Challenging the Trinidad and Tobago panorama construct: an analysis of compositional styles of Ray Holman, Liam Teague, and Andy Narell

At the first Panorama in 1963, Anthony "Tony" Williams presented an arrangement of Slinger "Mighty Sparrow" Francisco's "Dan Is The Man (In The Van)" that would set the standard for Panoramas to come. As the competition continued arrangers like Bobby Mohammed, Earl Rodney, Jit Samaroo, and many others continued to present new ideas and techniques that became part of what is known as the "Panorama formula." In its current configuration the Panorama formula can be seen as an amalgamation of techniques introduced by past arrangers, but some argue that the formula has become too predictable and that arrangers who present works continuing to push the boundaries of the competition are often not rewarded, and perhaps punished for their efforts. This document will explore, through the history of the competition and the development of past arrangers, how the formulaic procedures of Panorama have developed. In addition, the recent works of arrangers Ray Holman, Liam Teague, and Andy Narell will be examined to see how they have challenged the expectations of the Panorama judges and the steelband community.