A Study and Comparison of Two Trinidadian Panorama Arrangements for Steelband by Jit Samaroo: “Pan in a Minor” and “The Bee’s Melody
This thesis analyzes two Panorama arrangements by Trinidad and Tobago arranger Jit Sukha Samaroo: “Pan in A Minor” (1987) and “The Bee’s Melody” (1992). These works are analyzed to understand his arranging style and their significance within the field of steelband music. The study addresses the cursory scholarship on Panorama arrangements and focuses on how Samaroo reinterpreted Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts’ Calypsos for the Amoco Renegades Steel Orchestra. This study highlights Samaroo’s approaches to melodic and rhythmic development, thematic expansion, orchestration, and textural variation. “Pan in A Minor” retains much of Kitchener’s original material while introducing structural expansion, whereas “The Bee’s Melody” uses more experimental textures and text-painting techniques to create programmatic effects. The findings position Samaroo as a recognized arranger whose methods balanced clarity with creativity, contributing to Renegades’ success and offering insight into the artistic processes behind Panorama arranging.
Dr. Jit Samaroo, Panorama, Steel Pan Arrangements, Bee's Melody, Pan in A Minor, Music, Music Theory
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