San Juan East Symphony has retained its title as the Petrotrin National Single Pan Band Champion for the fourth consecutive year.
However, in this instance, the San Juan based steelband tied with Pan Jammers of Santa Cruz for the first place with a total of 281 points.
Playing at position one, San Juan East Side Symphony selected “Fantastic Friday” arranged by Duvone Stewart as their tune of choice, while Pan Jammers in 13th spot opted Winsford Devine’s ‘This Melody Sweet” under the baton of Nicholas Singh.
The Grand Finals saw a combined total of twenty six (26) bands in a marathon session lasting seven (7) hours at Skinner Park, San Fernando, which included the Mayors of San Fernando and Point Fortin.
Adjudicators in the Single Pan Band category were Joanna Shortt, Giselle Alexander, Kenrick Noel, Rojelle Granger, Hugh Borde and Tommy Crichlow while Joanne Ragbir, Richard Pierre, Junior Howell, Joslynne Sealey, Sherry –Ann Saunders and Marceline Peters did the honors in the Small Band Conventional category.
One lucky patron, Wilfred Clarke, won a pair of tickets courtesy Caribbean Airlines.
The second leg of the National Panorama Finals –Medium and Large Conventional Band categories will take place on Saturday 01st March, at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain from 7:00 pm.
Twenty one(21) bands will do battle in a keenly contested musical battle for the bp Challenge Trophies and cash prizes with the first prize of $1m. to the winner of the Large Band category and $600.000 for the Medium Band.
Additionally, eight (8) persons will receive Awards for their long standing service to the Steelband Movement.
“The Evolution of Pan” is the theme of this year’s edition of Panorama.