EXCITEMENT bubbled in San Fernando on Wednesday morning as curriculum coordinator Marceline Peters launched the preliminary round of the National Schools Panorama competition 2023.
The competition is a product of the Ministry of Education.
Under the brilliant morning sunlight, the launch happened at the Carib Skiffle panyard at Coffee Street, San Fernando.
The first of four secondary school bands to face the judges was past winner Naps Combined Steel Orchestra.
Naps Combined is made up of students from Naparima College and Naparima Girls’ High School.
[caption id="attachment_995318" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Marabella South Steel Symphony following their performance at the National schools Panorama secondary schools prelims judging at the school. The band played 'Trini to d Bone' by David Rudder. Photo by Lincoln Holder[/caption]
They were followed by Pleasantville Secondary and Marabella South Secondary which made its debut in the competition. Waterloo Secondary, however, the fourth school on the Wednesday schedule, pulled out at the last moment.
Newsday attempted to contact the Waterloo arranger who was reportedly in a meeting.
Parents and supporters crowded the pavements in front of Skiffle long before the 8.30 am launch to hear their sons and daughters give a rousing performance of Bunji Garlin’s Big Bad Soca, brought to life by past student Desiree Seecharan and arranger Shaquille Vincent.
[caption id="attachment_995319" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Naparima Combined Steel Orchestra performing at the National schools Panorama secondary schools prelims judging at Carib Skiffle panyard on Coffee street San Fernando. The band played Big Bad Soca by Bunji Garlin. Photo by Lincoln Holder[/caption]
Traffic slowed as the sweet sound of steel resonated around the sunny city.
Peters said she was excited for the return of the competition and, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, wished all the participants well.
After hearing the Naps Combined, San Fernando Mayor and CEO of Skiffle Junia Regrello, who has been facilitating the band at his panyard since its inception in 2018, said the future of pan is in good hands.
He commended the students for their discipline, observing that they came out during the Christmas vacation to perfect their craft. He commended, as well, parents, principals and staff of the two schools for their dedication towards the ultimate success of the students.
[caption id="attachment_995325" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Marabella South Steel Symphony performing at the National schools Panorama secondary schools prelims judging at the school. The band played 'Trini to d Bone' by David Rudder. Photo by Lincoln Holder[/caption]
“This may very well be a winning start,” he said in a brief address at the panyard.
In its short panorama history, the band has had a winning streak, placing second in its debut year, returning in 2019 to take the Junior Panorama title. It placed third in 2020, the last year the competition was held owing to the covid19 pandemic.
