An Inside View of the Small Band Panorama Season 2011
by A Eric Mc Allister
Trinidad & Tobago - I wonder if even Pan Trinbago Officials were prepared for the quality of music they got at the Larry Gomes Stadium because if they were, I doubt they would have staged the show at that most inadequate arena for a Steelband Competition. But then again, we small…so I suppose we had to take that. But we show off on them, all of them and the points awarded will show that.
Sadly, for all the satisfaction that Panorama 2011 brought, I cannot help but observe some glaring negatives as well. The thing that continues to rub me the wrong way where Single and Small bands are concerned is attitude. Attitude of not just the general public towards us, but also of our very players, who quite often take their bands for granted. All the public-at-large is interested in is the end-product, the music. That steelband administrators are at their wits end to ensure nightly full house practice sessions is of no concern to the public...
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Interesting ideas. Mr. Macllister, I'm sure you are aware pan would never be the same if some of things you ask for were to be implemented. The one man, one band rule is something I'm all for, but have you thought of the impact this would have on the small bands?
As far as the impact of one-man-one-band rule Dika…I am very aware that Pan would never be the same if such a rule was strictly adhered to…but you know what?…Pan was never like this 25-odd years ago and the end result was proper growth and ownership of bands by individuals, which is the exact opposite to what transpires is Steelbands nowadays. Very few Panmen these days can boast of “my band” simply because of the Panorama hustle. The one thing I would describe as negative concerning Small and Single pan bands presently is that there are far too many of them. The panyard judging era is to blame for that because along with it came the dependence on mercenaries. No longer are bands prepared to create and develop new players…this takes too much time…we all want instant gratification...but true development doesn’t work that way…well sustained development at least. For this reason I welcome the return to Regional Prelims, since I believe it would eventually separate the sheep from the goats.
Small bands stand to benefit greatly from a one-man-one-band rule, but they have to be brave enough to see the bigger picture and tell the mercenaries…thank you…but no thanks. One sure way to encourage new blood is to partner with schools in the area. We have been doing it for years and continue to reap the benefits against all odds.
Thanks again for an insightful article Mr. McAllister
As one who has now identified the issues for all to see, do you believe these problems can be addressed through Pan Trinbago?
From a global perspective these appear to be the main issues plaguing the small bands as spotlighted from your article.
From the perspective that there are no lasting "problems" only momentary unknown or tried solutions think about this:
In this day of digital capturing - if it wasn't recorded it didn't happen. So that is the first thing the small bands must secure after hiring or putting in place is an operation to represent their specific and special interest.
One of the easiest ways to fix some of the issues you speak of immediately, is to eliminate the medium category. A case of addition by subtraction - the strengthening of both remaining categories. The other is to allow the large bands to participate in the small band panorama in addition to their own with the same song by the same arranger. This will solve the music credibility issue the small bands are having It will also generate real interest and intrigue in the small band panorama. Furthermore, it will create an interesting dilemma for the judges and overseers of Panorama to be consistent, fair and impartial across both categories on all aspects of the competition (prizes, venue, promotion, etc..). Moreover the good, bad and ugly all get shine in the spotlight if they really belong there. The end result will be a quality product
Just some thoughts.
"disgust with Pan Trinbago who again, for all our high quality performances, still could not see the wisdom in producing a CD at least of the Single Pan and Small Band Finals."
please sir..... TELL THEM AGAIN.
Every year i hope THIS will be the year we get a Small & Single pan CD. I realize Einstein had it right when he said it is insanity to 'keep doing the same thing over and over again hoping for a different result" .... but still .... every year i hope again.
it pisses me off that they just ignore half the pan like it's not even there
WAW!!!!!!!!! im sooooooo glad that i stumbled upon this by accident. im writing my thesis on freelancing in panorama and info by others were difficult to find. this article will go a long way and i must say that it was well written....
i appreciate ur honesty...
P.s. maybe if one day ALL pan players have a say when voting for a pan trinbago exec, then i can assure u pan trinbago will start looking to really help the players and the bands and not run down only what may profit them...
peace!
THANK YOU for this piece... single pan and small bands are just as valid, if not more interesting than the other two categories (in fact my favorite piece of music for the whole panorama finals was Southern Marines "No No No Not Me" arranged by Akinola Sennon) yet get little attention. Being cast aside to Larry Gomes was baffling to me. On one hand, the bands get to enjoy a proper stage (as opposed to the street on South Quay) but on the other hand, attendance was far lower than if it had been held in town.
Well said, a very good article. My question is if all these bands belong to the membership of Pan Trinbago they should have a voice when electing officials and should use that power of their vote to effect change. The true criteria of leadership is for the bebefit of the followers.
Great article. There needs to much more discussion on the plight of the small bands.
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