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What instruments would a music teacher need to make a small steel band?
A small steel band would consist of :- 1 ENGINE ROOM; 1 SET OF SIX BASSES; 1 SET OF THREE CELLOS; 2 SETS OF TWO SECONDS; 2 SETS OF TWO TENOR PANS. If this set up is not possible a bass guiter or double bass can be used to fill in the lower section and a keyboard can fill in the harmonies. This would then be a steel combo.
How is a drum tuned?
First the drum is emptied, then it is heated and the centre is dropped. Each note is separated using a pummel and map, and the sections are individually tuned with a hammer. If the section is hit from the underside the note is raised in pitch. If it is hit from above, the note is lowered in pitch. This is very general as the rest is a trade secret.
Does it slip out of pitch regularly?
No, not very often, but when it does slip it needs to go to a tuner. Don't attempt to tune it yourself.
Where do you learn how to play a pan?
If you don't know a West Indian pan player it will be trial and error, but if you are musical it won't be too hard. The most difficult part for your readers will be the rhythms. The basic styles used are Calypso and Samba. The best place to learn the rhythm is with basic percussion in the engine room.You are never to young or old to start here.
Where can people buy pan music,and are pans limited to Caribbean music?
You dont play the pan from music as you would a piano or violin etc.. Most pan music is passed down through families. You can play any style of music on a pan, but you are limited to the notes on the pans. Most pans are tuned to D or G with maybe a B flat and a F natural. In general music is busked with two note chords filling in the harmonies. The main chords used are the Tonic, Dominant and Subdominant.
What do you play pans with?
Home-made sticks. The basses use a piece of dowel with a foam ball stuck on the end and all other pans use a piece of dowel with wide elastic bands wrapped round them. The tenor pans sound better with a ring of surgical rubber on the stick, but this is not readily available.
Where are pans made and how much do they cost?
Pans are made mostly in Trinidad but you can purchase them from Tony Charles in London. A new tenor pan would cost about £400.00 whilst a pair of seconds would cost about £300.00. Stands and carry cases are purchased separately. You have to make your own sticks. If any of your readers would like to purchase any drums or want further information they should contact Music Corner Limited 0800 328 5294.
At what functions do The Cherry Pickers play?
Fetes, Carnivals, Store Openings, Open Air Parties etc... Anyone wishing to book should contact us through your company.
To conclude....
When I and my husband John were married, we were given a tenor drum as a present. Since then we have aquired 2 basses and a second. During the summer months we occasionally join the cherry pickers at functions of varying styles.
Playing the pan is relatively easy and great fun. John, being of West Indian descent, has played the pan for years on and off and knows most carribbean songs played on the drums.
I had my first taste of playing a pan at a concert a couple of years ago when the lead player wanted a rest. The leader said that because i was already a musician it would be easy. After a few stumbles I got the hang of it and enjoyed the rest of the day. I was thrilled when Max asked me to play at an event in my own right.
I would strongly recommend it to any one who has the opportunity,
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