Trinidad
-
With a score of 469 Silver Stars Steel Orchestra became
the new champions of the large bands category in the
Trinidad and Tobago steelband panorama competition. They
edged out the defending champions Phase II Pan Groove by
a point. This victory is the first real major panorama title
for Silver Stars; they have triumphed before, but in the
medium category when overall categorization was first
introduced in 2004. Their tune of choice for 2009 was
“First In De
Line” which was written by their arranger Edwin Pouchet.
The
Silver Stars win ended the virtual lock that Phase II,
All Stars and Exodus have had on the top three places in
recent years. Silver Stars entered this final around of
the competition trailing in fourth place allocated them
coming out of the semis. Indeed, it was no small
feat for the orchestra to catch and etch out victory
over the defending champion Phase II, led by the
legendary arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. The first
place prize was one million dollars TT.
This year’s
event marked the inclusion of a first. The large band
category was reduced from 120 players to 100. It was
also the first time only eight bands performed on the finals
night, as the medium bands division finals was moved to
earlier in the week.
The panorama began a bit late, apparently due to rain.
According to reports, the tickets were at a premium and
had all sold out. The first band, Redemption Sound Setters, hit
the first note at 8:05 pm, and the last band Phase II at
12:15 am, making this one of the earliest concluded panoramas
in the history of the event.
|
Silver Stars in 2008, while they competed in
the semi-finals |
1st Silver Stars - 469
2nd Phase II Pan Groove - 468
3rd Trinidad All Stars - 460
4th Desperadoes - 458
5th Renegades - 457
6th Exodus - 456
7th Siparia Deltones - 450.5
8th Redemption Sound Setters - 442
|