Getting ready to defend the crown

St. George's, June 9th, 2006

With Grenada's National Panorama approximately two months away, the Pan Yard of the Republic Bank Angel Harps Steel Orchestra (previously known as NCB Angel Harps), is beginning to be a buzz of activity as the players start to practice their panorama selection for 2006 "Symphony On Steel" composed and arranged by James Clarkson. 

Official panorama practice sessions started on May 2nd and Angel Harps has been practicing nightly - Monday to Thursday from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, and also on Saturdays. 

Presently there are about 30 players who are learning the musical arrangement from Mr. Clarkson. According to the steel orchestra's captain - Leroy "Malu" Stephens - members who want to play for Panorama this year have up to July 1st to register, since come July, Angel Harps will be starting section practice, and the drill instructors Andy Chichester and Carlyle Roberts will be ensuring that each section is up to snuff. 

As defending Panorama Champions, a lot is at stake for Angel Harps: the Panorama venue will be right on their home base, the Tanteen Recreation Ground; they have to perform at their best. So the countdown is on to an exciting Panorama on the Spice Isle as we celebrate 25 years of Panorama in August 2006 under the theme "August is the Time." 

Eight steel orchestras have indicated that they will be taking part in Panorama this year, namely:

Courts New Dimensions, 
Cable & Wireless Comancheroes, 
Digicel Pan Lovers, 
Grenlec Rainbow City All Stars, 
Florida All Stars  (new steel orchestra formed in 2006)
Grand Roy Pan Angels.
Republic Bank Angel Harps
Corinthians