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Making Magic In Steel Pan Music

By Donald Williams


Music, over the years, had somehow become almost a basic need. Everywhere people go, whatever they do, songs are part of it. For every mood, they associate it with a certain song. For every experience there is always music involved. You even have soundtracks in movies or your own life story.

Over the years, it has evolved, as well as how people create it with the instrument of their choice. Most have went on to become acclaimed guitarists of the world, others have explored classical, delving into the use of violins, piano and cello. Still others have preferred creating like steel pan music.

Amid the rise of electronics and its popularity far back in the twentieth century, the steel pan stood out well. This can be attributed to its simplicity, because it probably is the only instrument that came from industrial waste. Nevertheless sturdy, it became an icon of the culture in Trinidad, defining it with its Caribbean roots.

Many years ago, French planters came to the Caribbean during the French Revolution, bringing their slaves with them. That included a number of Africans, building a community in the island of Trinidad. Now these people were hungry to make music and express it by beating on metals.

Its early years did not come easy. The noise it involved and the effect upon others brought forth an association with criminal prosecutions. Its popularity in the Caribbean at the time seemed to create a kind of effect on the youth that was so much different than how rock and roll was in the 60s. However the fact that it made people want to dance even if the music was over, was undeniable.

What makes it such a hit especially among those who likes hearing percussion, is its ability to be versatile. It can play anything from acoustic to calypso and even a Bach symphony. Bands formed from it gained international success when they were introduced one day in the fiftys at a British event.

After that, it had become an accepted not only in the music industry but as an art form as well. That had been a defining moment for the island it had came from because steel band was identified as a big part of its culture. Rightfully so, the pans became their national instrument. They later on played a big role in the independence of Trinidad.

Aside from that, the infectious and irresistible sound of the music swept the British off their feet, making it gain international attention. Later on, the pan was accepted as one art form that cannot be ignored. It also lead many years later, to the making of an international festival highlighting their bands.

This usually takes during the season of Carnival where pannists gather for the Panorama, a festival known as an important event in Trinidad. Competitions across the islands are also observed during February and March. In 1992, the pan became the official national instrument of the land as it continues to enchant those who watch and listen.




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