Grey skies could not dampen the spirits of the combined Newtown Boys and Girls Steel Orchestra on Thursday as they vied for a spot in the Finals of the Primary School category of the 2025 National Junior Panorama.
Under the guidance of Arranger Emmanuel Joseph, lovingly addressed as “Sir,” the students presented ‘Energy’ by Mical Teja with a bonus “slowed” version.
Speaking to TTT News, Mr Joseph explained just how much the young orchestra had risen to the occasion.
“Because we only started in December and Prelims is now in January, we roughly only had four weeks in total practice. And so, it’s really a great feeling that the pans, the students who played the pans, and our drummer could come together on this stage and be able to put on a performance like what we had today.”
Mr Joseph said they are making a bold statement this Carnival season as the first steel orchestra to be accompanied by an ambidextrous drummer playing on two sets: Astrid Attong.
“As an ambidextrous drummer, Astrid brings a different flavour. It’s something that’s never been seen in Panorama before. In all the competitions from since 1963 to now: Large, Medium, Small, single pan, and all the Junior Panoramas. An ambidextrous drummer, this is the first time.”
With Junior Panorama getting into high gear, the Newtown Boys and Girls Steel Orchestra is truly “unleashing de power” of pan with their pioneering arrangement.
The finals of the National Junior Panorama 2025 Competition will be held on Sunday, February 2nd.