Panorama and Carnival are locked in matrimony. Panorama was meant to be a competition, where steelbands would perform music (calypso and, eventually soca) related to the (Carnival) season. The "Bomb" competition, which my dad not only supported, but LED in its defense, is another issue. As a matter of fact, the Trinidad Express of February 6, 1969, quoted him as saying, "come hell or high water the Bomb competition will take place downtown unless the steelbandsmen themselves decide otherwise." (That was the LEADER speaking, not just a supporter.) Would any of you think that “ole mas” should be allowed to participate in the “King of Carnival” competition, whether we think they would stand a chance to win, or not? The fact is, the “Bomb” competition was designed with other genres in mind. It was also a less rigid, less disciplined event. I am sure we all agree that at Christmas time, we expect music related to the season. Carnival is a season, and like Christmas, has its own music genre associated with it. Like husband and bride. Remove the aspects of Carnival, and Panorama will not be what it was designed to be. In fact, certain “changes” are guaranteed to drive Panorama into early extinction.
The argument by some, is that the changes they propose, is in direct response to the failure in the marketing of both the event and the instrument used –the steel drum, steelpan or, simply pan. They claim that their “new ideas” will see a significant increase in sales of the event. However, they have not produced one piece of data or any study that show (in tangible numbers) the evidence supporting their argument. Further, many of them stand to benefit significantly (in financial terms) if their proposed changes are instituted. In other words, they have a definite vested interest.
Finally, it would be foolish to expect to affect the marketing of the event, if ones does not start and end with marketing. The changes suggest that the financial failures are because of flaws in the instrument (rusts, goes out of tune quickly, limited range, etc.), and flaws in choice of music selection (calypso and soca). I am sure that those who have products and/or services to sell that were not meeting or exceeding expectations, would look at their selling and marketing techniques, and not their products and/or services, which, by the way, they claim to believe in and love dearly. Panorama, in effect, becomes the convenient pseudo-scapegoat for Panorama’s real and imagined failures, and it is important to keep In mind that those with vested interest, would need to clearly articulate how their proposals for the drastic changes they put forward, would benefit each individual (equally), and not just themselves.
Ghost.
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To ALL "Panists", Who Claim To Be Musicians: Remember, to the non-musician, music is entertainment needing perfection; to the musician, music is expression, with all its imperfections. Ghost.
Ghost, Mantovani said at one time, "Put feelings in your music my boy, Music without feelings is only a noise"
One final lesson on USPs (for those who do not know, including those who feel they do):
As I mentioned, a USP does not have to be totally true; it is a statement or short phrase, that says why a product or service is not only unique, but better than the competition. I used the example of M&Ms, and attempted to point to the fact that they do sometimes melt in your hands, and there are other chocolate candies, that perform just the same (in one's hands). The Mars company, understood the importance of beating everyone of their competitors to the punch, when it came to selling what made them different (differentiation). By that token, even if the steel drum/pan is not "the only acoustic (1st. generation) musical instrument invented in the 20th century", from a marketing standpoint, there is nothing wrong or uncommon in making such a claim. I would think that those who really understand USPs, would know that, and I question there insistence that pan is neither unique nor "finished".
In keeping with the attempts to relegate our "national instrument" to an inferior status, I specifically asked the question: Do you know of ANY other "1st. generation" (not re-invented), acoustic musical instrument besides the steel drum/pan to be "invented" in the 20th Century, or since? (If so, in answering please provide the source of the proof.) As of yet, not one of those making claims of other musical instruments of the last century, have provided any evidence that proves that any such instruments exist. They provided only instruments that were copied from ones that existed for centuries, and some that require electricity to produce sound (in other words, having no naturally-produced timbres). The steelpan stands alone as the only instrument of its kind, and the only one "invented" since the 1900s, to captivate the entire globe. The instruments the opposing side presents, are neither sought out nor as attractive to the international community, as our beloved steelpan.
Finally, a USP attempts to separate a product or service from the rest of the "competition". A Unique Selling Proposition DOES NOT attempt to show flaws or weaknesses in products or services of which it does not compete (or intend to compete). Whether, Mr. Salmon Cupid intentionally sought out to create a USP or not, it is clear that he does have one. And in looking at his USP, it is obvious as to who he views as the "competition". One would note that although there are other controllers patterned after the steelpan, his "selling points" do not tell how his controller is better than the others (such as the P.H.I.). In all actuality, his USP attempts to separate the E-Pan from its perceived competitor - the original steel drum, steelpan, or pan. This fact is made evident when one looks at the "Design Advantages", which is, in all marketing actuality, his USP:
"No need for re-tuning, rusting and premature replacement
.Durable, compact and light-weight to facilitate ease of transportation
.Delivers consistent sound and tonal quality
.Easier for stage set up and positioning than regular steel drums
.Can be produced in several enhanced versions to cover the complete orchestral range of a conventional steelpan ensemble
.Provides access to the sounds of just about every musical instrument which is built-in to the instrument"
In closing, I would like to assure those who think that the E-Pan is a part of the steelpan's evolution, and that in 100 years from now, both the E-Pan and the steelpan would have evolved into some futuristic instrument, driving both into extinction, that, although the E-Pan may not be here, I guarantee them that 2000 years from now, the steelpan will still be here. Just as the pianoforte and simple recorder have survived centuries and advancements in computer and MIDI technology, so too will our acoustic instrument. When we look at the luxuriant mansions of the rich and famous, we see grand pianos and baby grands in their foyers, not synthesizers and electric organs, regardless of how pricey they are. I also guarantee that 2000 years from now the philharmonic orchestras will still be using acoustic instruments, as they have done sine the days of Mozart and Beethoven, and jazz bass players will still be hugging onto uprights. And I also guarantee that the future Othello Molineauxs, Boogsie Sharpes, Robert Greenidges, and Andy Narells or the futuristic world, would still opt for the "old-fashioned", "rusty", "out of tune", old pan, they dug up from under the rubble of the Apocalypse. The true "pan lovers" know that, and NO amount of non-nonsensical projections should be taken as serious or credible. A very, happy Sun Day to all.
