2019 Junior Panorama Results - Guaico Presbyterian, NAPS Combined & Invaders Youth Steel Orchestras Triumph - Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Brilliant morning sunshine to start, unavoidable rain event temporarily putting a pause on the show toward the end. But what was the ‘constant’ that the weather book-ended? The powerful and determined performances put on by the youthful steelband musicians of Trinidad and Tobago. From the Primary Schools, through their Secondary counterparts, and finally the Under 21/Non-School division, it was Pan and Passion all through the day into the night time. But unlike 2018 when all three champions retained their titles, all were dethroned in 2019...

The National Anthem was played by Malakai Joseph of St. Paul’s Anglican School - who not too long after went on to cop the prize for ‘Most outstanding drummer’ in the Primary School category.  Guest artists Lady Hochoy Music Makers Steel Orchestra opened the event musically. They then made way for the first band in competition in the Primary category - Point Fortin Anglican School Starz, whose players came dressed to the nines in all black (the traditional performing attire of the late Mighty Shadow, whose song Dingolay was the band’s tune), with brightly-colored green, yellow and dark lavender ties, and black hats with matching colored ribbons.

As some of the nation’s youngest musicians played their hearts out, the sheer happiness reflected in their countenances was unmistakable as they reveled in their chance to take the Big Stage at the Savannah. It was a beautiful sight, the enthusiasm displayed by some little ones who could barely reach their steelpan instruments. There were also skits further highlighting the themes of tunes of choice (this was characteristic throughout the three Junior finals competitions). And the applause that followed each band’s presentation - from participating schools’ student bodies, proud parents, family members and the general public in attendance - clearly made their day!

And those fellow students cheering wildly when it was the turn of their respective band on stage? They were urged on, by first-ever prizes being offered at the National Schools Panorama, for the most vociferous and passionate (but disciplined) support exhibited throughout the competition. Dubbed the ‘Most Supportive School’ prize, it was based on “the highest volume of cheering and support, the most disciplined school, the most flags, and the cleanest surroundings [in the stands]” for all the respective schools.  And in the Primary category Tacarigua Presbyterian Primary School won this award, while in the Secondary tier, St. Francois Girls’ College supporters were adjudicated the best in this regard.

Guaico Presbyterian Steel Orchestra during their winning performance
Guaico Presbyterian Steel Orchestra during their winning performance

Performing Nailah Blackman’s immensely popular Iron Love, Guaico Presbyterian Steel Orchestra emerged victorious among the twelve Primary school competitors, relegating St. Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School, the 2018 defending category champs to a tie for the second spot. The Primary School results were revealed during the Secondary school phase, just after St. Mary’s College Steel Orchestra wrapped up its performance, with the Minister of Education Anthony Garcia presenting the trophies.  Primary judges were: Bernadette Roberts, Malika Green, Damion Phillip, Marsha Trim, Lincoln Henry and Joanna Shortt.

Guaico’s young players went wild with delight and thronged Ms. Blackman when she appeared on stage after the announcement of their victory; she subsequently joined in the trophy presentation.  Arranger Kayle Noel received the inaugural challenge trophy for the most outstanding champion Primary School arranger. During the Schools’ competition, several of the bands had in place students who familiarized the audience with their respective steel orchestras and institutions of learning, by sharing short narratives/bios.



Tony Williams, Joshua Joseph, Vanessa Headley, Dexter Asson, Kimberli St. Clair and Maureen Clement undertook judging responsibilities for the Secondary school steel orchestras which followed, but not before honorees Merle Albino-De Coteau, Jemma Jordan and  Lennox Ling were brought up on stage and each recognized for their decades of phenomenal work relative to the steelband art form.

Providence Girls/QRC Combined Steel Orchestra kept up the musical pace when they performed as the first in the ten Secondary finalists. One of several bands paying homage to the late Mighty Shadow, their tune was 2001’s Stranger arranged by A. Eric Mc Allister.  They were followed by El Dorado East Secondary Blue Steel with arranger Keisha Codrington’s musical re-visioning of Iron Love. The band played—and placed—second, only one point separating it from the eventual champions’ score of 278. Songstress Nailah Blackman was noticed ‘tearing up’ after Blue Steel’s presentation. It would be the fourth of nine arrangements of Iron Love in the National Schools and Junior Panorama on this day - the top choice of the finalists in the 2019 competition.

