Playing The Tenor Steel Pan

The tenor steel pan, also known as a lead or soprano pan, is the highest-pitched pan in a steel band and usually carries the melody. It is a single drum played by one person and is traditionally the main melody instrument. The most common arrangement of notes is a circle of fifths. The Double Tenor pan is comprised of two barrels and has the second-highest range. It usually doubles the tenor pan's melody but in a lower harmony. The Double Second pan is also made up of two barrels but has a lower pitch than the Double Tenor. The notes on a steel pan are laid out according to a piece of music theory conceived by German musician Johann David Heinichen in 1728 – the Circle of Fifths.

Choose the right steel drum for you

Choosing the right steel drum depends on a few factors. Firstly, you need to consider the context in which you will be playing. Are you joining a steel band, accompanying other instruments in a classical formation, or playing alone?

The next step is to decide whether you want a chromatic or diatonic steel drum. Chromatic instruments contain all the tones of the scale and can reproduce all melodies and chords. Diatonic instruments, on the other hand, only contain the notes of a chosen scale and will only allow you to play in defined keys. Chromatic steel drums require two to six drums to obtain all the necessary notes, whereas diatonic instruments are built on a single drum.

You should also consider the range of your steel drum. The frequency scale of a steel drum can be low-pitched like a double bass or high-pitched like a violin. From low to high, steel drums are mainly available in several registers: six bass, tenor bass, cello, guitar, second, and tenor (soprano).

The number of notes is another important factor. The more notes a steel drum has, the more playing possibilities you will have. However, it will also be more difficult to master. For beginners, a tongue with between 8 and 10 notes is ideal.

Finally, you can choose between a painted or chromed finish. Chrome plating offers good corrosion protection and a dramatic aesthetic effect, but it will be more expensive. A painted finish will be cheaper and easier to maintain, but it will affect the sound by slightly limiting the sustain.

Set up the drum

To set up the drum, you will need to purchase a tenor steel pan. The most common instrument to start with is the Low C Lead steel pan (also known as a soprano or tenor steel pan). It is more portable than other types as all of its 29 notes are on only one barrel (one drum). It is also the most cost-effective option.

If you are looking for a more versatile option, you might consider a Double Second or Double Tenor steel pan. These are in the next lower range and have more capacity to play harmony while still being high-pitched enough to carry the melody. However, their notes are spread across two barrels (two drums), which means there is more to carry around and they are more expensive.

The next step is to purchase a stand for your steel pan. You can choose between a matching folding stand, which is ideal for travelling, or a professional chrome tripod stand. You will also need a case to protect your steel pan from knocks and damage. A Trinidad flag steel pan case with a shoulder strap is one option.

Finally, you will need to purchase some sticks or mallets to play your steel pan. Carbon fibre is a good option for this.

Hold the pan drum mallets

Holding the pan drum mallets is a crucial step in learning to play the steel drum. The mallets, also known as beaters, are used to strike the metal surface of the drum, producing the desired sound. As a beginner, it is important to familiarise yourself with the different techniques for holding the mallets, as this will impact the sound you create.

Firstly, you should know that pan drums are typically played with both hands, and there are various types of sticks and mallets to choose from. The type of mallet you use will depend on the specific steel drum you are playing. For instance, steel drums with a higher pitch, such as the tenor pan, require thinner rubber tips, while thicker and softer tips are used for lower-pitched drums.

Now, let's explore the different ways to hold the pan drum mallets:

• Grip the mallet with your fist: Hold the mallet with a light grip, ensuring you grasp more than one-third of it. Avoid holding it too tightly, as this will hinder the production of a good sound. A looser grip allows for shorter contact time, enabling the notes to vibrate freely.
• Press the grip with your index finger: This technique involves using your index finger to apply pressure to the grip, providing more precision and control over the mallet.
• Grip the mallet with three fingers: Using three fingers to hold the mallet can offer a comfortable balance between stability and flexibility. Adjust your grip pressure as needed to strike the drum effectively.

Remember, the way you hold the mallets will influence the sound quality and your overall playing experience. Experiment with different grips and find the one that feels most natural and comfortable for you. With practice, you'll be able to produce a wide range of sounds and improve your playing technique.

