Join the Miami Carnival for their annual Panorama on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Central Broward Regional Park 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL., from 4:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. This annual musical cultural experience is set to be an atmosphere. The Panorama Competition showcases the rhythms of the sweet sounds of pan music. The steel pan was invented in the 1930s on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. It is also the only instrument invented in the 20th century. Therefore, it has great historical significance in music and is appreciated worldwide.
The list of notable bands competing for awards and the coveted title of 2022 Miami Carnival Steelband includes Metro Steel Orchestra, Lauderhill Steel Ensemble, New Generation Branches Steel Orchestra, Elite Pan Stars Academy and Melo Groove Steel Orchestra. The steel pan is one of those instruments that unites all cultures and unites us.
With a rhythm section in the Carnival Village kicking off the evening in anticipation and the thrill of epic special performances by the Newtown Playboys Steel Symphony traveling from Trinidad Tobago, as well as the Japanese Steelband WaiWai, this year’s Miami Carnival Panorama is an event family inspired music not to be missed. The steel drum is deeply rooted in Caribbean culture. The look of the instrument makes you believe you are in a tropical paradise, while its sounds bring to mind familiar melodies.
“The moment is here. We received a lot of positive feedback about Panorama’s return to Broward. The Miami Carnival is the place to be in October. I urge anyone who will be around to catch the best show in North America. This is a forum where the public will see what the bands have been up to this year. Panorama is a way to keep the culture of steel bands alive,” said Bleasdell. Pan is the rhythm that feeds the life blood that flows through the heart of the carnival,” said Dexter Bleasdell.
The Panorama competition is a massive production to mount. According to Bleasdell, the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee plans a year off from the show. The groups also go through a series of preparations for the annual event. Practices for the big day become more intense as the date gets closer to the race.
The Miami Carnival Panorama Contest operates on a points system. Judges award points for arrangement (40 points), overall performance (40 points), tone (10 points) and pace (10 points). Whoever has the highest score wins the contest.
“You are guaranteed to be ready to dance. We have developed a formula for a fun and well-arranged performance. It will be lively and full of energy. Our band performs year-round because we are booked for concerts and events. We are now moving from practice to the stage for Panorama. They have been intense but fun. We have a new organizer who came from Trinidad. He is a great young man and keeps the whole team moving with a rhythm alive.” said Mary Rodriguez, President of Lauderhill Steel Ensemble.
The steel drum is an instrument that people of all ages can play. Groups at this year’s Panorama have children, adults and seniors participating in the show. Newcomers to this instrument develop a sense of pride as their skills develop. Exposing children to the steel drum is perfect because they can play this instrument as adults and become professionals.
“I’ve seen kids grow into professors and musicians around the globe with steel drums over the years. Their involvement with this instrument influences their evolution,” said Bleasdell.
“I see a sense of achievement. It’s fun to watch newcomers keep up with us for the first time, or they get through a few lines without making a mistake. We have a young girl of 10 or 11 who performed with us in A Parade this month. To see her go from being too confident to keep up with the rest of the group is amazing,” Rodriguez said.
Last fall, the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee expanded its youth arts enrichment program with the inaugural Youth Workshop Series. Fun and interactive music workshops introduced children to the steel pan through hands-on instruction and the history and rhythmic versatility of this unique Caribbean instrument. The children also had the opportunity to learn to play a song using the tambourine instrument.
