Music - Steel Pan

In any other country these would be nothing more than old, empty oil drums discarded in a field. But in Trinidad & Tobago, these are the beginings of the only musical instrument invented in the 2oth century.

Music - Steel Pan

After a lengthy process of cutting, heating, shaping and tuning, a steel pan is formed. The length of the drum determines the sound of the pan, ranging from bass to tenor.

Music - Steel Pan

Musicians from around the world routinely come to Trinidad each year, particularly around carnival time, to learn the instrument and to play with the several bands scattered throughout the country.

Music - Steel Pan

While a formal knowledge of music is an asset, most local pannists play by ear and are somehow able to learn and flawlessly execute intricate arrangements of local calypsoes, modern pop or classical pieces from the east or west.

Music - the Pan Yard

The gathering place for each steel band is the pan yard. This is often a rallying point for communities and in the months preceding carnival or any of the steelband festivals, players and supporters can be found in the pan yards from early afternoon til the wee hours of the morning.

Music - Folk & Calypso

Apart from the steel pan, other instruments have a strong place in Trinidad & Tobago's musical heritage.

Music

You're not likely to find a bagpipe featured in local music ... unless it's being played by one of our students! These bagpipers took to the parties, concerts and streets of Trinidad for carnival and were warmly received.