Why Musicians Should Try Their Hand At Steel Pan Music

By Joshua Reed


Music speaks to us at a deep level it translates the messages inside our hearts into flowing melody and rhythm. Because this music can take hold of another person or millions of ears and share the same feelings as the musician does. But music does not only play about feelings and emotions. It also represent the culture and race that one belongs to.

For many oppressed races music was a form of escape. It helped people to cope with difficult and stressful situations placed on them by authoritative figures. That is why many cultures developed their musical instruments to accompany them like the Trinidad steel pan music.

The instrument originated from Tobago and Trinidad. Musicians referred to pannist because these were considered as percussion instruments. A pair of sticks with rubber tips are used to play the pan. And these were made out of drum gallons for oils and other substances.

Today these are made through molding it into a shape similar to a bowl with the aid of air pressure or hammers. Then on the surface note patterns are marked after which it is tempered and initial tuning happens. In this step the tuning of the drum is improved, and often uses a strobe tuner.

Not only does it signify the cultural identity of developed by the former slaves of Trinidad. Today it is now part of the local music scene and has evolved from the Tamboo bamboos which is made from bamboo wood fashioned into a stick that can produce sounds and play tunes. Playing this required it to be hit on the ground, and produced sound when hit by other sticks.

These were made with sheet metal. The thickness range between 0.8 and 1.5 mm, but in tradition it was made from barrels used to contain oil and other substances. Today most makers use other types of materials apart from steel containers. Creating the drum begins by using a bowl shaped called sinking to mold the sheet metal.

Every good musician must learn how to play an instrument correctly. Because it helps them play the tunes precisely and produce the best music for the audience to appreciate, but knowing the right position and handling as well as the care of an instrument can improve the usage over time. Starting with position most players stand with feet shoulder wide apart, so that body weight can be distributed evenly.

A good way to become an efficient player is to practice proper positioning. This means that the best sounds produced stem from good posture and correct body movements. The hands are essential in this so it must be place nearest to the surface of the drum.

Remember to keep the elbows at waist level and never raise nor bend it than 45 degrees. Notes resonate when the rubber tip of the stick glides over the drum and helps musicians play the instrument more precisely and faster. There are two types of hand movements for producing sound such as the flick and down up stroke. The flick starts at the top then is pulled down and is waved on the note.




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