‘Gustine wins Schools Pan title...again

Scoring 469 points, the band won with their scintillating interpretation of De Fosto’s "Judgment Day" arranged by Cheo Cato and Kern Summerville. The 60 member crew completely blew the crowd away with their high energy and well-coordinated performance that also captured the judges’ attention.

Coming in a close second with just 2.5 points less was bp Renegades Youth Orchestra with their rendition of Destra Garcia’s "Colours Again." Decked off in multi-coloured outfits to complement their song, the young Renegades truly demonstrated the fun in competition. Placing third with 438 points was the San Fernando based band, Golden Hands who also did Destra’s "Colours Again."

In the under 16 category, Mt Hope Junior Secondary School grabbed the first place position with 385 points playing Denyse Plummer’s "Good Times." Following them with 379 points and performing "All Inclusive" by Explainer and Maximus Dan was Bishops Anstey/ Trinity College East. Scoring 374 points and placing third was the Sangre Grande Junior Secondary School.

Also in winner’s row was the St Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School who copped first place in the under 13 age group doing their rendition of Denyse Plummer’s "Good Times." Placing second and third respectively were Tamana Primary Steelpan Workshop and the Diego Martin Boys’ RC. Yesterday’s competition drew a large crowd of students, parents and teachers alike who came out to show their support for the various bands.

One of the major highlights of the event was a humourous "small band" performance by the Ministry of Education Steel Orchestra (MOESO) which was led by Education Minister Hazel Manning.

Although there was some uncertainty as to which category they fell under, MOESO drew a round of applause and laughter from the audience with their performance of "Soca Warriors" by Maximus Dan. Manning, who was in deep concentration from beginning to end, played the tenor pan.