Ghost Who Knows The Steelpan Is Here To Stay!
Steelpan - The Only 1st Generation Acoustic Music Instrument Invented In The 20th Century!
As Dinosaurs still rule the Earth.
Sidd,
This is not true. Promoting pan does not mean abandoning the pan for the digital alternative. I experimented with mics, and yes, there were historically problems with feedback. I spent only $150 CAD for a pair of mics that I have used flawlessly in front of thousands surrounded by amplified instruments. Mics are no longer a barrier.
So, the latest argument against pan's uniqueness, is that it is not the only acoustic instrument that emerged in the last century. Add that to their implied argument that pan is inferior to the E-Pan, and a disturbing picture emerges. Of course, in keeping with the "inferiority model", we also see an Alaskan, Ray Funk, being exalted to the status of "King of Carnival History", and another American, Andy Narell, becoming the "Son" (of Panman), and providing the "Last Word" (or Revelation), to redeem steelbandkind of our sins of the past. ALL these events, are in keeping with the drive to "sanitize" the steelbands and those who play it. Although it was the poor, ghetto youth who "invented" it, he is no longer the image they want representing it. As Steel Pulse sang, "Oh people, don't you see the plot...to take all we've got..." Perspective Of A Panman, George D Goddard.
Ghost Who Sees The Plot...
Ghost,
I’m sure we are all intellectually mature to converse in a manner where we present our facts to support our arguments without taking the cheap shots or low blows. I don’t believe there’s an argument against pan's uniqueness, the discussion helps us more in identifying Pan’s uniqueness and the place the E-Pan plays outside of the Panorama experience.
I don’t see the plot as you describe in supporting your argument when you stated “Add that to their implied argument that pan is inferior to the E-Pan, and a disturbing picture emerges. Of course, in keeping with the "inferiority model", we also see an Alaskan, Ray Funk, being exalted to the status of "King of Carnival History", and another American, Andy Narell, becoming the "Son" (of Panman), and providing the "Last Word" (or Revelation), to redeem steelbandkind of our sins of the past.”
I have spoken to Ray Funk and know for a fact he does not consider himself “King of Carnival History” he started collecting the music of southern black’s the blues and gospel and later discovered calypso and began to expand his musical collection to include steelband and carnival. Harry Belefonte responded to a similar observation made of him being called “The King of Calypso” his response was “deal with those who market and sell you goods you buy everyday.” http://youtu.be/HWuXc8Y1Rk4
There’s no plot, we are our own worst enemy, I don’t know if our inferiority complex stems from our colonial upbringing…we don’t support our own, we need others to tell us how good we are or how to appreciate what we have created. Check Andy Narell’s comments on the art-fom where he acknowledges the greatness of our musical arrangers...http://youtu.be/szmjTgmYM5o
To clarify my position (which I am entitled to, last time I checked): I DO NOT believe that Panorama is the ONLY event that should be available to steelbands or panists at Carnival time or any other time of the year. What I DO believe: That at Carnival time, during Panorama, ONLY acoustic, steel drums/pan should be allowed to compete in the competition part of the event. I also believe that only natural, acoustic sounds should be allowed to be used as "engine room" percussion. I NEVER said that the E-Pan should be excluded from Panorama. What I believe is that it should be part of the entertainment and should be displayed and demonstrated, as part of the advances in technology in the "steelband world". (Refer to the "Blueprint".) I believe all and every "advancement" should be highlighted. I have been using computers in home studio applications sine the early nineties; the first system we owned, was purchased from Wayne Bruno. It was an Atari with Cubase software. We also bought other tone generators, and Yamaha DX-7, a Roland R8 Rhythm Composer (drum machine), and other studio equipment. All of the background tracks to the music you hear me on, are MIDI tracks I converted to audio. This discussion, argues that Panorama should be left as a competition that judges the sound of the original instrument; the ONLY 1st. generation instrument invented in the 20th Century. Others may dispute the claim, however, they are yet to provide any facts to prove otherwise. I hope this clarifies my position.
Ghost Who Knows The Difference Between Opinion And Fact. (I await the evidence. And, please, no re-invented instruments.)
Firstly, thanks for all the comments. I like what Claude did; he named instruments. What are the names of the instruments invented in the 20th century, and when were they invented? The links provided do not give that information. Also are any of them original or 1st generation instruments, or were they copied from existing instruments? We didn't "re-invent" the wheel; we INVENTED it!!!
Ghost
Ok, Sid , you win.
There may be a bit of hyperbole in the "only acoustic instrument in the 20th century" claim, but if you can compare a bunch of kids playing Pata Pata on marimbas to say, Desperadoes playing Borodin's "Polovtsian Dances" under the baton of the late Dr.Pat Bishop, then, as they say in Trini, "We done talk"!
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