There was quiet as the results were announced, then jubilation and some gnashing of teeth, but then there was this: "The judges' decisions are final!" The Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra has once again proven its musical prowess by retaining the National Medium Band Panorama title in a fiercely contested battle of steelbands. The results were announced in the wee hours of the morning, around 12:30 AM, at the Parade Ground of the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago.
It was the showdown at the proverbial "OK Corral," but for today's posting, just at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago. The competition was fierce, and everyone expected to win, but only one rose to the top if just by three points, to win it all. Ten bands vied for the coveted title, each bringing their own unique flair to the stage. If you have an excellent arrangement and sweet-sounding pans, playing last can be a blessing. In this case, Katzenjammers impressed the judges enough to just get by the Pan Elders Steel Orchestra. The audience was treated to a mesmerizing display of musical talent, rhythm, and sheer passion as the steelpan notes reverberated through the night air.
To the victor go all the spoils, and with that comes the joy of victory and celebration. Kersh Ramsey, the band’s talented arranger, couldn’t contain his elation. “The entire band brought their A-game to the competition,” he beamed. And indeed, they did. The seamless coordination, the harmonious blend of instruments, and the infectious energy radiating from the stage all contributed to their well-deserved victory.
There is little joy in being the "Runners-Up," and the fans of the bands behind Katzenjammers will attest to that fact. However, while Katzenjammers clinched the top spot, the San Fernando-based Pan Elders secured second place, showcasing their own brand of musical magic. The NGC Couva Joylanders rounded out the top three, proving that the medium-band category is brimming with exceptional talent. "They thief; they thief; we want to see the score sheet" as the song goes but to no avail. The online comments were not favorable, and many of the posters thought that both Pan Elders and Couva Joylanders were better than Katzenjammers. Ces't La Vie!
Katzenjammers’ triumph is a testament to their dedication, countless hours of practice, and unwavering commitment to the art of steelpan music. As they hoist the trophy once more, they continue to inspire the next generation of musicians and remind us all why Panorama is such a cherished tradition in Trinidad and Tobago.
Congratulations to Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra for their resounding victory, and may their melodies continue to resonate across the islands and beyond!
The results were as follows:
01. Katzenjammers - Rock It - 283 points
02. Pan Elders Steel Orchestra - Come Out To Play - 280
03. NGC Couva Joylanders - Soca Tatie - 279
04. Curepe Scherzando Steel Orchestra - 275
05. Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille - Moving - 273
06. Pamberi Steel Orchestra - Carnival Jumbie - 271
07. Dixieland Steel Orchestra - This Melody Sweet - 270.5
08. Sangre Grande Cordettes - Soca Baptist - 267
08. Arima Angel Harps - Is Thunder - 267
10. NGC Steel Xplosion - Both Ah Them - 264