STEELPAN

(From Metal to Microchip)

The Camboulay Riots of 1881 and the Hosay Riots of 1884 were signals to the colonial rulers at the time that Trinidad and Tobago would not quietly accept the stifling of non-European cultural expression. To replace the banned drums of the ‘tamboo bamboo’ (bamboo cut to different lengths to

create sound when struck) was used to create music at Carnival celebrations. It is generally accepted that in the mid-1930s the ‘tamboo bamboo’ began being replaced by metal drums.

“Carnival was banned from 1942-45 since a state of emergency was declared and prevented the congregation of more than 3 persons. The war was drawing to an end in 1945 and the colonial authorities decreed that when the air raid sirens sounded to declare victory on the European front, citizens would be allowed to congregate in celebration.  On VE Day, March 8, 1945, the steelband was presented to the world for the first time.” (ttconnect, 2008-2017)

The Steelpan is accepted as the only musical instrument to be created in the 20^th Century.

The 55gallon steel drums that were generally used after World War II, to make the steelpan became the standard method until approximately 2008 with the introduction of the e-pan.

The steelpan can be played solo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woGvbHQAkik) but is mostly played in a band (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYqAX9vCUrk) with different types of ‘pan’ that can include:

High Tenor D4 - G6

Lower Tenor C4 - E6
Double Tenor F3 - Bb5
Double Second F#3 - C#6
Double Guitar C#3 - G#4
Triple Cello B2 - Bb4
Four Cello Bb2 - C#5
Quadraphonic B2 - Bb-5
Tenor Bass F2 - C4
Six Bass A1 - D3
Nine Bass G1 - C4

The range of sound that can be created from the ‘pan’ makes it suitable to play any type of music, even classical orchestra. It has also been used in music scores for numerous movies e.g. Commando (http://www.ifc.com/2010/05/commando-remake-will-be-nothin)

The introduction of the electronic pan (e-pan), the ‘pan’ has moved from a hammer and a discarded oil drum to hi-tech basically from metal to microchip. So whether you are 'pushing pan' on 'the Coffee in San Do" or if you are in the streets of Japan do not be surprised to hear the sweet sounds of steel.

The ‘pan’ is now being taught and played in countries globally but wherever it goes its place of birth cannot be changed and must not be forgotten, Trinidad and Tobago.