THE PAN PIPER - PANTHROPOLOGY AND CULTURAL PERFORMANCES FROM SKINS TO STEEL

Hameed Shaqq

www.blackincanada.com

http://www.blackincanada.com/category/arts-and-culture/music/page/6/

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This web-site is the Virtual CCSRD Office: Ontario Branch.

CEO. HAMEED SHAQQ

The Canadian Steelpan community must be absolutely focused without hesitancy, on the creation of a viable Canadian Center for Steelpan Research and Development for the sustainable future.

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LLLC

GRAND MASTER OF PAN EARL RODNEY

sxplaining how to blend a note on the steelpan instrument.

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WRITTEN BY HAMEED SHAQQ

MY ARRIVAL DAY IN CHINA

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Toronto, ON
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PANTHROPOLOGY AND CULTURAL PERFORMANCES

FROM SKINS TO STEEL

Click: Skins to Steel

The Canadian Steelpan community must be absolutely focused without hesitancy, on the creation of a viable Canadian Center for Steelpan Research and Development. Interestingly enough this Research is based on participant observations, which allows us to examine specific items and how recycled Steel drums are now used as a musical device, adapted for the purpose of collective performances in educational and entertainment around the world.This view of our social diffusion will demonstrate how Cultural Anthropologists can meaningfully contribute to the communities that they observe and research.Since the 1950's, after its first appearance at the Canadian National Exhibition, the early migration of the Steelpan musical instrument projectivity, has undergone a special development musically in education and entertainment. Canada has brought trailblazers to the forefront with innovative solutions from willing individuals involved with the instruments of multiculturalism in long-lasting cultural activities. Here in Toronto, a modern electronic version called the E-Pan was invented in 2010.

Steel Pan Evolution of Repurposing Material Waste

The history of musical instruments dates back to the beginnings of human culture. Many scholars will agree that there are no completely reliable methods of determining the exact chronology of musical instruments including the most popular skins drums across the many different cultures through the earth.

We can argue that by comparing and organizing instruments based on their complexity can sometimes be misleading, since advancements in musical instruments have sometimes reduced complexity. For example, construction of early slit drums involved cutting and hollowing out large trees; later slit drums were made by opening bamboo stalks, a much simpler task^.It is likewise misleading to arrange the development of musical instruments by workmanship since all cultures advance at different levels and have access to different materials. As mentioned, these music and drumming cultures can be found across the world including Africa, Asia, Americas and Europe. The modern drum kit is the best example of the journey and creativity through the different ages and stages of music, in our lives.

For an example, anthropologists are still attempting to compare musical instruments made by two cultures that existed at the same time, but differed in organization, culture, and handicraft. They still cannot determine which musical instruments are more "primitive or original, except the human's voice. Giving chronology to instruments by geography is also partially unreliable, as one cannot determine when and how cultures contacted one another and shared knowledge of music making instruments. This background illustrates the invention of a musical instrument compared to, in the modern era. A new musical Instrument called Steel Pans, crafted on the surface of the discarded steel drums is a direct result of the Slavery system in the Caribbean Islands, specially Trinidad.

The Slaves took their resistance to European Colonialism with their African drumming to a higher level in Trinidad; The Colonial Christians certainly tried to convert everyone to Christianity and dissolve the Africans religion and culture which is embodies the skin Drums. The Europeans feared the drums would activate revolts on the plantations by transmitting coded messages from one plantation to another as Rhodes had witness in Africa. So the slaves were forbidden to practice their religion or to speak their own language and the drums and any form of drumming were banned and violators faced serious consequences, even hanging.

The cultural traditions of the Yoruba from Western Africa, was the popular among the Africans of the Caribbean Diaspora. The beating of skin drums was an integral part of the Africans' religious observance. Drumming was an obligation and an order to communicate with their traditional values to their saints or gods. These rituals helped them to survive the vigorous system of a life of hardship, oppression and force labour and still found ways to celebrate their traditional important social occasions. Their devoted connections to the skin drums acted as a vehicle to create an attachment as well as an ecstasy to transport and maintain their African cultural traditions for generation to come.

