AN ANALYTICAL LOOK AT THE ARRANGING STYLES OF FOUR PANORAMA ARRANGERS WITH AN ORIGINAL COMPOSITION FOR STEEL DRUM ENSEMBLE

Abstract

” This document seeks to promote an understanding of the culture of the steelband, the music of Panorama, and the roles and stylistic contributions of four of Trinidad’s foremost arrangers. After an examination of the history of Trinidad as it relates to the steelband movement, the rise of the Panorama competition is discussed. The evolution of the music of Panorama is then further elaborated upon by focusing on four steelband arrangers: Ray Holman, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Jit Samaroo, and Ken “Professor” Philmore. A brief biography of each arranger is given, with an emphasis on their role within the steelband movement. Two of each arranger’s published Panorama arrangements are examined for stylistic traits and formal innovations, and each arrangement is accompanied by a form diagram. At the conclusion of the document, a five movement arrangement is presented as a teaching tool for non-Trinidadian steelbands who wish to explore the music of Panorama but are not able to devote the time necessary to learn a ten minute Panorama composition. Each movement of the composition is based upon an identical theme, but is arranged in the style of one of the four previously examined arrangers. An analysis which examines each movement and compares the differences between each of the arrangers is also presented. ” Summarized Quotes from ‘Abstract’ of the Full Text.