My thanks to all who complimented our Panorama Victory. I am mostly thankful that although I did go to Trinidad to ask for help from 3 Desperadoes panists, it did not come to fruition. No one from Desperadoes performed with LSE at the Florida Panorama on October 8th, 2016. LSE was the laughing stock of the pan world in Florida. Now that they won on their second attempt at Panorama, some are taking cheap shots, such as "we used players from Desperadoes," "we played under tents" and "we knew we won before the results were announced."
Special Kudos to our arranger, Brandon Gonazles a young ex-Desperadoes double second member, who merely began arranging in April of 2016, and Spencer De Verteruil an American born, who also began arranging this year, and led the band Melo Groove that is 9 months old, to 3rd place.
These are the results: (1) Lauderhill Steel Ensemble with 271 points, (2) Pantastiks with 262, Melo Groove with 243, (4) Branches with 235, (5) Tamboo Bamboo with 230, (6) Karibbean Knights with 228, and tying for 7th with 209 were Sticks N Tones & Resurection. Love, Peace and Pan.
Comments
Thanks Mr.Alan Harrylal for your positive comments. You are the 4th steel orchestra leader that personally congratulated Lauderhill Steel Ensemble's 2016 panorama victory. I now say congratulations to your band, Pantastik. I know that you have advised me as how to deal with "talkers" but the following beats back all. Silver Stars USA and Pantastik were both denied victory on their attempt at the 3-peat, because "THEY DO NOT WANT TO GIVE ANY BAND 3 STRAIGHT." (lol).
The turn arrangement was excellent and the execution was great. Don't ever let anyone take that away from you. There will be people who do not agree with the outcome, but that's life.
For the previous 2 years that we won 1st place, we were also on the receiving end of such vile comments and attacks.
The best thing to do is ignore them, as you can never change the minds of these people.
As a champion, you need to carry yourself as such, do not waste time on trying to appease everyone, or defend yourselves. Let your success do the talking.
I do want to give you some advice however: Be careful of how you respond to these critics, and be mindful that you do not go overboard with "rubbing" your victory into the players of the other steelband organizations, (not saying you have), just giving you my 2cents.
I say this for a couple reasons:
1. It isn't professional and shows bad character.
2. You make more enemies that way.
In any case, I can tell you that everytime I hear someone speak ill of your victory, I always shut it down.
I think it is great for the Spirit of competition that we have other bands that step up, and take the victory, as this is what competition is all about.
Every year, the bands are getting better and better, the tunes and arrangements more complicated, and the execution and showmanship much more elaborate.
I'm not sure why you think that Lauderhill was the laughing stock of the steelbands here in Florida though.
All in all, it was a great competition, and at the end of the day, the better band, with the better execution won.
With that said, Pantastik plans to return next year to retake the crown : )
Until then, I hope you enjoy your victory to the max!
Thanks,
Alan Harrylal
2016 Capt. Pantastik Steel Orchestra
Opa-Locka, FL.