FOR a second consecutive year, Arima Golden Symphony, playing in the Small Conventional Bands category, and San Juan East Side Symphony, competing in the Single Pan Category, retained their titles in Pan Trinbago's National Panorama Finals.

The competition, held at Skinner Park, San Fernando on Thursday, started almost two hours after the advertised time of 6 p.m., with 17 single pan bands and 11 small conventional bands.

Arima Golden Symphony played "We come out to play", arranged and led by Terrence "BJ" Marcelle, which earned them 278 points, the Pan Trinbago Challenge trophy and $400,000.

They defeated nearest rival Laventille Serenaders, which played "Hammer Time", by a single point.

In the single pan category, San Juan East Side Symphony's piece, the 1991 selection "Rant and Rave", arranged by Duvone Stewart and led by Andre Franco, scored 278 points. They will receive $200,000.

Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force played "Iron Man" and copped second position with 276 points.

This year's competition was staged in tribute to tuner and inventor Bertie Marshall, who died last October, for his contribution to the national instrument.

During the show Fire Service officers had to warn against the use of fireworks after Trinidad East Side Symphony surprised the small crowd with a burst of fireworks at the end of their performance.

In contrast to the sweet sounds and unique arrangements and presentations, the house DJ was constantly called on by Pan Trinbago officials to play the songs that introduced each band.

The prize-giving and award function is expected to take place on February 22 at a venue to be announced.

Panorama results:   Small Conventional Bands category   1st Arima Golden Symphony - We Come Out to Play - 278 points 2nd Laventille Serenaders - Hammer Time - 277 3rd Super Novas - Gold - 275 4th Codrington Pan Family - She Ready - 274    5th Tornadoes - Not a Pan Tune and Tamana Pioneers - Gold - 268 7th Cocorite West Wind - I Music - 265 8th Fascinators Pan Symphony - Tell Dem - 264 9th Golden Hands - Champions - 263 10th Merrytones - Champions - 260 11th Old Tech - shock Attack - 258   Single Pan category 1st San Juan East Side Symphony - Rant and Rave - 278 points 2nd T&T Defence Force - Iron Man - 276 3rd Trinidad Nostalgic - Dust In Yuh Face - 274 4th (tie) Trinidad East Side Symphony - Johnny Chord Masters Steel Orchestra - We Ain't Going Home City Sun Valley Pan Groove - Jump and Breakaway Tiger Tanks Fyzabad 4th Dimension - Jab Jab (Wine on Something) - 273 8th La Creole Pan Groove - We Come Out to Play - 272 9th (tie) Carib Woodbrook Playboyz Steel Orchestra - Bacchanal Time Gonzales Sheikers - Pan By Storm Marsichans Steel Orchestra - Dollar Wine Uni Stars - KaKa Roach - 271 13th Scrunter's Pan Groove - By All Means - 269 14th Shades In Steel - Suck Meh Soucouyant - 268 15th Bar 22 Steel Orchestra - Signal To Lara - 267 16th Curepe Polyphonics - Party Time - 265 17th Nostrand Symphony - Ethel - 262