SAN FERNANDO Boys' RC School won best primary school at the Junior Panorama finals at Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, on February 2.
Using Skiffle Bunch pans, the boys gave a robust rendition of Winston "Mighty Shadow" Bailey's tribute to wild abandon, Dingolay. Sporting black top hats, the youngsters also enjoyed the presence of Shurlan Bailey, who keeps alive the memory of his late father's earthy artistry.
San Fernando Boys; earned 270 points to top a field of 12.
Next came St Margaret's Boys' AC School on 268 points, playing Mical Teja's DNA.
Febeau Government Primary School placed third with 257 points for their version, also by Mical Teja, of Runaway.
San Fernando Girls' Government Primary School earned 253 points to come fourth playing People composed by Jon Dieffenthaller and sung by Kes.
The girls had a sophisticated and mature sound, with a very rich tone, offering clean notes in a pacey performance.
With pupils dressed as airline pilots, Morvant Epithany Anglican School played Winston "Explainer" Henry's Lorraine to earn 243 points and place sixth, to tie with St Mary's Government School playing Olatunji Yearwood's Inventor.
The other bands were the cool and calm pupils of Bethlehem Boys' and Girls' RC Primary School (eighth), followed by Nelson Street Boys RC (ninth), St Paul's Boys' RC (tenth), Couva AC (11th) and Newtown Boys' and Girls' RC (12th).
[caption id="attachment_1136686" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Febeau Government Primary School play Runaway by Mical Teja and Tano during the Junior Panorama finals, primary schools category at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, on February 2.[/caption]
Mickalis Edwards, a form four pupil at San Fernando Boys' RC, told Newsday how elated he and his schoolmates were at winning.
"It feels absolutely good. Right now I am very happy. First place is a lot. I always to win. I am so happy for San Fernando Boys' RC School.
"We had a hard vacation, last year's July-August vacation. We came from a long journey. We worked very hard and even took time from our school days – half of the day and even sometimes the whole day to come and practise." Edwards said it was a great honour to win.
Teacher Lydia Seecharan, who was the band's arranger, said she had taught the band for the past two-three years.
She said the school always enters Junior Panorama.
"We prepare the boys.
"We don't just reach them a song, but we also teach them about the culture, the meaning of the songs we are playing. We really try to give them the full experience.
"We always tell them you don't play pan with your hands; you play pan with your heart. I always want them to love the experience – do what you do and have fun."
Seecharan said learning pan serves to teach youngsters the value of what they have.
"Today was excellent. My boys did me proud. Excellent, excellent, no problem. So they are happy."
Seecharan offered her congratulations to all the bands taking part in Junior Panorama.
"All the bands today are winners, celebrating the kids today
