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Panorama season has started

I remember a time when it was called "Beating Pan" and for a few years it became "Playing Pan". Now panorama has started it appears that we have reverted to beating the crap out of the instrument, it is much more than just a drum.Please arrangers, is time to get back to playing melodies and harmonies, not transforming the pan into a note playing tassa drum, though there is nothing wrong with a tassa rhythmCome back Bradley, come back Ken professor Philmore, come back Beverley Griffiths.…

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Alex Cassidy’s proper love for Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago Newsday As a working musician in the UK, Alex Cassidy performs as both a pianist and a panist   Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Loving Trinidad and Tobago is almost instinctive for locals. When that same devotion captures the heart of a foreigner from his very first encounter, it reveals something truly special about the soul of our islands. For 24-year-old UK-born content creator Alex Cassidy, that love was evident from his very first visit – and with time, it has only…

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Trinidad and Tobago’s steelpan makes a comeback as a new generation embraces its sound

The Journal Gazette/Associated Press A percussion instrument created in Trinidad and Tobago in 1939 is experiencing a revival as a new generation embraces its vibrant sound A steelpan player performs during a national band competition in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The instrument’s bright sound is attracting new fans at a rapid pace. Women are also now allowed to play the “pan.”   Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The steelpan, a percussion instrument created in Trinidad and Tobago in 1939,…

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Grief as Deltones captain Caesar dies

Trinidad Express Newspapers November performance: George Caesar, captain, conductor and drill master of Siparia Deltones, conducting his band at Fonclaire Steel Orchestra pan theatre, Dottin Street, San Fernando, during a performance last month. Caesar died yesterday   Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The steelband fraternity was plunged into mourning yesterday with the passing of beloved band captain of the Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra George Caesar. The band announced his passing via social…

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Pan Trinbago defends steelpan’s value as NGC withdraws sponsorship

Trinidad and Tobago Newsday Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago has pushed back against comments by National Gas Company (NGC) chairman Gerald Ramdeen (pictured right), saying his remarks undervalue the social, cultural and economic contributions of steelbands and mischaracterise corporate sponsorship as being outside the remit of responsible state enterprise operations.   In a statement issued in response to Ramdeen’s comments, the national organisation representing steelbands said it…

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Stakeholders slam 5-year delay for steelpan coat of arms: Upset over pan ‘disrespect’

Trinidad and Tobago Newsday Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago, the world governing body for the steelpan, has expressed its “deep disappointment” over the government’s decision to extend the use of the former coat of arms until January 2, 2031. The decision, contained in Legal Notice No. 468, has been condemned by the opposition as secretive, unnecessary, and politically motivated. In a news release on December 23, Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore said the delay contradicts…

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Eruption Steel Orchestra’s 3rd Annual Christmas Concert - A Joy to the World, Heart and Soul

Eruption Steel Orchestra performs at its Joy to the World 2025 Christmas concert   Brooklyn, New York, USA - A nippy night, but one just suited to the season - Christmas, that is. The occasion was Eruption Steel Orchestra’s 3rd Annual Winter Concert & Fundraiser, and on the agenda were the sounds of steel courtesy the hosts themselves, the music organization Eruption Steel Orchestra, with invited performing artists Despers USA Steel Orchestra, Phoenix Steel Orchestra, and the Victory Music &…

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Results - 2026 Small Steel Orchestra Semi-Finals - Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - So, sixteen steel orchestras have been ‘invited’ to the final musical ‘dance’ that is the Panorama finals in the Small conventional category. After hours of intense competition on Saturday December 20, 2025 - remaining bands had to ‘call it a season’ as they were outshone, musically, by fellow competitors who are now this season’s finalists. Southern Stars Steel Orchestra (D’ South Band) is currently perched at the top with their presentation of ‘Let Us Build A Nation…

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2026 TOBAGO Small Steel Orchestra Prelims - Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The small steel orchestras proudly representing the sister isle of Tobago are up next in the preliminaries of the 2026 season in the Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama. Unfolding over the nights of Wednesday December 10 and Thursday December 11, eight bands in total are expected to appear before judges performing in their respective panyards. see judging schedule

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2026 SOUTH-CENTRAL Small Steel Orchestra Prelims - Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The second set of steel orchestras in the small conventional category, of the 2026 season of the Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama, features three nights of competitive performances in the preliminary phase. In total there are fifteen participants hailing from South/Central, scheduled to appear from Sunday December 7—Tuesday December 9. see judging schedule

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