Steelpan music lovers are in for a treat this October! All the stops have been pulled out as the Miami Carnival coordinating committee is working hard to deliver the best Panorama experience at the Miami Carnival on October 7th. The event takes place at Central Broward Regional Park- 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL., from 4:00pm-11:00pm.
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 brings people together regardless of race or socioeconomic background. For those who may be new to the power of steel vessels, you should know that this is an instrument that was invented in the 1930s on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. It is the only instrument invented in the 20th century and has great historical significance in music. It is appreciated worldwide.
So back to Miami Carnival! With a rhythm section in the Carnival Village kicking off the evening, the anticipation and excitement 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 a musically inspired family event not to be missed. The steel pan is well ingrained 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.
Building momentum for October
“The moment is here. We received a lot of positive feedback about the return of Panorama to Broward. Miami Carnival is the place to be in October. I urge anyone who happens to be around to attend the best show in North America,” said Steelband Coordinator Dexter Bleasdel. The Panorama pageant is a massive production to put together, and according to Bleasdell, the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee plans the event roughly a year in advance.
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 will surely stand up dancing. We developed a formula for a fun and well-tuned performance. It will be alive and full of energy. Our band performs throughout the year because we are booked for concerts and events. We are now moving on from stage practices for Panorama. They have been intense but fun. We have a new arranger who came from Trinidad. He’s a great young man and keeps the whole team moving at a lively pace.” said Mary Rodriguez, President of Lauderhill Steel Ensemble.
Children can play too.
The pan is an instrument that can be played by people of all ages. 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 pan 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 affects their evolution,” said Bleasdell.
“I see a sense of accomplishment. It’s fun to watch newcomers keep up with us for the first time, or they skip a few lines without making a mistake. We have a young girl who is 10 or 11 years old who performed with us in a parade this month. It’s amazing to see him go from being too confident to keeping up with the rest of the group,” 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 bowl 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.
