Panorama 2025 Single Pan: Preliminary Round Recap!

The preliminary round of Panorama 2025's Single Pan category has concluded! Over one exciting week, 42 steelbands battled it out at their panyard homes, vying for a coveted spot in the finals. With no semi-final round, the pressure was on—only the top 25 would advance to the December 14th, 2024, showdown at the Queen's Park Savannah.

The preliminaries were divided by region: three nights each for the Northern and Eastern regions, one night each for the South/Central region and Tobago. I had the privilege of attending four nights of judging, and I was incredibly impressed by the skill and passion displayed by all the bands.

The top five reveals a strong showing from the Eastern region and Tobago! Notably, two bands that tied for 10th place last year, Trinidad East Side Symphony and Metro Stars Steel Orchestra, made a triumphant return to the finals, securing spots in the top five. Trinidad East Side Symphony took second place with 271 points, performing "Shaking It" by Shandelieer, arranged by Anslem Campbell and the M&N Group. Metro Stars placed fifth (266 points) with "Disco Daddy" by Lord Nelson, arranged by Kersch Ramsey.

Another standout performance came from Hope Pan Groovers, who secured third place (269 points) with an arrangement by Ojay Richards, playing "Longtime" by Arrow.  This is a remarkable achievement, considering they weren't even in the competition last year!

Duvone Stewart, a legendary arranger with the majority of Single Pan Panorama titles under his belt, is heading to the finals in fourth place, arranging "The Guns" by Spice & Company for San Juan East Side Symphony. The band scored 267 points.

And finally, reigning champions Chord Masters, victorious for the past two years, claimed first place in the preliminaries with 273 points! A win at the finals would give them a hat-trick under arranger Andre White, performing "Swinging Engine" by Burning Flames.

The Single Pan Panorama Finals promise to be electrifying! With just 10 days to refine their performances, the bands will be back in their panyards, incorporating judges' feedback and adding those finishing touches to secure their victory.

Want to catch your favorite band before the big day? A visit to their panyard is your best bet! Check out the following videos of the two panyards I visited, Chord Masters & San Juan Eastside, before the night of their judging.

Complete Preliminary Round Results (the top 25 bands advance):

1. Chord Masters - 273 points
2. Trinidad East Side Symphony - 271 points
3. Hope Pan Groovers - 269 points
4. San Juan East Side Symphony - 267 points
5. Metro Stars - 266 points
6. New Age Trendsetters - 265 points
7. Ice Water Pan Ensemble - 262 points
8. Pan Elites - 261 points
8. Trinidad Nostalgic - 261 points
10. Platinum Steel Orchestra - 260 points
10. Nostrand Symphony - 260 points
10. Trinidad & Tobago Police Service - 260 points
13. La Creole Pan Groove - 259 points
14. East Phonics - 258 points
15. Trinidad & Tobago Fire Service - 255 points
16. Uni Stars - 254 points
17. Belmont Hi Larks - 253 points
18. Arima All Stars - 252 points
19. Marsicans - 251 points
20. Pan Stereonettes - 250 points
20. La Romaine Super Vibes - 250 points
22. T&T Prisons Service - 249 points
22. San Juan All Stars - 249 points
24. Gonzales Sheikers - 246 points
24. Scrunters Pan Groove - 246 points

26. La Famille United - 245 points
27. Pan Jammers - 244 points
27. Natural Mystic - 244 points
29. Woodbrook Playboyz - 243 points
29. Epic Koskeros - 243 points
31. Curepe Polyphonics - 241 points
31. Royal Stars Pan Symphony - 241 points
33. Cocorite Road Pan Groovers - 238 points
34. Stardust Steel Orchestra - 237 points
35. Pan Angels - 236 points
36. Brazil RX4 Steel Orchestra - 234 points
37. Nayal Hill - 228 points
38. D’ Brimblers - 224 points
39. Nuttin Big Pan Groove - 216 points
40. Magic Notes Rebirth Steel Orchestra - 210 points
41. Harlem Syncopators - 200 points
42. Jah Roots - 195 points

Congratulations to all the bands who advanced! Tickets for the finals are $150. Check Pan Trinbago's website for details.

A big thank you to all the bands who allowed me to witness and record their incredible performances.