WST Steelband Panorama 2013 logo


The Big Five - Legendary Steelbands - Are they that good?

Steelband Panorama Royalty Unquestioned

A When Steel Talks Exclusive

The Big 5 Steel Orchestras

Global -  The Trinidad and Tobago large band Panorama category is the most prestigious (rightfully so), respected, and accomplished steel orchestra assemblage in all the world. Their panorama music masterpieces are nothing short of remarkable; moreover these music creations can rival any music works from any genre, and any time period. Indeed, and as legendary jazz drummer Max Roach told When Steel Talks after experiencing the event first-hand - “Panorama belongs on a world stage.”

This year, 2013, marks 50 years of music excellence generated from the phenomenon known as “Panorama.” Contributing in no small part to its success, is what has now become known as the “Big Five.” These five steel orchestras have demonstrated a success rate and musical dominance over the event which only bolster the folklore and historic tales associated with these fabled organizations.

So are they that good? Is it myth, perception or reality? The ‘Big Five’ are Exodus, Trinidad All Stars, Phase II, Renegades and Desperadoes.

The fact is, only 15 times - has the Panorama championship fallen outside of the Big Five, in the 50 Years of Panorama. And the majority of those 15 wins were accomplished before 1978.

The Big Five: accomplished, feared, respected, and fierce competitors; biographies follow... (click on logo)

Beyond the wealth of Panorama music classics that has been created by this group of orchestras, their ability to export the music of Panorama has been very potent. The marketing realization and acumen of the Big Five cannot be ignored or marginalized. There are steelband music festivals all over the world that are direct results of the annual Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama and by extension, the Big Five; they have set the standards.

From FMU (Florida Memorial University) to NYU (New York University), to NIU (Northern Illinois University), to California’s HSU (Humboldt State University) and USM (University of Southern Mississippi), among many others, the steelpan instrument, ensemble and orchestra, have globally taken communities - along with entertainment, educational and performing arts enclaves - by storm.

After 50 years of Panorama one thing is abundantly clear; the ‘Big Five’ phenomenon is for real. Their dominance is not imagined, false, undocumented; rather, it has been earned. Indeed, while in any given year, serious and valid arguments can be put forth as to why a specific member of this highly regarded group, should have attained a certain position in the competition - there is simply no disputing the historical significance and musical greatness of the group.

After 50 years of Panorama one thing is abundantly clear; the ‘Big Five’ phenomenon is for real. Their dominance is not imagined, false, undocumented; rather, it has been earned. Indeed, while in any given year, serious and valid arguments can be put forth as to why a specific member of this highly regarded group, should have attained a certain position in the competition - there is simply no disputing the historical significance and musical greatness of the group.

Panorama and the steelpan instrument are Trinidad and Tobago’s most unique export.  

Steelpan Music Festivals & Panoramas



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