The abolishment of Slavery allowed for yet, another expression of musical freedom and creativity, to be developed in the Caribbean Islands and especially in Trinidad during the 1920’s forward. The invention of the Steelpan created a modern orchestral sound utilizing all the necessary musical voices; Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass, also independent of the traditionally known Chamber instruments this was never done before in the history of musical instruments.

The use of the circle of fifths theory into a practical musical instrument is a unique example of the extent of the vision of the pioneers to the newest Idiophone Orchestral instruments, simply called Pan. This new and independent symphonic orchestra can perform any written chamber music or classical scores written by the greatest of Composers.

Each steel pan instrument is fashioned from a 55-gallon steel drum whose surface has been sunk into a concave shape and divided into concentric rings of notes. The note surfaces are struck with rubber-tipped mallets. Depending on the range of notes it produces, the steel-drum instrument can consist of a single drum (the soprano pan) or as many as six to twelve drums (the bass pans)

It was said that Mr. Joe Griffith, a member of the Trinidad Police Band, encourage and initiated chromatic tuning of pans, and the very valuable advice extended the steelpan instrument tonal range to higher octaves and give rise to the functional orchestras of Steel Drum Bands or Steelband as they are now passionately called, in the country of origin.

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Repurposing Material Waste

The Bamboo plant played a very important for the transition from sink to steel drums. Because of its hollow stem, curiousity and creativity resulted in wide use of Bamboo to create rhthyms when cut to different lengths and sizes.

Discarded containers also played a role to create rhythyms as the people sang traditional songs and dance to celebrate life.

The convex shape first use of the metal barrels to beat rhythym by drummers such as Beddoe and others in the 1920'30's.

Four note instrument hammered out by Victor Wilson aka Toetee,a forerunner in the development of the steelpan. This instrument was called a "Ping Pong".

Note the concave shape of "The Spider-Web" Tenor Pan that was invented by Anthony Williams. He was the first person to create a musical instrument in the circle of 5ths, this theory was re-calculated and made popular by Pythagoras the Greek's father of mathematics in the 6th century BC. Although other Steelpan pioneers contributed it is the practicality of unique and ground-breaking musical invension that stood the time in the history of Pan.

Ellie Mannette was the first to use steel drum to create a Tenor Pan in 1946. Ellie also created the Double Seconds or Alto Voice.

Bertie Marshall invented the Soprano voice calling it the Hi-Tenor tuned from Eb above Middle C. Birtie deepened the concave shape in the development of the soprano voice.

NOW, Standard Soprano Steelpan tuned

from Middle C and constructed in cycle of Fifths.

The method of Syntersis music technology is now been used to create new version of the Steelpan Instrument.

E-pan"

Its important to mension that Bertie Marshall first made an amplied steelpan in 1966 and before key-board synthesizer MIDI technology emerged on the E-pan created by Salmon Cupid in 2010.

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TRADITIONAL TENOR PAN

tuned from B below middle C
played

Bobby Mohammed

Arranger of Cavaliers 1960's

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PROFESSOR COPELAND DESIGN

PHI- Steelpan Digital music technology.

DARREN SHEPPARD

FROM SKINS TO STEEL

This proposal is an insight to present UNESCO with a viable reason to put in place a resolution in declaring the Steelpan a Heritage Symbol of traditional arts for the decade of Africans in the Diaspora, by the year 2025. This will help to encourage the nomination of original designers such as Anthony Williams and Elliott Mannette for the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Presentation by Hameed Shaqq

The United Nations has proclaimed 2015-2024 the International Decade for People of African Descent.
: BCSA Arts Conference
© Hameed Shaqq. 2010

Anthropology of Repurposing Waste Material Management

©From Skins to Steel: Canadian Center of Steelpan Research and Development.

Repurposing material waste strategy for a sustainable future.

