World Steelpan Day
August 11 · Level 7 · #722 of 2238
World Steelpan Day celebrates the melodic percussion instrument born in Trinidad and Tobago. This UN observance recognises its cultural importance and the musicians whose ingenuity turned metal drums into the voices of entire orchestras.
How it is celebrated: steelpan bands give concerts, while workshops and demonstrations introduce newcomers to the instrument. Players show how striking different areas of its metal surface produces a tune.
A single steelpan can play many notes. Each comes from a separately shaped and tuned section of metal, making the instrument capable of melody as well as rhythm.