Single Pan Bands Finals

 

San Juan East Side Symphony Triumphs at Panorama 2025 Single Pan Finals

The Home of Carnival, Trinidad and Tobago, reverberated with the vibrant sounds of steelpan on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, as the much-anticipated Panorama 2025 Single Pan Bands Finals kicked off. Held at the iconic Queen’s Park Savannah, the event was a spectacular fusion of music, culture, and tradition, drawing in passionate steelpan enthusiasts from all corners of the nation.

With 25 of the finest Single Pan bands vying for glory, this grand competition marked the beginning of an exciting Carnival season, filled with anticipation and promise.

This year's theme, "Steelpan Fuh So - Unleash ‘D’ Power ", resonated deeply throughout the night, emphasizing the profound and enduring connection between the steelpan and the spirit of Carnival. It set the stage for a powerful celebration of Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heritage, one note at a time.

 

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Address from the President of Pan Trinbago

In her stirring speech, Pan Trinbago President Beverley Ramsey-Moore underscored the significance of the Single Pan Bands Finals as a vital part of Trinidad and Tobago’s steelpan culture. She emphasized the importance of supporting grassroots steelpan communities, which continue to keep the tradition alive.

"Single pan bands are the heartbeat of our steelpan legacy. They represent where we’ve come from and where we are going as a movement. Tonight, we celebrate not just the champions but every band and pannist who poured their heart into this competition.”

The President highlighted Pan Trinbago’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of pannists, encouraging innovation while preserving the rich traditions of the instrument.

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Corporate Partnerships: bpTT's Legacy as Steelpan Ambassador

 

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of bpTT, named Pan Trinbago’s first-ever Steelpan Ambassador. This prestigious title acknowledged bpTT’s significant contributions to the growth of the steelpan movement, from supporting innovation to fostering young talent.

In his address, Ryan Chaitram, bpTT’s Communications and External Affairs Manager, spoke about the company's commitment to ensuring the longevity of the steelpan art form and creating opportunities for both seasoned pannists and emerging bands.

"Its about ensuring that traditions like the steelpan endure, that players and bands especially the new and fledgling bands have the resources to excel and to grow and to maximise their potential." said Chaitram.

This partnership exemplifies the synergy between corporate entities and cultural organizations, fuelling the continued growth and support of Trinidad and Tobago's national instrument on the world stage.

 

 

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A Night of Musical Brilliance: San Juan East Side Symphony Steals the Spotlight

As the night unfolded, the electric atmosphere at the Savannah reached a fever pitch, with each performance showcasing the unmatched creativity, precision, and artistry of Trinidad and Tobago’s steelpan bands. Amidst this fierce competition, San Juan East Side Symphony emerged victorious, delivering a jaw-dropping performance of “The Guns,” a showpiece of rhythm, harmony, and power that captivated the audience and judges alike.

Their victory did not come lightly. Their powerhouse performance of “The Guns,” was delivered with flawless execution, precision, and energy that set them apart. This win solidifies their reputation as one of the most accomplished Single Pan bands on the island, adding to their legacy.

Their flawless execution, combined with a bold and dynamic arrangement, earned them the top spot with an impressive total of 284 points, sealing their eighth (8^th) Panorama victory and reaffirming their position as one of the country’s premier Single Pan bands.

In interviews following the event, Duvone Stewart, the band's arranger, humbly accepted the accolade, acknowledging the dedication of every player and supporter who contributed to the band's success. As the most decorated arranger in the history of Panorama, Stewart’s “golden touch” has led many bands to victory in various categories, and this latest triumph was another feather in his already impressive cap, winning in the Single Pan, Small Conventional Band, Medium Conventional Band and Large Conventional Bands category.

