Tears filled the eyes of band leader Terrence "BJ" Marcelle and his players on Thursday night following the announcement that the band had once again won the National Panorama Small Band competition. It was the fourth year running that the eastern giants, Arima Symphony, won the competition. The event held at Skinner Park San Fernando. Players and supporters ran onto the stage in a stampede, startling the award committee presenting the trophy and the first prize cheque of $400,000.
Not only was Marcelle overcome with joy but several other players held on to each other with tears in their eyes. It was a long night which started an hour late and saw 10 small conventional bands crossing the stage for the first ever National Panorama Single Pan and Small Band Final ever to be held at that venue. Among those witnessing the historic occasion was president of Pan Trinbago Keith Diaz, San Fernando mayor Marlene Coudray, Point Fortin mayor Clyde Paul and MP for La Brea Fitzgerald Jeffrey.
Arima Golden Symphony playing in the final position of the night delivered a fantastic moderate tempo rendition of De Fosto's God is a Trini. The lads, dressed in red scissors tail suite, were full of energy. They ramajayed sweet music to the delight of the audience. The tune, arranged by Marcelle, was filled with groovy pieces which were creatively accentuated by the harmonious background music.
Speaking after copping the trophy, Marcelle said the recipe for victory was hard work and practice. Asked about his feeling on the victory, Marcelle said: "How you mean man, this is history, four straight. In conventional whether small, medium or large, this is conventional and this is four straight. The way how the band played tonight we were always confident but I don't ever stay for results because anything could happen." He admitted the competition was tight as all the bands gave admirable performances.
"We had to come out strong because all the bands were coming hard at us," he said. With just three points behind, La Horquetta Pan Groove and Super Novas rendered some blitzing performances to tie for second. The La Horquetta band performed Lord Kitchener's Toco Band while Super Nova rendered Denyse Plummer's Gie Dem Tempo. It was no surprise, the bands drew as they both executed some pan jamming session. Following close behind in fourth was the first place finisher in the semi final rounds Tamana Pioneers another rendition of Lord Kitchener's Toco Band. The top five was rounded off by Point Fortin Band Tornadoes playing Designer's Prophet of Pan.
Results
Band Points
1-Arima Golden Symphony 277
2-La Horquetta Pan Groove 274
2-Super Novas 274
4-Tamana Pioneers 273
5-Tornadoes 271
6-Merrytones 269
7-Golden Hands 260
7-Codrington Pan Family 260
9-Nu Tones 257
10-Simple Song 253