Judging of Medium and Large Semi-finals and Results.
Okay, so I know that the judging of steelpan performances is highly subjective. The competencies of individual judges is never published beforehand. We are all very suspicious when the results are not to our wishes and/or expectations.
Especially these days when “fake news”, “trolling” and “WOKE” (in a cultural sense) seem to affect the average man’s thinking, we always jump to quick conclusions. That said, there has always been a degree of bias associated with Panorama judging in particular. It will never change.
Unlike highly profitable organisations, sports and events, Panorama and the bands involved are not in a position to exert any form of influence or pressure to insist on change and transparency in relation to panorama judging. Although Pan Trinbago as an entity, is made up of representatives of the individual bands, they seem unable to formulate or construct a format which appears to be above the suspicions of tampering , bias and bribery. That’s unfortunate.
Results of prelims’ performances is a case in point. No mention of how these points were accumulated, let alone what were the individual judges markings.
POS | NAME OF BAND | SELECTION | TOTAL |
1 | Bp Renegades Steel Orchestra | The Lizard | 281 |
2 | Republic Bank Exodus Steelband | Cyah Behave | 278.5 |
3 | Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra | The Will | 278 |
4 | Phase Il Pan Groove | Trouble | 277.5 |
5 | Nutrien Silver Stars Steel Orchestra | Respectfully Yours | 277 |
5 | Desperadoes Steel Orchestra | We Calypso | 277 |
7 | T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps Steel Orchestra | Last Train | 273 |
7 | Skiffle Steel Orchestra | Cyah Behave | 273 |
7 | Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra | Inch by Inch | 273 |
7 | Proman Starlift Steel Orchestra | Last Train | 273 |
11 | NLCB Fonclaire Steel Orchestra | Get Something and Wave | 272 |
12 | First Citizens Supernovas Steel Orchestra | Rum & Coca Cola | 271 |
12 | Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra | Too Young To Soca | 271 |
14 | NLCB Buccooneers Steel Orchestra | Carnival Birthday | 269 |
15 | RBC Redemption Sound Setters Steel Orchestra | Oil in the Coil | 267 |
16 | Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra | Take Me Home | 265 |
17 | Harmonites Steel Orchestra | Ah Coming Home | 259 |
We may never know why there is a difference of 22 points between Renegades and Harmonites. So until these little details are available to all there will always be doubt and suspicions. It’s really isn’t difficult Pan Trinbago, just publish the score sheets in detail. Put an end to all the gossip. Not too difficult is it?
Anyway; so on to the Semi-Finals in De Big Yard where there will always be Dus in Dey Face…..
Rumour has it, all 17 of the large bands will be appearing. This is addition to 16 medium bands. So we have 33 bands going all out to give their very best to make it to Finals Night. There will be disappointments, there will be surprises, and not least disagreements amongst the pan fanatics as to who should really be at the finals.
Now, I think the judges for the semi finals should not be the ones who judged the prelims. And on finals night there should be twelve judges made up of Prelim judges Semi judges and Orchestral experts from the world at large. Because as Pan Trinbago likes to boast it is the “world-wide” governing body of and for PAN. Please publish all markings from every judge.
One think I would also like to add, please participants, although you may have been told that theatricals add to the performance, trust me they don't. they waste time. You are there for one thing and one thing only, that's playing music. Presentation does not and should not include bad acting.
Just my opinion.
RSC
Replies
Yes, I agree Randi, transparancy is needed, how can four bands placed 7th in preliminary round.