Global - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, the prolific steelpan artist, educator and composer speaks about Panorama 2012 and more. Liam Teague is currently the arranger for Starlift Steel Orchestra...
You need to be a member of When Steel Talks to add comments!
Replies
I am not casting aspersions or personally attacking anyone let me say firstly.However,i do think its hypocritical for someone to say that they ''are not an advocate of panorama as a competition'' but low and behold they are having their arrangement in the competition.I concur with a few of the points raised my Mr.Teague,however not all of what was said is the truth, as there are a number of counterpoints for rebuttal.I have always maintained that panorama is a necessary evil.On one hand i think it kills muscianship but on the other, believe it or not, it is necessary for the survival of pan in TnT.Additionally,i have learnt that it is wise not to hate the game because you cant play at the level of proficiency required to win.Mind you,my statements are not a reflection of anything on the part of Mr.Teague.
I think I understand the fear that many pan people have that without Panorama, Panorama style musical compositions and arrangements will disappear.
I think not.
Panorama music is not really "wine down" carnival music.
Panorama music is and should be the highest level of pan music. It is in effect "classical music for pan". Today's Panorama competition is currently the premier stage for presenting this unique type of classical music to the world.
This does not necessarily always have to be the case.
This music can and should be presented to the world without a structured competition, with all its rules and limitations.
Arrangers need to be freed up to take the music to an even higher level.
We're talking about the future, folks!
Glenroy:
"Arrangers need to be freed up to take the music to an even higher level."
I don't really see how the fact of competition prevents arrangers from giving of their best. You forget the example of Phase II. Boogsie did very innovative things with the music, and for a long time remained unrewarded. There is a reason why they called the band "Phase II," don't forget. If Liam or some other arranger wants to take the art form to a Phase III, my advice to them, is "just do it!" If you do good work, the world will come around to see it, and appreciate it for what it is. Don't worry about the judges. (The system is such that the judges don't always agree with the judges! )
There have been other arrangers whose innovative work seemingly has not found favour, e.g. Godwin Bowen with Pamberi back in the day with "Posse", "Raising dust", and "Panman Forever". But guess what, many people appreciate his contribution, and remember such pieces many, many years later. Professor has not yet walked away with a Panorama title (that I remember) but his work is well loved and appreciated. Ray Holman likewise.
Please, don't use the fact of competition as an excuse not to perform to what you think are your highest heights. That's a specious argument. I know you can come better than that, Glenroy.
- Big Sid
PS. I certainly would agree to any suggestion however to limit the difference in cash prize between the 1st and 2nd placed bands to no more than 10%, and on down the line between 2nd and 3rd, etc. Moreover, every band that takes part in the competition should get enough of a share of the overall gate receipts and subventions that they may be encouraged to develop. Steelbands are of very positive benefit to the community, and therefore deserving of subvention, either by the State or by private sponsors.
Liam, I commend you for the stand taken here with your honest, heartfelt remarks and moreso, it is said without fear or favour,which is admirable, since you are still prepared to make a statement and show your musical skills and ability by competing in the Panorama .... GO BRAVE LIAM!!! Such is life. In time, adjudicators will change and hopefully, for the BETTER, systems will also change. As CRAZY sang: "In time to come"
Liam has identified several issues with the Panorama competition, but I think the biggest problem is that you cannot compete with music since it is subjective.
.
Changing judges will not solve the problem because what they like, may not be what you like and so on...another thing is, an arrangement may have all the bells and whistles that a judge like to hear, but the masses may prefer a more simplistic arrangement as the winner. This again, is because music is subjective...then you have the other problems with folks being aligned with their favorite bands, politics, etc.
.
I think the best way to achieve what Liam is talking about is to leave the Panorama alone and create another event and call it a, "SteelPan Music Festival", where steel bands play Panorama style arrangements (Calypso) without the restrictions of the current Panorama format and without judges. People who attend will go just to hear and appreciate good music, which will not be confined to chromatic runs and common phrases from the past. It could even be a two day event where on the following day the same bands play other styles of music. This event could occur more than once during the year, which will help generate funds for each band and it's players.
.
This way everyone will be happy because Panorama as it is today will be untouched, and those like me, who want to hear something different and innovative, will have a new event.
just my two cents,
GP
Gospel Pan do you remember that WST interview with Bradley where he talks about his understanding and the social implications of the pan man who can once a year walk proudly through the streets of Trinidad with his sticks hanging out of his pocket and his bands jerseys on his chest?
The reality is that panorama is for the masses. Careers in music will be there for a select few who develop the skills and are lucky.
bugs
Bugs,
I agree with you that there's a lot of pride involved in playing in a Panorama.
My idea was to leave the Panorama as is and to create a separate event called a SteelPan Music Festival or something like that, where the current restrictions of Panorama are removed and arrangers are free to innovate as their creative minds allow. So basically, there will be two events:
ps.
In regards to learning music theory...I think it's up to the individual to think about. Music classes should be made available to band members should they want to learn more...maybe bands can advertise courses offered by Pan Trinbago?
just my humble opinion,
GP
Preach Bugs. lol
Good point thesquaredcircle,
but in the long run, for a person to progress musically, they will need to learn music theory. What people don't realize about Boogsie, is that he studies music theory and he learned a lot from Ray...these are things that I've heard Boogsie say himself...so music theory is important; though it's not for everyone. Some people are naturally gifted and they can play any tune by ear, but give them some understanding of what they are doing musically and you will end up with someone like Liam Teague or Ray Holman or Boogsie Shape, etc.
.
So you are right, luck often trumps skill, but many of those individuals go on to learn music theory because luck, by itself is not enough.
.
GP
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next