Bishop back on top, and Starlift takes another Junior Pan title
VINCYMAS 2024 has officially come to a close after two events which had to be postponed due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl, were staged on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
In a fitting tribute to World Steel Pan Day, which is observed internationally on August 11, junior pan players from across the country joined their various schools and community groups for the 2024 Junior Panorama competition at Victoria Park.
The 2024 community bands title stayed at its previous Montrose-based home, as Hennessey Starlift Steel Orchestra retained the title, and Bishop’s College, Kingstown, boasted of returning to their former glory placing first in the school-based pan sides.
The groups were judged out of a total of 100 points- 40 points for arrangement, 40 points for general performance, 10 points for tone, and 10 points for rhythm.
Starlift was awarded 261 points for their rendition of ‘Ah feel to party’ by Winston Soso, and the judges scored Bishops at 258 points.They performed ‘Party Fever’ by Scorcher.
Veteran pan player and instructor for over four decades, Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, arranged for both winning groups. He told SEARCHLIGHT the postponement of the show from June 30, 2024, gave the groups additional time to “polish up and tighten up” performances.
However, the date change also presented some challenges as pan groups usually host their summer programmes during the school vacation. Roberts said there was much to juggle, but it worked out well in the end.
“We were able to keep a size that could deliver properly. The balance was still there in regards to different sections…we were able to come through and come through great.”
On Bishop’s College returning to the top position, Roberts said: “I was with Bishop’s College for a long time when they used to compete in both Junior and Senior category. I am getting a lot of good feedback. A lot of past students think that we are back, we are at a place that we were really out of for a long time. Bishop College is here to stay.”
Overall, Roberts said he believes the junior pan movement is in good hands in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and he emphasized the importance of prioritizing teaching in keeping the love of pan alive.
In explaining his approach to teaching new students, Roberts said he encourages them to believe in their abilities, and not to be intimidated by how long they have been playing.
“It takes practice, one day at a time …and you march to the speed that the band is going to play on the night. That is my approach. Time is not an issue, once you apply yourself, give it your best shot… if it is for you, you will have it. The youth, they are quick learners.”
He also thanked parents who “trusted the pan side” during the extensive rehearsal process.
In the community bands category, second place went to Symphonix Steel Orchestra, and third place to Elite Steel Orchestra.
In the school bands category, the CW Prescod Primary School was awarded second place, South Rivers Methodist School placed third, and New Grounds Primary School was fourth.
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