Panorama: Trinidad's Steel Pan Festival

Panorama is an annual steelband competition that has taken place in Trinidad and Tobago since 1963. It is usually held around Carnival time, culminating on the Saturday before Carnival. The competition brings together participants from all around the world to compete for the title of Champions. The Trinidad Panorama is the largest steelpan competition in the world. Each steel-band is given a calypso piece to perform using very strict rules and is judged on the quality of their arrangement, their overall performance, and the tone and rhythm of their interpretation. There is also a Junior Panorama for school-age children, which is seen as an important training ground for the adult competition. Panorama-type competitions are now held worldwide, but the Trinidadian Panorama remains the pre-eminent steelband competition.

History of the Panorama steel pan competition

Panorama is an annual steelband competition that has been taking place in Trinidad and Tobago since 1963. It is an integral part of the country's Carnival celebrations, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.

The history of the steelband can be traced back to the early 20th century when African and East Indian immigrants in Trinidad and Tobago began using discarded oil drums to create musical instruments. Over the years, the steelband became an important part of the country's cultural identity, and the Panorama competition was launched to celebrate this unique musical tradition.

The first Panorama competition was held during the 1963 Carnival celebrations and was pioneered by Ronald Jay Williams, Chairman of the Carnival Development Committee, who gave the festival its name. The competition was designed to showcase the talents of steel orchestras and provide a platform for them to compete against each other.

The competition grew in popularity, and by the late 1960s, steelbands with up to 100 members were entering the contest. Panorama also influenced the way calypsos were arranged, with complex introductions and key modulations becoming a key feature of the competition.

Today, Panorama is a fiercely contested event, with steelbands from all over Trinidad and Tobago competing for the top prize. The competition is divided into several categories, including the Large Conventional category, featuring steelbands with a minimum of 95 and a maximum of 120 players. The competition requires each band to play a calypso piece, and the winning band receives significant prizes, such as a funded overseas tour.

The Panorama competition has become an integral part of Trinidad and Tobago's culture, showcasing the talents of steel orchestras and promoting the country's rich musical heritage. It has also inspired similar competitions in other countries, including the USA and some European and Asian nations.

Judging criteria

Panorama is an annual steelband competition that has been held in Trinidad and Tobago since 1963. The competition is an integral part of the Carnival celebrations and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.

The judging criteria for the Panorama competition are as follows:

Arrangement

The complexity and originality of the arrangement of the calypso piece is a key aspect of the judging criteria. The arrangement should include complex introductions and key modulations, as the use of simple arrangements will result in deductions.

Rhythm and Tone

The rhythm and tone of the band's interpretation of the calypso piece are also judged. The use of rhythm and tone should be creative and showcase the band's unique style.

Overall Performance

The overall performance of the band is evaluated, including their stage presence, energy, and connection with the audience. Bands are expected to perform with precision, passion, and a strong understanding of the music.

Dancer with Flag

Each band has a dancer with a flag who performs an elaborate flag dance as part of their performance. The dancer's performance, including their technique, creativity, and synchronisation with the band, is judged and contributes to the overall score.

Adherence to Rules

Adherence to the rules and regulations of the competition is crucial. Bands that deviate from the specified guidelines, such as the time limits for performances or the use of copyrighted material without permission, may be penalised or disqualified.

Judging Process

The preliminary round of the competition is typically judged while the bands are in motion, with their instruments hung on racks and pushed past the judges. The final round, on the other hand, is judged while the bands are stationary and positioned directly in front of the judges.

The judges are experienced musicians and arrangers with a deep understanding of steel pan music. They travel to various panyards to judge and qualify the steel bands for the semi-finals and finals.

Panorama competitions have inspired similar events around the world, but the Trinidadian Panorama remains the pre-eminent steelband competition globally.

Band sizes

Panorama is an annual steelband competition that takes place in Trinidad and Tobago. The competition is divided into several categories based on band size:

Large Conventional Steelbands

This category features steel bands with a minimum of 95 and a maximum of 120 players. The Large Conventional category is the 'heavyweight' title at Panorama, and some of the most popular steel bands, such as Renegades and Desperadoes, have won this title multiple times.

Medium Conventional Steelbands

Medium Conventional Steelbands have a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 90 players.

Small Conventional Steelbands

Small Conventional Steelbands have a minimum of 35 and a maximum of 55 players.

Single Pan Bands

Single Pan Bands are the smallest category, with a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 45 players. Single pan bands play an arrangement of a calypso for a maximum of six minutes, while the other categories play for a maximum of eight minutes.

The Panorama competition has grown and evolved since its inception in 1963, with new categories and subcategories being introduced over the years. The competition has also become more competitive, with many of the top steel orchestras vying for the top spot. The Large Conventional category, in particular, is highly contested and attracts some of the biggest and most popular steel bands in Trinidad and Tobago.

The international edition

Panorama is an annual steelband competition that has been taking place in Trinidad and Tobago since 1963. It is usually held around Carnival time.

In 2015, Trinidad and Tobago hosted the first International Panorama Competition as part of the International Conference on Pan (ICP). The international edition of the competition was held on 8-9 August 2015 and brought together participants from approximately 38 steelband-playing countries from around the world. The competition was held over two days, with the title of ICP Champions 2015 awarded to the winners.

The structure of the International Panorama Competition is likely based on that of the Trinidadian Panorama, which consists of three rounds. The competition is open to both conventional and single-pan steelbands, with a minimum and maximum number of players for each category. Conventional bands play an arrangement of a calypso for a maximum of 8 minutes, while single-pan bands play for a maximum of 6 minutes.

Panorama competitions are now held in various parts of the world, including the English-speaking Caribbean, the USA, and some European and Asian countries. These competitions are organised by local steelband organisations and typically follow the format of the Trinidadian Panorama.

The Junior Panorama

Panorama is an annual steelband competition that has been taking place in Trinidad and Tobago since 1963. It is usually held around Carnival time. The competition is judged while the bands are stationary and positioned directly in front of the judges.

In 2013, 38 steelbands competed in the National Junior Panorama at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain. In 2024, 32 steelbands competed in the Under 21, Primary, and Secondary School categories.

Frequently asked questions