There’s a lot to read about pan. Here’s where to start.
The steelpan is a unique musical instrument with a rich history and culture. If you’re interested in learning more about this vibrant instrument and the music it creates, there are many books you can turn to for inspiration and information. Here are five books that are essential reading for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the steelpan and its place in the world of music.
1. “The Steelband Movement: The Forging of a National Art in Trinidad and Tobago” by Stephen Stuempfle – This comprehensive book provides a detailed history of the steelpan and the steelband movement in Trinidad and Tobago. From its origins in the 1940s to its rise as a symbol of national identity, Pollard’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in the cultural and historical significance of the steelpan.
2. “Steel Drums and Steel Bands: A History” by Angela Smith – This work offers up a detailed account of the events that led to the “accidental” invention of the steelpan. The author walks readers through the evolution of the steel drum from an infamous representation of disorder and violence to one of the most studied, performed, and appreciated musical instruments ever invented. The book explores the development of the modern steelband, from its roots in African slavery to its technological innovation and the explosion of steelbands in American schools. Major contributors of the steelband movement offer their insights throughout, with sections devoted exclusively to pioneers and innovators.
3. “The Illustrated Story of Pan” by Dr. Kim Johnson – Offering a detailed look at the origins of steelpan, this “coffee table” style book features photos of the very people who created, built and developed the instrument from its beginning. The book features hundreds of photos and verbatim accounts never before published from the pioneers’ perspectives. The stories include those from the musicians, scientists, street fighters, politicians, schoolteachers, students and ordinary people who were there and achieved extraordinary things. Band history is captured from groups like Trinidad All Stars, Renegades, Desperadoes, Phase II, Exodus and more.
4. “Music from Behind the Bridge: Steelband Aesthetics and Politics in Trinidad and Tobago” by Shannon Dudley – As symbol of Trinidadian culture, the steelband has transformed from worthless steel barrels to steel orchestra and from disparaged underclass pastime to Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument. The book examines what ignited this transformation along with how it fits in with Afro-Trinidadian tradition, carnival, colonial authority, and nationalist politics.
5. “Secrets of the Steelpan: Unlocking the Secrets of the Science, Technology, Tuning of the Steelpan” by Dr. Anthony Achong – Anthony Achong is former Senior Lecturer and retired Head of the Department of Physics at The University of the West Indies, Trinidad. The book explores the concepts, the ideas, the theories, the physics and the mathematics contained in this book and answers the question the author asked himself as a little boy peering over the face of a ping pong steelpan: How does it work?
These five books are just a sample of the wealth of literature available on the steelpan and its place in the world of music, but are a great source of information on the instrument. Whether you’re a seasoned musician, a music lover, or simply someone who wants to learn more about this unique instrument, these books are sure to deepen your understanding of the steelpan and its place in the world. So grab a book, and start exploring the world of steelpan today!