 

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Full Results and Highlights

The Panorama Finals was a night of diverse musical selections and outstanding artistry. Here is a complete breakdown of the results:

Placing	Band Name	Selection	Total Points
1	San Juan East Side Symphony	The Guns	284
2	Chord Masters Steel Orchestra	Swing Engine	276
3	Metro Stars Steel Orchestra	Disco Daddy	272
4	Hope Pan Groovers	Long Time	271
5	New Age Trendsetters	This Melody Sweet	268
6	Platinum Steel Orchestra	Hairy Bank	265
6	Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service Orchestra	Fire Coming Down	265
8	Belmont Hi-Larks	Johnny	264
9	Trinidad Nostalgic Steel Orchestra	Soca Train	262
10	Trinidad East Side Symphony	Shaking It	261
10	Nostrand Symphony	Ka Ka Lay Lay	261
10	La Creole Pan Groove	Bees Melody	261
13	Marsicans Steel Orchestra	Black Man Feeling To Party	260
13	Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service Orchestra	By All Means	260
15	Pan Elites Steel Orchestra	Is Thunder	259
16	Ice Water Pan Ensemble	Teaser	258
16	Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Orchestra	Ah Want It	258
16	Uni Stars Steel Orchestra	Carnival Baby	258
19	East Phonics Steel Orchestra	My House	256
19	La Romaine Super Vibes	Stranger	256
19	San Juan All Stars Steel Orchestra	Inventor	256
19	Arima All Stars Steel Orchestra	Tiney Winey	253
22	Scrunters Pan Groove	Big Belly Man	252
23	Gonzales Sheikers	Ah Home	250
24	Pan Stereonettes	Small Pin	241

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Fierce Competition and Unforgettable Performances

While San Juan East Side Symphony claimed the top honor, the competition was fierce, with numerous bands delivering standout performances that had the crowd on its feet.

• Chord Masters Steel Orchestra took second place with an electrifying rendition of "Swing Engine," earning 276 points and winning over the audience with their infectious energy.
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• Metro Stars Steel Orchestra followed closely in third place, delivering a captivating performance of "Disco Daddy" that earned them 272 points.
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• Hope Pan Groovers and New Age Trendsetters rounded out the top five, with their technically impressive renditions of "Long Time" and "This Melody Sweet," scoring 271 and 268 points, respectively.

Other notable performances included Platinum Steel Orchestra’s spirited "Hairy Bank" and Nostrand Symphony’ nostalgic "Ka Ka Lay Lay," both of which earned applause from the appreciative crowd.

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Steelpan

The success of the Panorama 2025 Single Pan Finals sets the tone for the exciting Carnival season ahead. With strong support from Steelpan Ambassadors like bpTT, government partners such as the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, the National Carnival Commission, and Tourism Trinidad Limited (#visitTrinidad), and sponsors such as the National Flour Mills, the future of the steelpan looks brighter than ever.

The Panorama 2025 Single Pan Finals was graced by a distinguished group of specially invited guests, underscoring the significance of this musical celebration. In attendance was Senator the Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts alongside Councillor Tashia Grace Burris, Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation from the Tobago House of Assembly, Ms. Keiba Jacob Mottley, Chief Executive Officer at the National Carnival Commission.Their presence reflected the unwavering support of both national leadership for Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heritage and the steelpan movement.

As we look forward to the next chapter of this exhilarating tradition, we can expect more thrilling performances, rising stars, and the continued celebration of the steelpan’s place in both the cultural and global arenas. Steelpan lovers across the nation are already counting the days to the next thrilling edition of Panorama 2025 – Steelpan Fuh So! - Unleash D’ Power. With the support of the community, the innovation of the players, and the unity of the people, the steelpan’s legacy will continue to soar, ensuring that this national treasure remains an enduring symbol of Trinidad and Tobago's musical and cultural brilliance.

Congratulations to San Juan East Side Symphony, the champions of the 2025 Single Pan Finals, and to all the bands that keep the flame of steelpan burning brightly. Here's to a future filled with more music, more victories, and more celebrations of Steelpan Fuh So! - Unleash D’ Power!