Over the years Pan Trinbago introduced several "innovations" to panorama but in some cases the adage applies: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. One was the category system which in theory was supposed to spread the wealth, introduce parity to the competition, and give smaller bands an opportunity to shine with the hope that successful ones would move up to join the big bands. But in practice, this has not come to be.
In practice, the large category actually shrank to the point where they can't even hold a proper preliminary round anymore since several large bands decided they could better manage in a smaller category. And because Pan Trinbago did not take the necessary step of requiring consistently successful smaller bands to "graduate" to the next level, there is no way to make up for that deficit other than the few bands that took it upon themselves to do so, which so far hasn't been enough.
In practice, not only does the large category continue to be mostly dominated by the same few bands, but small and medium have been taken over by bands that could compete in a bigger category but instead stay put to shoot fish in a barrel. Subsequently, those categories have become predictable and less compelling to a public that already has an overt bias toward the large bands. Medium finals is seen as an overlong opening act for the "big guns" while the small ones don't even get that opportunity, marooned as they are in a venue whose attendance can't even measure up to that of a "small island" panorama.
In practice, there is less wealth to spread but Pan Trinbago still has to cater for three conventional panoramas totaling 34 finalists and three winners. With declining interest, declining playership, and many financial problems facing the organization, why do they continue to subsidize this? Maybe it's time to tighten the belt, admit it is a failed experiment, and consider something more streamlined that resembles panorama of the past, with the goal not only to reduce overall costs but also attract public interest again, encourage attendance, and increase playership:
-A large band finals of 12 bands at 100 players max;
-A small band finals of 6 bands at 50 players max, in place of medium finals;
-Arrangers and players can work/play with more than one band;
-All bands must play a current tune of choice;
-Allow supporters/attendees to stand by the stage again;
-Adjust the season, moving semifinals closer to finals.
Having more large bands of smaller size allows inclusion of formerly medium bands, while a tighter small bands final is a more interesting kickoff to the event. Arrangers and players would not be limited to one band; however, with fewer and smaller bands making finals, hustling would naturally be regulated. Requiring bands to play current selections engages the public better, and allowing the crowd to be near the stage again is another step in that direction. And finally, moving semifinals could open that event up to the visiting market who comes for Carnival, not two weeks before, and would also extend the season for those bands that don't make finals.
Some will see this as assigning dollar signs to art, but considering the financial straits the panorama finds itself in and with money so often being the primary focus of protest, perhaps we do need to set aside emotion and look at it from a businesslike standpoint. As someone who deeply loves pan and panorama regardless of category and who has in fact played in all categories many times I also have to admit that the competition seems to have become too bloated for its own good and for it to continue, some sweeping changes are needed.
Replies
Since you asked why Noah, I think the answer is that the competition has become a kind of musical socialism .
Instead of highlighting and promoting the best of the best musically , the primary purpose of panorama today seems to be spreading the available panorama funds as widely as possible ,
Very inefficiently , I might add.
But this is also a smart idea politically, since it makes it more difficult to create momentum for change . as more get to taste a 'lil food.
I thought that merrytonestothebone had a grand child and he was going to be turning his back all this PAN TURBULENCE and putting his time an energy into giving that boy the benefit of his wisdom. But the man want to REARRANGE PANORAMA and take food out of DUVONE STEWART MOUTH -- restricting him to one band. Didn't Boogsie and Patrick Arnold have a big falling out over that same issue.
Ah doh know about the TREE and the FOREST!!! But I do know that KEITH DIAZ is in charge of that PANORAMA until 2020 and until then: PREACH PAUL ... NOTHING EH CHANGING AT ALL!!!
Claude...we all know that nothing will change...but I really do enjoying dreaming sometimes...Plus I am simply shooting from the hip here...If Panorama is a competition it should be clean and fair. It is clear that the important aspects of competition has been diluted over the years...and it will get worse too...
NOAH A BIG B. S.
So Farouk, I like Noah's ideas. They are well thought out.
What are yours on the subject?
bugs
That government stipend is what have panmen/women in hotwater right now...
Noah...yuh is a wicked man...I trying meh best to avoid this topic...yuh force meh hand boy...
"Arrangers and players can work/play with more than one band;"....
You can't be serious...Like everybody else...You continue to put plasters on sores...
I included that as a compromise. The caveats of having fewer bands with less players, and the requirement of arranging a current tune, would determine that.
Get serious Noah....there can be no compromise in a competition...What is wrong with you?....Don't you see the damage that playing with more than one band is doing to the very fabric of ALL steelbands?...Steelbands no longer have members. Even if Panorama were to be considered an actual job. Would you be allowed to work for more than one employer at the same time...During the same hours?...Would confidentiality not be an issue between employers? The only way band hoping is tolerated is because the money paid to mercenary players doesn't come from the individual steelband's pockets. It's the government stipend that ALL bands depend on to play crackshot, mercenary, child soldiers...what have you...So you want this skullduggery to continue?...Seriously?
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