Every region of the world has distinctive aspects that are native to a particular country and its culture. Steel pan music can be found all over the world, but is easily recognizable as a feature of the Caribbean. More specifically, the birth of the steel pan - or steel drum - is on the southern-most Caribbean island of Trinidad.
Affectionately known as the 'pan', this instrument came to life in the nineteen thirties, after about 50 or so years of experimenting with various sounds on different metal objects. These metal objects were used as percussion instruments during a time when the hand drums brought by African slaves were banned by the British rule. This ban was a futile attempt to discourage Carnival festivities.
In the beginning, huge oil drums were used to created the instrument. These oil drums were pounded into shape and then polished to get the result of the steel drum we know today. This handmade method is still the most popular when it comes to the art of making the steel pan. Another method is to start with sheet metal. The instrument holds the title of being the only instrument invented in the twentieth century.
The pan can be played alone or with other pans in what is called a steel band. The music is prominent during Carnival, and there are special events and competitions held to capture the title of the greatest band overall. Spectators are able to participate in the events and support the players live, enjoying the vibrant energy of the music.
The percussion instrument has always traditionally been used to celebrate Trinidad & Tobago's calyso and soca music. However, it can recreate any musical genre. There are samples of pan jazz music, reggae, pop and even Latin. The instrument has been found in hip hop music, used by rapper 50 Cent in his single "P. I. M. P.". Because of its growing popularity, there are often arguments over the origin of the instrument.
Like string instruments, there are different tones or levels of pan. Frontline pans are those used for melodies and counter melodies. They have the highest pitch of all; the tenor and double-tenor belong to this family. In the mid-range section, the cello pan, guitar pan and quadrophonic pan provide counter melodies as well as harmonies.
Those pans with the lowest pitch are found in the background section of the band. They provide the bass line which the entire band will follow for any particular song. The dudup and the 4-note bass pan are found here. Other percussion instruments are often used in a steel band, and they are located in a section of the band called the engine room.
Certain figures are prominent when discussing the history and development of this unique instrument. Anthony Williams is a big name in the discussion; he was the first to create the pan using oil drums. He is also the creator of the 'spider web' pan, which, due to its layout, has a much higher quality of sound. Winston Simon created the eight-pitch melody pan, while Ellie Mannette is credited with wrapping pan playing sticks with rubber, which greatly refined the sound.
Affectionately known as the 'pan', this instrument came to life in the nineteen thirties, after about 50 or so years of experimenting with various sounds on different metal objects. These metal objects were used as percussion instruments during a time when the hand drums brought by African slaves were banned by the British rule. This ban was a futile attempt to discourage Carnival festivities.
In the beginning, huge oil drums were used to created the instrument. These oil drums were pounded into shape and then polished to get the result of the steel drum we know today. This handmade method is still the most popular when it comes to the art of making the steel pan. Another method is to start with sheet metal. The instrument holds the title of being the only instrument invented in the twentieth century.
The pan can be played alone or with other pans in what is called a steel band. The music is prominent during Carnival, and there are special events and competitions held to capture the title of the greatest band overall. Spectators are able to participate in the events and support the players live, enjoying the vibrant energy of the music.
The percussion instrument has always traditionally been used to celebrate Trinidad & Tobago's calyso and soca music. However, it can recreate any musical genre. There are samples of pan jazz music, reggae, pop and even Latin. The instrument has been found in hip hop music, used by rapper 50 Cent in his single "P. I. M. P.". Because of its growing popularity, there are often arguments over the origin of the instrument.
Like string instruments, there are different tones or levels of pan. Frontline pans are those used for melodies and counter melodies. They have the highest pitch of all; the tenor and double-tenor belong to this family. In the mid-range section, the cello pan, guitar pan and quadrophonic pan provide counter melodies as well as harmonies.
Those pans with the lowest pitch are found in the background section of the band. They provide the bass line which the entire band will follow for any particular song. The dudup and the 4-note bass pan are found here. Other percussion instruments are often used in a steel band, and they are located in a section of the band called the engine room.
Certain figures are prominent when discussing the history and development of this unique instrument. Anthony Williams is a big name in the discussion; he was the first to create the pan using oil drums. He is also the creator of the 'spider web' pan, which, due to its layout, has a much higher quality of sound. Winston Simon created the eight-pitch melody pan, while Ellie Mannette is credited with wrapping pan playing sticks with rubber, which greatly refined the sound.
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