WHAT BECOMES OF THE PANIST AFTER THE CARNIVAL CELEBRATIONS ARE ALL OVER?

[Dr. J.L. Miller]

After the curtain is drawn on the greatest cultural show on the planet what cultural infrastructure is set in place by the Ministry of Culture and t Pan-Trinbago to further promote the art and the artist?  As a former player for many years with such bands as "Fascinators," "Forsythe Highlanders," "Huggins Pandemonium," "Catelli Trinidad All Stars," and "Arima Angel Harps" I recall to memory after showtime it was "see you next time."

I believe that the time has arrived for Trinidad and Tobago Government in collaboration with the governing pan-body to invest not only in the upgrade of the instrument, but also to upgrade the social and financial well being of the panist and the art form. 

 

I suggest having at least three national steel-ban competition per year, [a] National Panorama Competition, [b] Independence Steel-ban Competition, [c] National Steel-ban Classical Music Festival.

I also suggest hosting of a World Steel-ban competition every three years where bands from around the world can come to T&T and compete in three categories for the "Supreme World Championship Title" along with outstanding cash prizes.

I suggest bands should be judged on compositions of  [a] Calypso music, [b] Classical music, and [c] Contemporary music of choice.  What's your thoughts?

[Angie]

I strongly agree... Your comments ring true.

[Eye4Pan]

@Mike ...I hear and agree with you loud and clear.....

[MC Joseph]

Hello Dr. J.L. Miller, I am responding to this part of your comment with utmost respect, "I also suggest hosting of a World Steel-ban competition every three years where bands from around the world can come to T&T and compete in three categories for the "Supreme World Championship Title" along with outstanding cash prizes." I believe the inverse to be a more realistic achievement. Let us do it and show them how it is done. This would eliminate "MOST" of the bias that is inherent within the existing bodies in T & T. Capable leadership has to lead from perception, vision, organization, implementation all the to evaluation. We are expecting too much from the current leaders. They have their priorities and we have ours, so we should end our dependance on them, and instead help them see the unseen potential that they have sat upon for too long. This would elevate the art-form and help it move from the stagnant and visionless status to its rightful place in the global spectrum. We in the diaspora should create the said championship/festival to demonstrate how it should be properly done according to ISO standards and invite the good folk from T & T to observe and ask question on how to improve their products. Let us NOT wait any longer.

[Ainsley Quintyn]

That's a wonderful idea , that would boost ,pan culture and encourage the talented pan instrumentalist to excell to another platform, and also bring in money to help promote the steelpan business which still have alot of growing pains...

[Ade'le]

Great vision.

[Hameed Shaqq]

I will go along with your great vision, but what about if a Steelband becoming an Academy of Music and Pan Technology, where players during the year can learn to manufacture along with music literacy. This will create an atmosphere to accommodate ideas which you have detailed. This credentials they can be accepted into U of TT for a Degree in Music, This can be also used to encourage students from abroad to become interested in obtaining a Diploma from All Stars, Phase II, Harmonites, or any other Steelband which offers tuition.

[Ruth Jackman]

I am in total agreement, for far too long pan has mainly been a carnival thing, there is no other instrument like it in the world which means it is unique and special and the players should be treated in that manner.  I believe that for so long Pan Men were thought of as bad men by so many Trinidadians that it created a stigma, that was a very long time ago though, now it is time to lift up the musicians which is what they are and give them their right due in Trinidad and Tobago both financially and recognizing their talents and gifts for what it is.  I love pan and enjoy the feeling it creates when you hear it.  Please do right by pan players.  What can be created is a solid honest fund run by honest people, there must be an honest board to ensure that it stays afloat and above board, no raping of the funds.  Hope very soon we will hear of something great happening.

[Kevin Gowrie]

Great idea, but we need to attract the people who can make it happen! Also, I would like to see some sort of incentive to keep panyards alive after the disappointment of the panorama prelims and semis experiences. Failure to qualify for a panorama final should not be the end of it all during the carnival season.

[Aubrey Edward Burgin]

I totally agree with the ideas because in my island St.Vincent and the Grenadines most panmen dont even know the names of Steelbands from Trindbago. I used to travel to Trinidad for Carnival years ago and Panorama was one of the shows which I just did not miss. We now have a revival of Pan in SVG which is celebrating 3 years of the formation of Pansides throughout the Island under the heading 'Pan Against Crime'.

[KNOLLY MODESTE]

I DO AGREE WITH ALL THESE WONDERFUL IDEAS FOR THE ADVANCEMENT  OF THE PANISTS, AND THE PROMOTION OF PAN WORLDWIDE.