The History of the Steel Band

The steel pan is the only musical instrument invented in the 20th century.

This book traces its story, from humble beginnings in Trinidad, in the Caribbean, in the 1940's, to the appearance of steel bands, which now exist throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the Americas.

The Caribbean people played drums long before Columbus and the Spanish arrived.

When the first Africans were brought to the islands they also brought their knowledge of drums.

But the plantations owners feared the sound of the drum and banned it.

People then used bamboo sticks to beat out a rhythm.

As Carnival became a yearly festival in Trinidad musicians needed better instruments.

Various people had the idea of using metal and cast about for any scraps of metal they could find.

A biscuit tin proved to make a good sound and soon the craft of "pounding the pan" developed - the steel pan with various notes came into being.

In the early years playing the pan was not considered a worthwhile career.

But in 1945, a jubilant crowd in Port-of-Spain spilled out in an unplanned parade on V.E.

Day and the steel band was very much part of this celebration.From then on steel bands came to be recognized as wonderful musical ensembles.

Today there are steel bands all over the world. It includes a CD of Sterling's Angels (children's steel band led by pan maestro Sterling Betancourt) playing a range of music.

With colour illustrations and photos, for KS 2-3, "Music, History and Black History Month" provides ample talking points and celebrates musical diversity and development.