Future Panorama arrangers ready to strike sweet notes

This conclusion is certainly valid, judging by the infectious enthusiasm and aptitude demonstrated by young music students and teachers who have completed an intensive three-week workshop in “Panorama Arranging”.

Organised by the Pan-in-Schools Coordinating Council (PSCC) and fully sponsored by energy company bpTT, the workshop involved 30 music students and teachers with ambitions to eventually arrange tunes for the popular Panorama steelband competition.

At the daily sessions at the St. Augustine Secondary School, the aspiring arrangers demonstrated keen interest as facilitator Michelle Huggins-Watts, a qualified music teacher and championship winning Panorama arranger with Valley Harps Steel Orchestra, re-emphasised the fundamentals of the workshop. This workshop, coordinated by PSCC executive team member Stacy Alcantara, came to a successful end this week.

The Panorama Arranging session was one of three hands-on music workshops conducted simultaneously by the PSCC in north and south Trinidad during the school vacation period. The second workshop, also held at St Augustine Secondary, dealt with Music Composition for CXC students in Forms 3 to 5. The third, catering for students sitting the CXC music examinations, took place at Naparima Girls’ High School in San Fernando.

It is the seventh year that bpTT has partnered with the PSCC in nurturing the musical talents of the young people of Trinidad and Tobago. The company has established a rich tradition of involvement in the steelband movement, dating back to the 1970s with multiple Panorama champions bpTT Renegades, its association with the Junior Panorama Championships, and ongoing sponsorship of training courses in steelpan construction.

Ronda Francis, bpTT’s Corporate Responsibility Manager, said the company has invested heavily in developing the potential of the young people of Trinidad and Tobago, adding that the continuing partnership with the PSCC represents a valuable contribution to the musical development of the participants.

“These workshops will provide a sound foundation for many of these students to embark on a professional career in music. BPTT is proud to be part of this exciting undertaking,” Francis stated.

Andre Moses, PSCC President, is heartened by the overwhelming response to the Panorama Arranging workshop, which was over-subscribed. “We are delighted that so many persons have shown interest in this workshop. We are sure that they will get more involved as future professionals in the steelpan movement,” he noted.