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Steel Pans originated in the Caribbean islands
of Trinidad and Tobago. They are meticulously
hand-crafted from 55 gallon steel drums and
are fascinating to see.
Steel Pans are a complete family of instruments.
Similar to a choir with a soprano, alto, tenor,
baritone and bass, steel pans are crafted
in different sizes and ranges.
Tenor Pan: The lead voice in the steel
pan family and used for all lead melodies
and soloing. The pan has 2 octaves, approximately
middle C and up.
Double Tenor Pans: Provides support
for the tenor pan by doubling melodies, adding
counter melodies and are also used for lead
and solo playing. One player for 2 drums with
2/12 octaves, below middle C and up.
Double Second Pans: Add counter melodies
and provide harmony through rhythmic chording
or comping with the music called strumming.
One player for 2 drums, below middle C and
up.
Cello Pans: Add secondary melodies,
harmony and strumming as well as double bass
parts. One player for 3 drums, 1 ½ octaves,
C below middle C and up.
Bass
Pans: Provide the bass line. One player
for 6 drums. However, six full size barrels
are very difficult to transport around town,
so the JoeSounds Steel
Band and Pan Go
substitute electric bass in place of the bass
pans.
Tuning
& Weather
Quite
frequently, JoeSounds Steel Band and
Pan Go are asked to perfrom outside
and agree to do so with the following understanding
between the band, client, and agent:
-
Steel Pans are tuned by beating the surface
of the metal drum with different size hammers
matching each musical note to the proper
pitch. With regular playing, Steel Pans,
like many instruments, go out of tune and
need to be retuned (again by hammer) by
the original instrument builder. This is
both expensive and difficult to accomplish.
- Performing
in direct sunlight during the day (until
6 pm) heats the metal. Due to the sunlight,
the instrument goes out of tune much quicker
if it is played while the metal is expanding
or contracting. In most situtions, the smaller
JoeSounds Steel Band will provide
their own umbrella to shield the Steel Pans
from the sun. The larger Pan Go band
will need to perform in a shaded area, covered
stage, or tent when outdoors.
- Rain
causes permanent rust on Steel Pans and
can damage other instruments as well. In
the event of rain, an alternative location
must be provided.
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