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Exodus on Stage for Panorama Semi Finals 2008 |
Trinidad - In
what has to be considered one of the most major moves in recent
panorama history, Exodus Steel Orchestra took the stage in
the preliminary, semi final, and ultimately final rounds of the panorama
competition without their standard covering canopies.
Exodus is considered by many to be one of the top five steel
orchestras in the world.
For years any debate about the removal of the canopies
has
been a mute point. Only one other major orchestra has
ever ventured to remove their canopies in a panorama
competition. Renegades Steel Orchestra removed theirs in 1991 with
less than favorable results. It was considered to be a major
folly by the overall steelpan community. Moreover, many feel
to this day, that move cost them a championship. They came
second that year. It has
never been tried since, at least by a top-notch steel
orchestra - until this year.
Manager Ainsworth Mohammed said he has
been meaning to make the change for years but felt that now
was the opportune time to do so. His experience in
Barbados at the ceremony for the Cricket World Cup, where
three hundred pannists performed, without canopies - was an
astounding one, and for him pointed in the direction he
believed was the right one for Exodus.
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Exodus on Stage for Panorama Semi Finals 2008 |
It has been the accepted belief that in
addition to protecting the steelpan instruments from the
elements, the canopies have a profound impact on the sound
quality of the orchestra. The reaction to Exodus' move has
been mixed, as some who heard the band felt it 'was weakened
sound-wise without the canopies' and that any visual gains were offset by the sonic loss.
In addition to the no-canopy look, Exodus
is also sporting an elevated stair-step platform setup for all its
players to be seen. New racks and stands were
constructed to achieve this layout.
Exodus maintained third position
throughout the competition preliminary, semi-final and
finals rounds. They were not able to close the gap between
themselves and front-runners Trinidad All Stars, and this
year's eventual winners Phase II Pan Groove, who both kept
their canopies. Many pan fans felt that canopy-less Exodus
looked less imposing without the canopies. They looked
just like a 'large stage-side' said one panorama fan.
Many felt they lost their commanding stature without the
canopies, and looked more like a guest artist band, than an
orchestra out for war in panorama. The general consensus on
the
When Steel Talks Message Board is that Exodus should go
back to using the canopies.
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Exodus on Stage for Panorama Semi Finals 2008 |
From a media standpoint the poles
accompanying the racks were absent so the players were
clearly visible and accessible to the cameras. However, the feedback from the
camera people (especially video) was mixed, as there was no
real advantage given that there is just so much of
an image one can pack into a finite window - particularly on
using the traditional 4:3 format currently used for television.
With the advent of HD TV and wide screen computer monitors that cater to
the more expansive 16:9 format, Exodus' move may play out
well in the future.
The fact that there was extended rain
which delayed the beginning of the panorama finals in South
Trinidad, did nothing to persuade the other orchestras to eliminate
their canopies in a ceiling-less arena. Time will tell
whether this was the start of a new trend, or the
final end to the canopy debate for the conceivable future.
One has to Exodus credit for trying something new and being
innovative. Stay tuned.
Read others views and leave your opinion in the
Message Board
Click here for complete finals results
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