Play the steel drum with different mallets or by hand

Playing a steel drum with different mallets or by hand will produce different sounds. The tenor steel pan, also known as the soprano or lead steel pan, is the most common instrument to start with. It is more portable than the others because all of its 29 notes are on only one barrel (one drum). It is also the least costly. The tenor pan has the highest sound range of all steel drums and usually carries the melody in steel band arrangements.

When choosing a mallet for a steel drum, it is important to consider the type of instrument and the desired sound. Each instrument in the steel pan family utilizes a different playing mallet. The material, thickness, and weight of the mallet will affect the sound produced. For example, steel drums with higher pitches, such as tenor pans, require thinner rubber tips, while thicker and softer tips are used for lower-pitched drums.

For beginners, a wood dowel mallet is the best choice for playing the tenor steel pan. Wood gives better control and does not accentuate hitting errors as the player learns touch on the steel pan instrument. This often means the steel pan will remain in tune longer. To produce the best sound, the player must keep the mallet as parallel to the playing surface as possible, so that the rubber of the playing tip impacts the notes of the steel pan. A shorter mallet, such as a traditional tenor or lead steel pan mallet, which is only 5 or 6 inches long, can more easily achieve this. However, longer mallets may be more comfortable for those new to playing steel pans, as they are similar to those used for other percussion instruments. A 7-inch mallet can be a good compromise.

Another option for mallets is the artist mallet, which has a special wrapping around the rubber that reduces the slight clunking noise produced when the rubber playing tip hits the metal of a note. This type of mallet reduces the overall volume of steel pans by about 20%.

Some steel drums, such as handpans and tongue drums, can also be played by hand. Playing with your hands allows for more diversity in your playing approach and can incorporate techniques such as finger rolls and chords that involve more than two notes at a time. The best place to strike the tongues with your hands is on the side of the knuckle on your thumb and the pads of your fingers.

Learn the history of the tenor steel pan

The tenor steel pan is an instrument with a rich history, and its development is closely tied to the cultural evolution of Trinidad and Tobago. Here's a detailed account of its origins and transformation over time:

Origins in Trinidad and Tobago

The tenor steel pan is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. It is the national instrument of this twin-island nation, and its evolution began in the early to mid-1900s. The origins of the steel pan can be traced back even further to the talking drums of West African cultures, which were used for long-distance communication and played an integral role in ceremonies and celebrations.

Cultural Resistance and Emancipation

The history of the steel pan is intertwined with the struggle for freedom and cultural preservation of enslaved Africans in Trinidad and Tobago. During the 18th century, people from West Africa were forcibly abducted and sold into slavery. Despite efforts by enslavers to erase their traditions, the enslaved Africans found ways to clandestinely continue their cultural practices. With emancipation in 1834, formerly enslaved Africans were finally able to openly participate in celebrations, including the Canboulay harvest festival, which involved calypso drumming.

Carnival, Resistance, and the Birth of Steel Pan

The Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago have a complex history. Originally derived from European Christian traditions, the early carnivals involved mockery and appropriation of African slave culture by white plantation owners. In response, enslaved Africans organised their own underground carnivals, incorporating masks, feathers, beads, and drumming. After emancipation, the Canboulay celebrations became a platform for the freed Africans to express their culture and identity. However, these celebrations were met with resistance from the British Colonial authorities, and the 1880s saw riots and police crackdowns during Canboulay.

Evolution of Steel Pan in the 20th Century

In the 1930s, the steel pan emerged as a popular instrument, crafted from oil drums and played with bamboo sticks. The raised parts of the drums produced distinct sounds, and players began to experiment with different types of sticks and rubbers. By the mid-1930s, metal percussion was incorporated into the bands, and in 1939, the first all-steel band, Alexander's Ragtime Band, was formed. The steel pan continued to evolve, and by the late 1940s, the 55-gallon oil drum became the standard for crafting steel pans.

International Recognition

The Trinidad All-Steel Pan Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) played a pivotal role in introducing the steel pan to an international audience at the Festival of Britain in 1951. Since then, the steel pan has gained worldwide recognition and has become an integral part of musical traditions, especially in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean diaspora. The instrument has undergone standardisation and innovations, with pioneers like Anthony Williams, Herman Johnson, and Bertie Marshall contributing to its development.

The history of the tenor steel pan is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. It reflects their struggle for freedom, cultural preservation, and the transformative power of music. The steel pan continues to evolve and inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.

Frequently asked questions