Kamis, 21 Januari 2016

Bringing Out The Musician In You Through 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.

Music is a culture identity people associate with to become closer with their race. And one of these identity is using steel pan music but sometimes called as steel drum. These were made from many parts mainly pots used for paint, dust bins, and other tins and containers.

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.

There are at least 14 known instruments such like the ping pong having a pitch around soprano. This was conceptualized by Winston Simon, but most of the instruments found were made by Ellie Mannette. Who created invader lead, double second, quadduet, tripple guitar, cello, tenor bass, and six bass.

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.

Playing these were either done standing with the help of a strap or seated in one area of the stage. However standing up the musician must be at least 4 to 5 inches away from body and pan with hands inserted in the drum. Keeping it close to the surface is essential for accuracy and speed.

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.




About the Author:



Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar