Steel Pans in Education (Steel Drums in Education)
Steel pans (steel drums) can be found in schools and universities around the world and their numbers are increasing. More and more persons are discovering that steel pans make great classroom instruments. Using steel pans in education is a good idea!
They are approachable instruments
They allow for group participation as well as solo work
The technique used to play pan is the same for all
sections
of the steelband (unlike other bands and orchestras)
Any genre of music can be played on the steel pan (not just calypsos)
Pan Round the Neck steel pans
can be integrated into marching bands. The YouTube video below of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band is an example of how this can be done.
Steel Pans (Steel Drums) as Orff Instruments
You can also integrate beginner/mini steel pans (steel drums) into an existing Orff Schulwerk ensemble.
These special steel pans are smaller and have fewer notes than a professional steel pan. However, the note placements in these beginner steel pans have not been standardized, so make sure to tell your steel pan supplier which notes you want in the pan.
Also, the quality of these beginner/mini pans varies. Some are toys (and sound like toys) while some are small, fully functional instruments. Your situation will determine which type is suitable.
Steel pans can be played solo as well as in an ensemble. Graded examinations in Solo Steel Pan Performance are held in the United States of America and throughout the Caribbean and are an excellent external assessment of a student’s strengths and weaknesses. They also provide the student with a sense of progress and achievement.
