Newtown Playboys new Single Pan champs

It is coincidental that Harewood was the arranger of one of last year’s winners Trinidad East Side Symphony. On Sunday evening for five minutes and 38 seconds Harewood and the players of New Town Playboys allowed the music to speak for itself as they ran through the well executed arrangement with Superblue in front the band waving the flag. When they were finished the crow roared its approval.

There was no trophy or cheque given on the night. The NCC says it will hold a special prize giving ceremony on a date to be announced.

Back at the panyard after the victory; while trying to hold back his emotions, manager Keron Valentine said he was elated and proud of his players who worked hard for the Panorama. Drill master Martin Cain said, “The players were very respectful, they were willing to try whatever I asked of them, they worked very hard and are deserving of this title.

“Carlan Harewood is just superb, he is a young upcoming talented all round arranger with plenty to offer.” Speaking about his bold move to leave his band and come to town Harewood said, “I just wanted to be a part of history.

I know how good I am with my band and I needed to try with someone else.

“I did not do anything much with the song after the preliminary round on Thursday. We finished ahead of the pack and it was just to drill the players and make sure they were well rehearsed. Playboys is a new band and the Northern Region has not won a title in 12 years. I am proud to say I brought it home for them.” Coming in second, three points behind the winners was San Juan All Stars with their rendition of Atiba Joseph’s arrangement of “Johnny”. This too was a superb performance with several members of the front line breaking away from the rest of the band to showcase their skills and for five minutes and 14 seconds they had the audience in awe. They too received a great reception when they were finished.

Two points behind them was Woodbrook Playboyz with their rendition of Michelle Huggins- Watts arrangement of “Total Disorder”. In their state of disorder the players might have gone a little off of a very good arrangement.

In fourth place, two points behind Playboyz was Pan Jammers with their rendition of Robert Tobitt’s arrangement of “Different Me”.

This too was a very good performance from a group of very young players who know what it is to win.

They brought an energy with dancing and singing during their performance.

Coming in fifth just one point behind was the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force with their performance of Kion Robinson arrangement of “Get Something and Wave”. At the entrance of the courts it was business as usual for Pan Trinbago as the only National Carnival Commission (NCC) personnel were security. When asked about the arrangement acting president Richard Forteau said “Nothing has changed, we have a Panvesco official collecting money at the door. “NCC has given us (Pan Trinbago) this event, the Small Steel Orchestra finals and The Greens. It seems they are only interested in the semi-finals and final.” With the Single Pan Band final completed, when asked what kind of monies Pan Trinbago received from the NCC Forteau said “None, they hope to give us some tomorrow.”

Band............................................ Selection..................................Total
1 Newtown Playboys Symphony.. Get Something And Wave..........292
2. San Juan All Stars.................... Johnny........................................289
3. Woodbrook Playboyz............... Total Disorder.............................287
4. Pan Jammers........................... Different Me................................285
5. Shades In Steel........................ Showdown (Band Meet Band)....283
6. Marsicans................................. Thunder......................................282
7. La Creole Pan Groove.............. This Melody Sweet.....................282
8. TT Fire Service......................... Ethel...........................................281
9. Woodbrook Modernaires.......... Jump (On The Count Of 4).........281
10. TT East Side Symphony......... Pan In Danger.........................279.5
Band............................................ Selection..................................Total
11. Trinidad Nostalgic................... Flag Party...................................279
12. Brimblers................................ War.............................................278
13. Stardust Steel......................... Tourist Elsie................................277
14. La Famille United................... Pan By Storm.............................276
15. Uni Stars................................. magic Drum................................276
16. TT Prison Service................... Nah Do Dat.................................275
17. Nu Pioneers Pan Groove....... Drive It........................................275
18. Brazil Rx4............................... Kaka Roach................................272
19. Highlighters............................ Fete............................................272
20.St James Tripolians................. Fire Down Below........................