 35 players Zahra Lake |
Grow Up (Ge’Eve) |
Arranger: Derel Jarvis Tuner: Veron Henry Captain: Nevoy Marshall |
2022 Antigua & Barbuda Schools Junior PanoramaLeave your comment in the WST forum
