The Gleaner
In July when The Gleaner spoke to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Panoridim Steel Orchestra, they were in good spirits, preparing for the inaugural staging of the International Panorama Competition to be held in Trinidad in August. Fast-forward a month, the competition is over and the band, having got over the initial feeling of disappointment, is ready to take on the task again next year.
Valentino Walker, the band's public relations officer, said the competition was a great experience and they are looking forward to growing stronger as a unit following the competition. "We were a bit disappointed with the results at first, but after we realised what we had accomplished, we were pleased and decided to take it all as a learning experience and a stepping stone for the future."
Steel bands from all over the world converged in Trinidad hoping to walk away with the top prize. When the curtain came down on a spectacular display of music, Trinidad came out on top. The country copped the first three places in the competition, with the Massy Trinidad All Stars emerging as winners. Walker said he was not surprised at the results as he knew the Trinidad bands would be hard to beat, but he expected his team to finish higher in the final placing.
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