Our Instruments

A pan (or steel pan) is a finely tuned steel drum, and is the only new acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century. It originated on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad and its first crude notes were pounded out by descendants of African slaves on inverted 55-gallon oil drums abandoned there after WWII. 

Today’s family of steel pans is now played throughout the world and is suitable for all genres of musical styles–from classical and pop, to Afro-Cuban, to the traditional calypso and soca of the Islands. The instruments in a typical steel orchestra cover a tonal range of 5 octaves.

Starting with the highest pitch, the groups of instruments are called: tenor or soprano, double tenor, double second, guitar, cello, quads, tenor bass, 6 bass and 12 bass. Many steelbands center around an “engine room” (acoustic drum kit, cow bell, brake drum, scratchers and shakers) that helps to drive the music and keeps it steady and lively.