Innovations in Music

 Evolution of the Steel Drums

    The steel drums have come a long way since they first evolved, originally known as the steel pan.  The drum has been around for centuries; although there are many types of drums, the steel drum is unique in its own way. Toddlers often find the steel drum just as impressive as adults, which is made of steel. The same material is used to make cooking pots and pans. 

    According to the BBC, the steel pan was created in Trinidad with metal objects such as oil drums, car parts, paint pots, dustbins, and biscuit tins.  Trinidad is an island located close to South America along the Caribbean chain.  The main object they used to create the pan came from the 55-gallon oil drum.  Trinidadians who were once slaves made their own music with items and materials they had available. Trinidad street music became part of their Trinidadian culture. The steel pan is one of the newest instruments created in the 1930s. Here is a picture provided by the BBC using steel drums and another snapshot of the evolution of the steel pan. 

From the 55-gallon oil drum to...

The newly innovated steel pan!

Here is an example of the pan note layout

Here is a video of the earliest recording of music with the steel pan. Although you can't actually see the use of the pan, you can hear percussions of the steel pan. 
First Steelpan Recording, 'Lion-Oh' Hell Yard SteelBand & the Roaring Lion1940

Lyrics

The lyrics are very upbeat and sung with a strong accent of Trinidad. The flow of the lyrics is the same throughout the song, and "Lion-oh" is repeated with the same tone throughout the music as well.

Drums

The drumming starts off upbeat and continues the same throughout the song. 

Evolution of the Steel Pan in today's time

Here is a song played with the current steel pans they make today. 'Sunflower' (Post Malone) by Ravon Rhoden-Steeldrum Cover (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) May 6, 2019

Timbre

The timbre of the pans ranges from high to low. The timbre of the piano is started first and sets the timbre of the pans. The percussions of the pans are very easy to hear and differentiate from the piano. 

Melody

There are a couple instruments played, which are the piano and the pans. The melody is very smooth and easy-going. The melody can also be somewhat calming.  

I really enjoyed learning about the steel pans. I always thought drums were made of the same material, but NOO this is definitely something new I have learned! 

Sources

“A Brief History of the Steel Pan.” BBC News, BBC, 24 July 2012, www.bbc.com/news/magazine-18903131.

Songfacts. “Songfacts - Songs Featuring Steel Drums.” Song Meanings at Songfacts, www.songfacts.com/category/songs-featuring-steel-drums.

Steel Drums (Steel Pans)-Information And Advice That You Can Use, www.caribbean-steel-drums.com/.