Pan Ad
Steelpan Entertainmant

Anthony Williams
for Nobel Prize in physics
by Hameed Shaqq
Anthony Williams is the greatest innovator of Steelpan Designers, innovators and inventors using carbon steel materials. The Steelpan instrument is made from a steel drum, it is both a unique discovery and a ground-breaking invention in its relationship to metal and music. In general, one of the most important factor about the invention and use of the steel-drum as an musical instrument, is that, the Steelpan or Pan as it is sentimentaly called, forms and meets all the criteria for what is define as an Symphonic Orchestral instrument.
Other musical instruments, usually are individualist combinations to facilitate the orchestral requirements. The traditional musical combination of instruments such as Woodwinds, Brass, Strings, Piano are the example, for centuries these musical instruments defined and was faithful to the establish Symphonic instrumentation for any type of written music. Evidently, the musical orchestra grew by accretion throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, but changed very little in its composition during the course of the 20th century. With this history in mind, the Steel Pan Instrument has become more than just a Cultural expression invented in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Steel Pan is now internationally accepted and acclaimed in areas such as Education, Arts and Entrainment and it continues to spread across the world. The Steelpan family of instruments and without the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments, can perform any Orchestral Chamber music written by great Composers, such as Mozart, Chopin, and others. Therefore, “Pan” presented a new orchestral sound, also equal in its formation to the human voices of Sopranos, Altos, Tenor and Bass as establish by the theory of music.
Since the abolition of Slavery in the British West Indies, more than two hundred years ago, the Steel Pan Instrument represents the most phenomenal, unique, ground-breaking discovery and expression of freedom for all musical instruments. The Steel Pan is now a world-wide icon and as symbolic to freedom, as is the Statue of Liberty.
Moreover, since Pythagoras the Father of Mathematics in the 6th century BC, re-calculated the theory of intervals and made popular the musical theory of a cycle of fourths and fifths, the steelpan instrument, namely the soprano and usually called the tenor pan as the lead voice, is the only musical instrument ever constructed to follow this Pythagorean configuration of the monochord. Furthermore, in a practical manner the steelpan is circular shape, then designed in a spider-web formation depicting the cycle of fifths and fourths. This was first presented to the world of music by visionary extraordinaire; Mr Anthony Williams. Williams concentric cycle of notes was formed in a spider-web configuration of twelve notes on the surface of the 55 gallon steel-drum. “I counted counted the semitones from C to F and found six, without knowing it, I had discovered the cycle of fifths.” Anthony Williams.
It is common in the theory of music, that six semi-tones equal four whole tone notes, this can be verified by the diagram above.
Mr Williams certainly deserves to be nominated for the Nobel Peace prize in Physics, for his unique invention and ground-breaking discovery of the steel-drum as an instrument during the 1950's. Although many others were involved in the early pioneering of the instrument, none exceeded the practicality presented by him in their contribution to the development to a new melodic instrument to the sound of music.
Substantially, students in any genre of music theory must be familiar with intervals and the importance of the cycle of fourths and fifths in playing chords and music.
The Steelpan as an Ida phone is as formidable as any other percussive instrument, such as the well known xylophone, vibraphone and marimba. The methodology necessary for creating the Steelpan involves multiple disciplines of science and technology, which includes some knowledge of the under-mention, Sciences, such as;
METTALURGY!
The art and science of extracting metals from their ores and other metal-bearing products and adapting these for human utilization. (Metal texture for steelpan manufacture)
METALLOGRAPHY!
The study of the structure and constitution of solid metals and their alloys and the relations of these properties. {Monitoring Metallic Tonal Structure}
GEOMETRY!
For the Construction and lay-out of the concentric shape of Steelpans including
the science and properties of size and shapes of the notes.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING!
The study of subjecting metal to pressure exerted by rolls, presses, or hammered, to change its form, or to affect the structure and therefore the mechanical and physical properties.
PHYSICS!
The science of the properties, the inter-relations of matter and energy.
MATHEMATICS!
The science of space and numbers in the abstract as applied to physical properties.

In conclusion, not only did Anthony Williams incorporate the use of the above sciences, but used the cycle of fifths as an ground-breaking discovery to make an instrument, tuned from Bb below middle C. Hence, the reason this particular musical instrument was called a 'Tenor Pan, this unique invention imitated the highest male voice in music theory. ©
ERNEST FORDE SPEAKS
ORIGINAL VIGILANTIES STEELBAND IN ARIMA 1930'S- 40'S
GODFFREY SPEAKS
A original member of Vigilates steelband from Arima 1940's
Steel Pan in Toronto on Pan Tv
Pan Alive in Toronto
CARNIVAL IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Opening for Professor Ken Phimore in Toronto.

More Information

I am available for Educational Entertainment Workshop for Student of any age including Senior as young as 90 years.

Listen to:

Stairway to heaven on Steelpan and more!

HERE

My presentation is intended to develop a wider universal understanding and appreciation for the steelpan instrument as another member to the family of musical instruments, similar to the Vibraphone and other idophones. With some demonstrations of performance techniques and approaches to improvisation, I will permit the audience to discover the versatility and creativity the steelpan brings to jazz, Classical and other genre of music. In terms of our colloquium’s theme, Improvising Matters: Rights, Risk and Responsibilities, I will show how improvisation and innovation are innate to the steelpan and how the instrument is thus a natural vehicle for any form of music as a whole.

Outside the steelpan community, very little is known about the art and collaborative principles required to play this latest member in the Idiopathic family. Indeed, many people are unaware that the steel pan can play the full gamut of musical genres, including gospel and jazz. This presentation will combine live demonstrations of the instrument’s capabilities as a tool of improvisation with explanations of its origins, construction, and musical capacity. In listening to live performances on soprano, tenor and alto steelpans, the audience will gain insight into pan improvisation in various historical and cultural contexts. The music performed will be drawn from a range of recognized jazz, classical and many composers compositions. The aim is to communicate with the audience, via the steelpan, the technique, sensitivity and imagination inherent to improvisation and creativity. This presentation will also be important in showing how creativity and innovation are intrinsic to the steelpan, this unique modern-day musical invention. As the historical component of the presentation will reveal, this instrument is, in itself, an unprecedented demonstration of improvisation and social cooperation, first emerging publicly only in 1945, on VE Day, in the streets of Trinidad. Sixty-plus years later, it continues to provide enjoyment to listeners and challenges to musicians as a unique element of our Canadian ethnology-cultural diversity.

The Industrial Revolution brought massive changes for all human beings. Humanity, the quality of life and expectations was transformed into segments never before experience in the history of the world. Musicians including Drummers and Musical Instruments were not separated by this new world order and we now reaping many benefits in the 21st century. I will explain the transition between the traditional drums to the “Steel Drum Pan” or Pan for short. Because, there was never a Drum that played the rudiments of music on the same surface, though; many cultured ones shared the different between multi drums and tones, with the Timpani as an example.A Steel Drum was shaped into an instrument; the most unique factor about this is, that since history credited Pythagoras, 6th century BC calculations of the musical cycle of fourths and fifths no instrument was ever made to follow his configuration. Describing the origin and evolution of the steelpan , explaning the fabrication while demonstrating techniques for playing the instrument with students of all ages is the object of the Workshop.

Although the steelpan, is sometimes called the steel “drum”, in fact, it is tuned to A 440 and produces a full range of musical notes. Both melodies and harmonies can be played, simultaneously on the steelpan. Colloquium participants will have a chance to see and perhaps play an instrument whose notes have been hammered and fired into a discarded oil drum in the”cycle of fifths” – recycling at its richest. Description and demonstration will show how technology can be used as a tool in the art of steelpan playing and improvisation. The steelpan is an emerging musical instrument, inspiring a discipline that incorporates new models extending beyond the traditional genres – both in terms of physical construction and musical expression.
Other musical instruments will be welcome the traditional instrumental as accompaniment in a united format, An obvious specific expectation of this presentation is that, at the end, participanting audience will be able to define criteria for analyzing steelpan improvisations and musical phrasings with comparisons to other instruments.
Hameed Shaqq

