Lessons Learnt From a Panorama Champion

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Panorama is much more than a music competition. It is a phenomenon that mirrors life experiences and values. You can experience exhilarating joy, to cold numbing pain, heartbreak and disillusion - all in one season - for an eight-minute performance. In an instant you can go from the heat of the moment with the glare of the dazzling and blinding spotlights of the big stage in the Queen's Park Savannah, to a darkened, cold, and empty panyard.

But in between there are the lessons that will follow and shape you for a lifetime - dedication, commitment, respect, loyalty, discipline, responsibility, trust, rewards, failure, leadership, true friendship, legacy and survival.

Robert Greenidge
Robert Greenidge

In 2012, When Steel Talks wrote an article about what we felt was one of the most vital moments of that season. The article was called "A Desperadoes Moment of Greatness." It was about ace musician and champion panorama arranger Robert Greenidge showing support for a young arranger on his maiden voyage in the large band category in the Trinbago arena, by performing on stage with the orchestra for panorama.

What made the act so magnanimous, was that Greenidge was the arranger the year before. Moreover, the name Robert Greenidge and Desperadoes are inseparable. And in spite of all the turmoil swirling around the move to bring in this young arranger - there was the great Robert Greenidge on stage supporting and investing in the future.

Fast-forward to Panorama 2016. Robert Greenidge is now the arranger for present-day young up-and-coming Starlift Steel Orchestra. They will learn much about what it takes to becoming a champion from Robert Greenidge because he has been there and done it.

Andre White
Andre White

Oh, and by way, on stage lending support to Robert and Starlift on Panorama night, behind a pan was none other than the accomplished panist, New York and UK champion arranger in his own right, recording artist and musician - Andre White - that same young unknown arranger Robert had supported years ago with his presence.

Lesson learnt indeed.

 

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