But it was NAPS (Naparima Girls High & Naparima College) Combined Steel Orchestra’s musical showcase of the inspirational No Weapon arranged by Shaquille Vincent which wowed the panel of judges; they were the final band in their category. Results were also announced during the succeeding segment - in this case during the Under 21 Non-School competition; this was just before band number two - Laventille Road Police Youth Club played. The band was assembled on stage, standing at the ready while trophies and awards were given out. ‘Sponsors’ of the Schools Panorama component included but were not limited to: Mazzini Gill of Gill Pans Limited who contributed the trophies for the first-, second- and third-placed bands in both the Primary and Secondary school categories, Carolyn Callendar of People Steel Orchestra whose support also included trophies and plaques, and Maureen Clement.

The final round of competition, the Under 21 Non-School/Elite category, featured the most steel orchestras - thirteen in all - who began their quest as the sun was beginning to set in the western sky, the stage lights providing illumination. Hilltoppers Steelpan Academy had been listed among the finalists but did not appear at the Savannah. This last division of the Junior Panorama played out beginning with Starlift Juniors and culminated with Cordettes Academy For The Arts - all great music showcases which continued into the night until circa 8:42 p.m. - each seeking to dethrone five-time champion Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra which held triumphant sway in 2014 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018

And eventually there was the upset; the latter was knocked into third place, with the 2019 champions Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra making definitive and joyful musical ‘sense’ of their tune of choice, Madness, courtesy arrangers Rashaun Williams and Jalen Charles. This, decided upon by judges Maria Achaiba, Kenrick Noel, Ezra Joseph, Dike Samai, Danté Pantin and Carlon Harewood.

2019 Junior/Schools Panorama - Trinidad & Tobago logo - WST

It had indeed been a day of glorious pan and passion which hours earlier began with opening remarks from Marceline Peters - Curriculum Officer in Trinidad & Tobago’s Ministry of Education. Greetings and further comments were then delivered by the representatives of the organizations/stakeholders responsible for the day’s competitive event:  Denise L.J. Hernandez - Secretary of Pan Trinbago, Stacy Alcantara - President, Pan In Schools Coordinating Council (PSCC) and Auburn Wiltshire - Projects Coordinator, Multicultural Music Programme Unit (MMPU).  Alcantara underscored the twenty years of the PSCC’s involvement in the Junior National Panorama, while proudly noting that nine schools in the country at the secondary level have steelpan manufacturing programmes.

The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education followed, and who—while praising the art form, the event that would unfold throughout the day, and especially the young musicians participating—cautioned “There are others, in other parts of the world - who would wish to claim this important achievement of ours [invention of the steelpan instrument]. But we must hold fast, steadfast, in our desire to ensure, that, the pan that is indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago - remains ours. We are prepared to share this talent with other countries, but we must make sure that it remains ours. It is the best, and most important musical [invention], that we have had for quite some time.” Garcia stressed the multicultural aspect, commitment and focus of the MMPU relative to the students of the nation, while reminding that he had stated that “Under my tenure as Minister of Education, I am going to make sure that every school in Trinidad and Tobago has a presence of the steelpan.”

Additionally, sighted and acknowledged as the Junior Panorama unfolded - Trinidad & Tobago’s Minister of Culture Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, National Security and Communications Minister Stuart Young, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, and soca artist Destra Garcia who took the stage with St. Joseph’s Convent as they played Professor Say.  Matthew Gibbs and Jendayi Toussaint were the co-hosts for the National Schools Panorama, while the dulcet tones of Jemma Jordan took over during the Under 21 Non-School’s timeslot.  The Sunday February 24 event was broadcast online in large part by TTT (Trinidad & Tobago Television) and WACK TV.

Panorama Performance

Guaico Presbyterian Steel Orchestra’s winning performance at the 2019 Junior National Panorama - Primary School category - at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain

Full results below.

