Saturday 9 April 2016

Be Different With Steel Pan Music

Posted by Unknown at 12:16
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.

Sometimes referred to as steel drums, they emerged somewhere in the nineteen thirties. Some metal objects like paint pots, including car parts, dust bins and oil drums were widely used as percussion instruments but somehow, artists found a way to tune them. Over the years, there have been several version of its development that it is difficult to get the exact date.

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.

But even that had not been enough to avoid clashes between groups and enthusiasts, resulting in violence. Thankfully, it did not went on for long because as pioneers excelled in developing it, horizons had been brighter and steel drums suddenly had a good future ahead and along with other genres. Even the war could not stop people from appreciating it.

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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