Shock Attack-their tune of choice for Panorama 2013-is placed snugly into the lap of ha-trick Panorama champs, BP Renegades Steel Orchestra, which summons the doctors, as they promise a musical cerebral haemorrhage in the Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, come January 27 at the National Panorama semifinal.
Having recoiled from its Panorama demise in 2011-failing to make it to the final round first time in 38-odd years-saw the legendary Charlotte Street band return this year, 2012, better team-spirited, more professional and disciplined, musically matured, better poised...humbly accepting its fourth position.
Without a first-place for 16 years, Renegades says, "we are beaten not broken, we are hungry; this time we are fit and ready." Pan enthusiasts following the Panorama trend will recognise that current national champion, Trinidad All Stars, is aiming to match for Renegades' hat-trick and nine first-place crown, and, with the reunion of Desperadoes and internationally renowned arranger, Robbie Greenidge, Despers is running scared of Renegades which is gunning for its tenth first-place crown. Then, in the mêlée are Phase II Pan Groove, Exodus and Silver Stars, while Tobago, Central and South might be coming like a thief in the night, flagshipped by Redemption Sounds, Tropical Angel Harps, Fonclaire and Skiffle.
Shock Attack (the calypso) speaks of "no prisoners," but, with musical guns blazing, Renegades' second-time Panorama music director, Duvone Stuart speaks of player-commitment and dedication; be ever so conscious, that once practice begins, all minds are to be locked-in to the musical jail; hands cuffed to sticks.
Renegades' pannists, mostly talented youth, says they are neither complacent nor over-confident but recognise they bear talent to "ravage a city" with ability to strike day or night.
Having recently launched its 2013 mas presentation-Once Upon a Time in De Mas-Renegades seeks to revisit some of its historical, traditional mas presentations infusing a touch of sex appeal.
Ever so mindful that 2013 is a critical year for them, deep concentration is placed on the Panorama surgical procedure to which, their second-year, first female captain (Candice Andrews) and her foot soldiers, are keeping close to heart.
The band's president, Michael Marcano has his work cut-out for him, as the short season is upon these musical gangs readying themselves to compete against Renegades at the main correctional facility-the "Big Yard", Queen's Park Savannah.
In anticipation of a successful 2013 Panorama, 50th anniversary season, Renegades acknowledges its loyal sponsor, bpTT, supporters and members.
Pan rehearsals began on December 17 at their panyard, Charlotte Street, Port-of-Spain, with mas registration at the same venue.
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