Steel Drums

Steel drum music is actually a fairly new style of music. Each drum is created from an oil-drum, and is carefully hammered to create the dents that are precisely tuned. Each drum has a wide ange of notes, and is capable of produce just about any type of music.

The idea of using the oil-drum as an instrument first came from Trinidad after hand drums and bamboo sticks were ban by the government, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that someone discovered the dents in the drums created a tone. Winston “Spree” Simon is often credited for being the first person to put a note on the steel drum.

When the drums were first used, the top was more dome shaped, unlike the steel drums we see now that are concave (bowl shaped).  Ellie Manette is said to be the person to give steel drums its modern form.

I enjoy listening to steel drum music, because often times they play songs that are upbeat. Every time I listen to steel drum music it makes me want to get up and start dancing. Also, watching the people performing is fun because they give their all, and you can tell they are enjoying the moment.

Sources

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VeaMEiWo-4
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdkG1bZxeH0&feature=related
• http://www.toucans.net/Gallery/aboutPan.html

3 comments November 21, 2009