www.thepanpiper.com

Beryl 4 Sons

Trevor-====Kenneth------- Elvin- =========Hameed

My Passion forever Pan
My Passion for Pan. My love for Pan is from deep within my soul and It don't really matter which Steel band wins the competition Back in time, many of my friends played with different bands, we showed love and respected for each other and could of gone any where, I saw Boogise in Starlif, Robert Greenige in Desparadoes, Earl Brooks and many guys in all over Trinidad Pan. To play was to be devoted and honest as saying "Pan in Honey" from Clive Bradly, though I am a Harmonites to my bones. My cousin, Micheal aka "Necky' played with Renegades. It was on Carnival Sunday we all waited in the parties for the results from the competitions in Calypso, Mas and Pan to celebrate. I love Ray Holman, I love Boogise, knew when they played in Starliff, I love Ken Professor Philmore played on a show with him, I love Harmonites, we won Panorama and I toured with this steelband, I love Radoes my good pan bro James Gordon is their lead alto (second pan player).

I played in Invaders Steelband and Coca cola Silver Stars Steel Orchestra in the days of Junior Puchette even with Jones on bass with Dotting on 4 bass, Edwin Puchette playing Tenor with Jazzie and Tony, Kelvin on drums while, Tommy Crichlow came and arranged "a mysterious letter" when Junior did not return to Trinidad. Check out the 1971 Silver Stars Steel Orchestra recording, on seconds, Roy from Tunapuna on high-seconds, Junior Stowe and I are on low seconds, this is the album with ghost riders. Boogise arranged a song for Silver Silver Stars Steel Orchestra we played on the Sam Ganny radioshow "Sunday Serenade", which was quite popular at the time. Mr Art Decourte was with now Cal Invaders Steelband in 69-70 with Jamma on Bass, Birdie the tuner, Selwyn on double tenor, with Jules arranging.On tenor was Despine and Roger (oldman) on bass, but left with others to join Phase II Pan Groove. I played with Harmonites as a "roadman"71 , 72 before making the stage-side from 1973 until I left for Canada. Pan is My Mission not my Competition.

Thanks .....Peace and Respect to all Pan People everywhere...Lets advocate for a International Steelpan Panorama every year. Where, Mr Anthony Williams, Ellie Mannette , Neville Jules and others can be recognize with awards in the honor and for the Noble Prize in Physics. The Steelpan instrument is a ground-breaking discovery and unique invention as the Spider Web Tenor Pan using the age old music theory of intervals from a cycle of fourths and fifths. Even Pythagoras the Greek was credited with this cycle of intervals. However, no instrument was made in the cycle until the pioneers from the Island of Trinidad accomplished this exclusive musical invention and a new symphonic sound. Cycle of Fifths....Only Steel Drums are made into this musical configuration.

Security in China for Real

PAN ANGEL-PAN MOLISA- PANMANMAN PAT- THE PANPIPER- JEFF ON DUDUP

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Elvin 'Darkie' Forde:

My Brother in Arima Angel Harps .

Bertie Marshall

HIGHLANDERS

SpreeSimeon

TOKYO

Clive Bradly

DESPERADOS/NEWTONES

Charlo

RADOES

Earl Rodney

HARMONITES

Boogsie

PHASE II

Doggie and Alcapone

DESPERADOES/HARMONITES and SHERZANDO

Carlye-Owen-Castillano

HARMONITES 1974

( Harmonites on Tour)

DARCUEIL and PATCH: RESTING IN PEACE ETERNALY

Until we meet again.

Hameed and Winston Larose

Mr.Jane & Finch

Pan LOVE

Radio Announcers: Otis and Ras Rico

Winter Olympics 2010

BJ Marcel and Hameed in Miami

Solo Harmonites in Spain 1975

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