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
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.
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.
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
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 |
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 “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 |
12th 213.5 |
St. Barb’s Govt. Primary School |
“Hookin’ Meh” | Cyllan Franklin |
|
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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 |
3rd 273 |
Bishop Anstey High School | “Iron Love” |
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 & Cherisse Pierre |
9th 249 |
Providence Girls/QRC Combined Steel Orchestra | “Stranger” |
A. Eric Mc Allister |
10th 244 |
South East Port-of-Spain Secondary School Steel Orchestra |
“Party Start” | ? |
|
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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” |
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 |
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