PAN-O-REFF-IC!

─Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra reclaims Large Bands title

─Bishops’ High School wins Large Youth Band title

─Guyana Police Force B Division wins Small Youth Bands segment

DPI, Guyana, Monday, February 17, 2020

The Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra walked away with the Large Bands title in this year’s PANORAMA Steel Band competition. The band’s version of local soca tune ‘I am 592’ was an instant crowd-pleaser.

Their energetic performance on Sunday evening saw them outshining the CAL Parkside Steel Orchestra who came in second and the National School of Music Steel Orchestra in this category

“This is another big achievement for the Guyana Police Force Band because in a long time we have not been able to win a competition in two consecutive years,” Deputy-Leader, Sargent 22093 Sparman, jubilantly told DPI.

From the eight groups competing for the Small Youth Bands’ title, it was the Guyana Police Force B Division that landed the top spot with a total of 239 points.  Coming smartly behind in second place with 230 was President’s College while Patentia Secondary was adjudged third.

It was a ‘battle royale’ in the Large Youth Band segment. Overcoming a late challenge in the journey to performing, the Bishops’ High School transformed the setback into positive energy and became stars of the night.

“The team was very excited!” Band member Royden Glasgow exclaimed. He disclosed that a week before the competition “many of the senior players had to travel overseas for a Caribbean Studies trip and that hindered us a bit, no practice for an entire week.”

Meanwhile, addressing a packed Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. the Hon. George Norton noted his satisfaction with the continued success of the collaboration between the administration and the Republic Bank in hosting the Panorama Steel Band Competition.

“You have heard earlier on the programme of the support we have received from RBL over the past 12 years. For that I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to the company for its continued support and look forward to strengthened partnership and growth in the advancement of steelpan in Guyana,” Dr. Norton told the huge crowd.

Republic Bank Limited’s Manager of Information Technology and E-Support, Yonnette Greaves, remarked that the company’s passion for pan development in Guyana focusses on providing avenues for empowerment for the nation’s youth; while sustaining national artforms and cultural heritage.

The Minors segment of the competition was held last Thursday which saw outstanding soloists, duets and jazz presentations.

PANORAMA first began in 2009 with three bands and has grown over the past 12 years into a major event on the Mashramani calendar.

CATEGORIES
TAGS