‘Hand in the air’ for Sion Hill Euphorium Steel Orchestra

After the pan sticks of the various steel pan bands finished beating at the Senior Panorama competition at Victoria Park, it was the melodic and rhythmic sound of the National Lotteries Association Sion Hill Euphorium Steel Orchestra that resounded with the patrons and judges.{{more}}

Belting out the Winston Soso hit – “Hand in the air”, the orchestra from the village overlooking Kingstown got the nod over four other pan sides to claim victory on July 2, 2009. The winning composition was arranged by Seion Gomez and the tuner of 125 instruments was Sherwin Pierre.

The victory was a first for the 60-person pan side in the 29 years it has been in existence; they only managed to chalk up second spot places on previous occasions.

Their biggest rival for the night, Digicel’s Rythmix, with their rendition of Touch’s “Puss Man”, had to settle for the second position. They won the competition in 2007. Last year’s champion, Sea Operations Starlift did not compete.

Giving a stellar performance, Potential Steel Orchestra rounded off the top three with Alston “Becket” Cyrus’ “Oh La La”.

The other pan sides taking part were Elite and South East Orchestras.(KW)