Steel Drums
*Written by Salil Kothari
Have you ever seen people playing music from any unused steel container? Does it seem weird? I hope it does not because the man is playing a steel drum. Steel drums or steel pans are the musical instrument made from metal oil barrels. The metal sheet is 0.8 to 1.5 mm thick. The area from where it is struck to produce sound is in the shape of a bowl.
Traditionally these drums were actually made from oil barrels. The difference in the modern drums is just that they can be tuned to a certain pitch. Different oval-shaped points on the bowl produce different pitches of sound. Larger ovals produce lower tones. Via this a melodious tune can be struck. Now a day's various sizes are available. They are chosen according to the need.
When you think of Caribbean the image of tall dark men striking the drums on a beach must be clicking in your mind. Why not after all the origin of steel drums took place from there and continues to be their traditional instrument. Steel drums were first made in Trinidad, West Indies from a 55-gallon oil barrel. It is said that Winston Spree Simon developed the first steel drum from a biscuit tin. Later on the African slaves used oil drums while performing at Carnival.
After the abolishment of slavery the tradition continued. The 1930s brought metal pans replacing the bamboo ones. In the 1940s the first recorded use of the steel pans was done. The Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra was an official band which performed at the Festival of Britain popularizing these. The 19th century brought the great revolution for the steel pans. This was the decade when a steel band performed in the common wealth games which gave the steel drummers an international exposure. At present, these pans of steel have been accepted as an exceptional piece of art. The art has now been modified to adapt to various genres. Hip-hop, pop music all includes them now days.
The steel drums are made by sinking, heating and then making the ovals. Though now modern techniques are used for their manufacture. They have a high tempo and can be heard far across the distance. The large range of notes and tones make them an amusing instrument.
The era is gone when steel drummers were born only in West Indies. Japan, Sweden and various other countries now produce them. This symbol of revolt against the insensible social norms now mesmerizes the audience with its music. This Caribbean beauty is a true piece of art which forces everyone to tap their feats on its beats. Currently the annual World Steel band Music Festival is in its 67th year which is an achievement in itself.
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