Panmasters Joins Philly Pan Stars to place 3rd in NY Panorama

When Panmasters Steel Orchestra arranger Roger Greenidge got the call to arrange Olatunji's  'Inventor' for the 2024 NY Steelband Panorama from the leader of the Philly Pan Stars Steel Orchestra, Rondell Pompey, he immediately told him, "I am in."  Subsequently 15 players from Panmasters agreed to join their arranger to play in the competition. Philly Pan Stars and Panmasters have had a longstanding symbiotic relationship over the years, as both steelbands have supported each other, playing for their respective Steelband Jamborees. 

Logistically, the dissemination of this music required Roger to present the music to Philly Pan Stars' drill master, Kristian Paradis who scored the music and posted it on a group chat. This was necessary because there were players who were coming from several states including Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, California, Maryland and DC. This included Roger teaching the local Panmasters players at their Panyard in Washington DC.  The mission required additional practice days weekly. The rehearsal schedule was very hectic and sometimes frustrating for the new players to the panorama experience. However, with the guidance of the more experienced players, the first timers were able to overcome the intensive drilling jitters, and perfect the tune. During the three month period leading up to the big night, a contingent of Panmasters players including Mr. Greenidge drove to Philadelphia to rehearse with Philly Pan Stars. This was to ensure that both groups were playing the same musical phrasings, crescendos etc.

Eventually, on August 24 th the entire Panmasters band drove to Philadelphia for a full band rehearsal. It was an amazing event!  The camaraderie among the players was palpable and everyone made sure that their respective sections played all parts as presented by the arranger and drill master.

On August 31 st. at 3:00pm, the day of the NY Panorama, the entire band assembled on Union St, between Classon and Washington Avenues to perfect their performance.  They played the tune nine (9) times at various tempos to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. Eventually the pans rolled on stage in position number FOUR. The announcer introduced Philly Pan Stars and arranger Roger Greenidge counted the tune at 120bpm.  The band was off to an electrifying start and put down an epic performance. At the end of the performance, Philly Pan Stars with its contributors from The Panmasters Steel Orchestra of Washington DC received a standing ovation from the audience. When the judges scores were tallied, the band was awarded 274 points, placing them THIRD, just a single point behind SECOND place winner, Metro Stars and four points behind the winning band Pan Evolution.

Competing against big time arrangers, namely Andre White who arranged for the winners, Pan Evolution, Terrence 'BJ Marcelle who arranged for the second placed  Metro Stars and Carlton 'Zander' Alexander who arranged for the fourth placed D'Radoes,  Roger has proven to be a very capable of competing against quality arrangers.

It was a worthwhile effort and Panmasters is looking forward to a repeat of this alliance next year, hoping to be bigger and better.  They extend kudos to their arranger Roger Greenidge, for presenting such a fiery and excellent arrangement of 'The Inventor'.

From left to right in the picture are: Roger Greenidge (arranger); Miranda Martin (Bass) and Dr. Lennard Jack founding member of Panmasters (Tenor).

TTADC and entire Trinbago Community in the DMV extends congratulations to the band for their performance and contribution to this momentous effort. Well Done guys!