Liam Teague is now back home at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in the United States in his capacity as educator, and shares his overall thoughts about the recently-concluded 2005 Trinidad and Tobago panorama competition.  This was the second year in a row that Teague arranged for Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra based in south Trinidad.

He voiced his disappointment that the band placed eight, and felt that the steel orchestra's performance merited a better result, though acknowledging that the first slot in the competition "was not always the ideal place to perform."  He felt the band had a strong arrangement and that they performed well.  In addition, Liam said that even with the disappointing outcome for Skiffle this year, he "would not change anything" given the chance to do it again.  Nonetheless, Teague says that he "was really, really shocked that they put us last" and went on to say that even though he "was sorry to say this" but that sometimes he feels "that certain arrangers have to die  before the young up and coming arrangers can really make a serious statement."  At the same time, he was very happy that one of his students at NIU, Seon Gomez, had the winning arrangement for Merrytones Steel Orchestra, champions in the small band category of Panorama 2005.

  The arranger also sent his congratulations to ace arranger Len "Boogsie" Sharpe and Phase II on their 2005 panorama championship win.  Teague says that although he grew up in the pan yard and as a result competition was "embedded" in him, he does not support Panorama as a competition, and is of the opinion that it is not "very healthy" unless you were a very strong person as it could be daunting for young arrangers.  It is supposed to be about creativity, and Teague is concerned that some of the arrangements would not be heard again.

The versatile panist/educator continues to teach at NIU, while continuing his personal appearances.  He has upcoming performances, and "looks forward to showing the world the versatility of the instrument."  Teague says that he will continue to compose, arrange and play music that he "truly believes in."   Recognizing that this is only his second year of arranging on this level, he mentioned that it took legendary arrangers like Jit Samaroo and Len "Boogsie" Sharpe quite a while  "before people heard their voice and respected their voice musically."   He finished up by being justifiably pleased that he had made the finals in the Trinidad and Tobago Panorama twice in his first two years and is quite pleased with that, and that he was also quite proud of Skiffle Bunch's performances, and he would continue to look forward to positive things.

Skiffle Bunch On Panorama Night