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.
The 'pan' - as it is affectionately referred to on the island - was created in the 1930s, after a long period of experimenting with various metal objects to use as percussion instruments. This happened as a result of the African hand drums, which had been brought to the region during the slavery period - being banned by British rulers over half a century before. This had been an attempt to suppress festivities associated with Carnival.
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.
You can play the pan by itself, or combine many into a steel band. The music features mainly around Carnival, and there are lots of competitions and other events where bands are pitted against one another to show off their skills. As a spectator, you can experience the energy of the rhythm up close and personal by listening to it live.
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.
There are various pan types for different pitches, or tones. Those pans found in the frontline section play the melodies and counter melodies because they have the highest pitch. These are namely the tenor and double-tenor pans. In the mid-range, the quadrophonic, cello and guitar pans play harmonies and also counter melodies.
The 4-note bass pan and the dudup are those that have the lowest pitch, and so they are located in the background section. They support with the bass line to drive the beat for the entire band. Other instruments of a percussive nature are used in steel bands, and these are found in a section labeled the engine room.
Individuals credited with the development of the pan as we know it include Ellie Mannette, Winston Simon and Anthony Williams. Williams was the first person to begin creating instruments out of huge oil drums, and he also created the pan layout known as the 'spider web', which is conducive to a better-sounding quality. Simon is the creator for the 8-pitch melody pan, while Mannette was the first to wrap sticks used to play pan in rubber, thereby creating a more refined sound.
The 'pan' - as it is affectionately referred to on the island - was created in the 1930s, after a long period of experimenting with various metal objects to use as percussion instruments. This happened as a result of the African hand drums, which had been brought to the region during the slavery period - being banned by British rulers over half a century before. This had been an attempt to suppress festivities associated with Carnival.
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.
You can play the pan by itself, or combine many into a steel band. The music features mainly around Carnival, and there are lots of competitions and other events where bands are pitted against one another to show off their skills. As a spectator, you can experience the energy of the rhythm up close and personal by listening to it live.
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.
There are various pan types for different pitches, or tones. Those pans found in the frontline section play the melodies and counter melodies because they have the highest pitch. These are namely the tenor and double-tenor pans. In the mid-range, the quadrophonic, cello and guitar pans play harmonies and also counter melodies.
The 4-note bass pan and the dudup are those that have the lowest pitch, and so they are located in the background section. They support with the bass line to drive the beat for the entire band. Other instruments of a percussive nature are used in steel bands, and these are found in a section labeled the engine room.
Individuals credited with the development of the pan as we know it include Ellie Mannette, Winston Simon and Anthony Williams. Williams was the first person to begin creating instruments out of huge oil drums, and he also created the pan layout known as the 'spider web', which is conducive to a better-sounding quality. Simon is the creator for the 8-pitch melody pan, while Mannette was the first to wrap sticks used to play pan in rubber, thereby creating a more refined sound.
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