I am observing over the years the Large bands in the semi-final that perform after 11:00pm get an unfair deal. The majority of the thousands of people's start leaving around 10:00pm - by the time the last 5 bands reach the stage only the die-hard supporters are their to support their band. IT IS NOT FAIR
Pan Trinbago have to look into staging the National Panorama semi-final for small, medium and large bands on the same day - it always end up where the large bands perform in the wee hours in the morning - last night Birdsong reach the stage at 1:40am (monday morning) almost to an empty Grand stand and North stand. IT IS NOT FAIR
The 16 Large conventional bands should have their own semi-final between the hours 2:00pm to 10:00pm to enjoy all their magical steel drums with the full support of everybody.
The 28 small and medium bands could have their day. What do you think.....
Replies
In my opinion Pan Trinbago should simply reduce the number of bands so as to put on a comfortable and entertaining show for the semis competition. I did not care for the vast majority of arrangements in all categories anyway. So it was more like torture listening to bands like Renegades and others. If I simply heard Phase II and Exodus I would be happy to close the show. I listen to it on the internet anyway because I don't live in Trinidad. I have the advantage of tuning in when the band is ready to play and spend the rest of my time doing what ever I want.
baaah haa haa haaa - the main purpose of the rama is NOT to "put on an entertaining show". it's primary purpose is not FOR the comfort of those of us listening and watching - that's only a side-effect -
the main purpose is for the BANDS THEMSELVES - to have a chance to offer their music in competition. so which bands you gonna tell they cannot participate, just to make it more 'comfortable' for people listening on the internet?
HA - i don't think so.
the focus is the MUSIC. not the audience.
I think its the luck of the draww because sometimes people stay late to the major contenders anyway. It also happens when the major contender draw number very early in the day 9am or 10am. There still aren't many people there. In many cases even their own supporters aren';t there. So its the luck of the draw, possibly the only fair thing they have.
I think if the judges stick to Their criteria Bands wouldnt feel as slighted by lack of audience.. Unlike Competitions like SOCA MONARCH there's no element in the OFFICAL Judging criteria for CROWD RESPONSE.
Judges, through Pan Trinbago, over the years have been able to adopt a WHAT WE SAY GOES attitude so they dont think its their JOB to give PROPER Feedback. I have seen some scoresheets over the years, and as a musician, arranger myself (not in panorama though) i wouldnt know where to start to improve with the kind of comments some arranger get.
Its best the JUDGES WRITE: " HARD LUCK! TRY AGAIN NEXT YEAR" .
No feedback, No growth.
FOR ALL THOSE WHO DISAGREE THAT PANORAMA NOT KILLING PAN, You ever smell a stagnant river???