Click the following links for the results in the other categories:

Single Pan | Small | Medium | Large | Results Summary

2019 Junior Panorama Results
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Placing/
Points
Band Selection Arranger
       
1st
273
Guaico Presbyterian Steel Orchestra Iron Love Kayle Noel
2nd
268
St. Mary’s Government Primary School Hookin’ Meh
Aquil Arrindell
Aquil Arrindell
2nd
268
St. Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School Steel Orchestra Hulk ?
4th
265
Tac Pres Treble Makers   (Tacarigua Presbyterian Primary School) Iron Love Andrew Charles
5th
253.5

Febeau Government Primary School Steel Orchestra aka ‘Febeau Pan Giants’
Hulk Neil Simon
6th
247.5

St. Paul’s Boys’ Anglican Steel Orchestra
Dingolay ?
7th
247

Edinburgh Government Primary School Steel Orchestra
“Poom Poom” Curtis Jones
8th
245.5

Couva Anglican Primary School Steelpan Orchestra aka CAPS Steelpan Orchestra
Dingolay David Sylvester
9th
240
Malabar R.C. Primary School Steel Orchestra “Right For Somebody”  
Gillian Tobias
Gillian “Toby” Tobias
10th
236.5
Arima Boys’ R.C. & Arima Girls’ R.C. School Iron Love
Melissa Jack
&
Nathaniel Guerra
11th
236
Point Fortin Anglican School Starz Dingolay
Damian Alexander
Damian Alexander
12th
213.5

St. Barb’s Govt. Primary School
Hookin’ Meh Cyllan Franklin
       

SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Placing/
Points
Band Selection Arranger
1st
278
NAPS Combined Steel Orchestra
(Naparima Girls High & Naparima College)
“No Weapon’” Shaquille Vincent
2nd
277
El Dorado East Secondary Blue Steel Iron Love
Keisha Codrington
Keisha Codrington
3rd
273
Bishop Anstey High School Iron Love
Steelband arranger Barry Mannette
Barry Mannette

 
4th
272
Bishop Anstey & Trinity College East (B.A.T.C.E.) Steel Orchestra Full Of Vibe
Anthony Miller
&
Jonathan Watson
5th
269.5
St. Francois Girls’ College Steel Orchestra Jump And Play Yourself

Peter Rory Aleong
 

6th
259
 
St. Mary’s College Steel Orchestra Iron Love Kwasi? Moore
7th
252
St. Augustine Secondary School Steel Orchestra Burn Dem

Jamel Cadette

 
7th
252
St. Joseph’s Convent, St. Joseph Professor Say!
Anders Kappel Øvre
Anders Kappel Øvre
&
Cherisse Pierre
9th
249
Providence Girls/QRC Combined Steel Orchestra Stranger
Anders Kappel Øvre
A. Eric Mc Allister
10th
244

South East Port-of-Spain Secondary School Steel Orchestra
Party Start ?
       

 Under 21/Non-School (Elite) Class
Placing/
Points
Band Selection/
Performer
Arranger
1st
273
Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra Madness Rashaun Williams
&
Jalen Charles
 
2nd
269
Trinidad All Stars Youth Madness Kygel Benjamin
3rd
268
Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra Iron Love
thumbnail of Jamal Gibbs
Jamal “Meck Meck” Gibbs
4th
252
Supernovas Youth Rag Storm

Tristan Brewington-Japsi
5th
251
Desperadoes Youth Steel Orchestra So Long Roseford Coutain
6th
250
Skiffle Steel Youth Orchestra Hulk Kevan Calliste
7th
246
Tropical Angel Harps Youth Hookin’ Meh Curtis Jones
8th
243
Cordettes Academy For The Arts Mr. Fete Curtis Rennie
9th
236
St. Margaret’s Youth Steel Orchestra Pan By Storm Timothy Matthews
assisted by
Carel Taylor
10th
231
Starlift Juniors Iron Love Roisha Edwards
11th
222
Kimberly’s Royal Steel Orchestra Music (Dingolay)” Kimberly George Phillip
12th
216
Old Tech Youth Steel Orchestra Hookin’ Meh Benecio “Ben” Sampson
13th
210
Laventille Road Police Youth Club Iron Love Damien “Bubbles” Holder
       

Leave a comment in the WST forum



 
When Steel Talks shirts
now available!
Order yours now!
When Steel Talks -- T Shirt