BISHOP Anstey/Trinity College East Secondary Schools steelband topped a field of ten contenders to win the secondary-school class of Junior Panorama at Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, on February 2.

They won with 267 points by playing Trinidad Sweet by Voice and V'ghn, led by Jehzara Leebabb and arranged by Jovanni Gibson and Joaquinn Headley.

The band opened with a scintillating crescendo. The crowd erupted in loud appreciation midway through when the young pannists skilfully inserted into their song two lines from the national anthem, "Here every creed and race find an equal place/And may God bless our nation."

Under bright skies, friends and family members of the young pannists, along with pan aficionados, packed the Grand Stand, and spilled over into the North Stand and exit ramp.

Second-place was tied between the Naparima Combined Steel Orchestra (playing Buss Head by Machel Montano and others) and St Francois Girls' College (playing Black Stalin's Bun Dem), both on 266 points.

The CIC/St Joseph's Convent, Port of Spain steelband placed fourth with 263 points, playing Farmer Nappy's How Ah Living. El Dorado East Secondary School earned 262 points playing Machel Montano's Fog to place fifth.

Holy Faith Convent (Penal) playing Pan by Storm, composed by Ken "Professor" Philmore, came sixth with 260 points.

The other bands were QRC/Providence (seventh); Bishop Anstey High School, Port of Spain (eighth); St Joseph's Convent, San Fernando (ninth); and South East Secondary School (tenth).

[caption id="attachment_1136679" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A member of South East Port of Spain Steelband during its performance of Too Own Way by Voice during the Junior Panorama finals, secondary schools category, at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, on February 2.[/caption]

Several pupils coming offstage after performing told Newsday how fantastic the day had been.

Two pupils were from the combined CIC/St Joseph's Convent steelband, Symphony of Saints.

Melanie Garcia of St Joseph's Convent, Port of Spain, said, "It was actually amazing. It was better than I could have imagined, honestly.

"We all did our best and I know that for a fact. So I am just really happy, no matter the outcome, honestly."

Garcia, who is in upper sixth form, said it would be her last Junior Panorama and also her first time playing in her school's steelband, implying she had previously played in the junior section of one of the big national bands.

Newsday asked what the band was trying to convey musically in its version of Darryl "Farmer Nappy" Henry's song How Ah Livin. Garcia said the band had sought to convey a feeling of happiness.

"I really like we really brought that vibe, you know."

Jordan Green of CIC (St Mary's College) said, "I find it was a really good experience. I know I missed one or two notes but I had as much fun as possible and I hope played good."

The form three pupil said it was his first year playing pan.

"It was a lot of fun and a lot of vibes and the group is very friendly, espec