From South Florida Caribbean News

First all-female orchestra participates in Trinidad and Tobago’s National Panorama competition

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad – Panorama makes history as Trinidad and Tobago gets ready to welcome the world to the “Greatest Show on Earth”.

Platinum Steel Orchestra created history by being the first all-female orchestra to participate in the country’s 53rd National Panorama competition.

Recognized as the pre-eminent steel band competition in the world, Panorama is an annual Carnival music competition open to both conventional and single pan steel bands in four main categories: Large Conventional Steel bands, Medium Conventional Steel bands, Small Conventional Steel bands and Single Pan Bands.

Performing in the Eastern Region Single Pan Band Preliminary round, Platinum Steel Orchestra entertained the judges and spectators with a beautiful rendition of Super Blue’s “Unknown Band”, which was enough to earn them a place in the Semi-final round of the Single Pan Band category scheduled to be held on January 22.

Led by Carlan “Panman” Harewood, Platinum Steel Orchestra operates through an all-female committee comprising of 35 band members who are determined to showcase their extraordinary talent, professionalism and quality representation of the only major musical instrument to be invented in the 20th century.

This is not the first time the twin island state has seen an all-female steel band orchestra. Many years ago, two all-female steel bands operated in Trinidad and Tobago—Girl Pat from Newtown and Laventille All Girls from Upper Pashley Street— Platinum Steel Orchestra has the distinction of being the first all female band to actually perform in a Panorama Final.

Created in the 1930’s, the steel pan is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and has emerged as an important cultural representation in Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival. The National Panorama Finals will be held on February 4th and 6th, while the Carnival celebrations culminate with the official festivities on February 8th and 9th.

IMAGE: Leading the all-female Platinum Steel Orchestra are Lauren Pierre, left, and Jenna James. PHOTO: SEAN NERO

For more on this story go to: http://sflcn.com/panorama-competition-sees-first-all-female-orchestra/