What Makes Steel Pan Music Unique
In every part of the world, there is a particular set of factors that can be attributed to one country or culture. Though steel pan music is now heard worldwide, it is known as a sound that is unique to the Caribbean. After all, the birth of this instrument, also called a steel drum, happened in the Caribbean's most southern 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.
This is an instrument that can be played by itself or in groups to create a steel band. The music is celebrated particularly at Carnival time, when special competitions and events are held to determine the greatest band of them all. Spectators are able to join in the vibe and feel the energy of the sound live at these events.
Though the instrument traditionally celebrates local musical genres of calypso and soca in Trinidad & Tobago, it can actually be used in any genre of music. Sounds of the pan can be heard in jazz, pop, reggae and also Latin. It has even been used in rap and hip-hop, for example, in 50 Cent's chart-topping hit "P. I. M. P.". The global reach of the instrument has led to debates over its origins.
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 individuals are widely acknowledged in the creation and development of this instrument. Winston 'Spree' Simon was the first to create the eight-pitch pan used for melodies. Anthony Williams, who first used the oil drums as the starting point for the instrument, created the 'spider web' pan, the layout of which is conducive to producing a very high quality of sound. Covering the playing sticks with rubber for a finer sound is attributed to Ellie Mannette.
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.
This is an instrument that can be played by itself or in groups to create a steel band. The music is celebrated particularly at Carnival time, when special competitions and events are held to determine the greatest band of them all. Spectators are able to join in the vibe and feel the energy of the sound live at these events.
Though the instrument traditionally celebrates local musical genres of calypso and soca in Trinidad & Tobago, it can actually be used in any genre of music. Sounds of the pan can be heard in jazz, pop, reggae and also Latin. It has even been used in rap and hip-hop, for example, in 50 Cent's chart-topping hit "P. I. M. P.". The global reach of the instrument has led to debates over its origins.
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 individuals are widely acknowledged in the creation and development of this instrument. Winston 'Spree' Simon was the first to create the eight-pitch pan used for melodies. Anthony Williams, who first used the oil drums as the starting point for the instrument, created the 'spider web' pan, the layout of which is conducive to producing a very high quality of sound. Covering the playing sticks with rubber for a finer sound is attributed to Ellie Mannette.
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Title: What Makes Steel Pan Music Unique
Author: Dennis Wright
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: steel pan music
Word Count: 547
Category: Music
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