Reel Ting : History of Steel Drums

During the late 1800’s “Tamboo Bamboo’ band of Trinidad used pieces of bamboo to create music. Eventually, their bamboo instruments were replaced by metal one made of discarded biscuit cans, garbage can, paint cans and discarded oil drum left by American sailors during the second world war. After over 100 years of exploration and a lot of careful tuning they turned this discarded rubble into one of the world’s most soughs sounds, that of the Steel Drum.

Pan-Demonium

The instruments in a steel drum band are divided into three main groups: frontline pans, midrange pans and background pans. Frontline pans which often play the melody, include tenor, double tenor (two pans preformed at one time by one musician), and double second (two pans preformed at one time by one musician). Background pans, such as the tenor bass and six bass (Six pans or more played at one time by one musician) produce the root or bass line for the other instruments in the band
Winston Spree Simon is most famous for his spectacular performance at the 1946 Carnival, where he played his 15-note tenor pan. In 1946, Ulric Springer became one of the first pan players to use two sticks, now Master Pan Musician are using four sticks. In the early 1950’s Tony Williams created a pan with a 4th and 5th arrangement of notes in a spider –web pattern. Elliott Mannette is credited with giving the steel drum its current form. He was the first to create a pan with a concave face and one of the first to use a 55-gallon oil drum.

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If you are having an upcoming function and are wondering what kind of music to pick, think about, Steel Drum Bands – Island Sound for Your Party. When a party has the Caribbean sound of the steel drums, it take it to a whole new level of fun. It can really take an outdoor event and make it more festive. There are lots of reasons why choosing this type of music makes sense.

For a sound and beat that is unusual to most parties, you can try the steel made drum sound. This particular sound is so different that it will be pleasing to your guests ears as they enter the party. While most events have the same kind of bands or DJ’s, you will be the one that proves to be unique.

Having a unique sound at your function is sure to get the guests up and dancing. It will make your party quite memorable. You will have people dancing and others mingling with mention of the music. There will be people asking you for contact numbers who want to use the same band at any upcoming parties they might be having.

You will not have to worry about people not hearing the music, this rich sound will carry itself far and beyond. That means your friends and family could be entertained anywhere they choose to go and mingle.

For a band that is sure to be a crowd entertainer, you will find that the people playing the drums, will know how to interact with the group and keep them hopping to the beat.

Steel Drum Bands – Island Sound for Your Party, will be a blast and a party to remember for a long time. You can find local bands by checking the internet for groups in your area. If you want to pay more, you can look even further for a band that can provide you with the ultimate sound.

What you should know about Wedding musicians depends on the type of wedding you are planning. In addition, you will need to decide if you want the musicians for the ceremony, the reception or for both. Once you have an idea of these variables, you will be set to choose the musicians.

The most traditional weddings use a piano or organ for playing the Wedding March as well as the recessional. Someone may sing during the ceremony and the person is generally accompanied by the instrument.

In less traditional settings, this music may be provided by a recording or using another instrument. In fact, in less formal weddings the traditional processional and recessional music may not be used at all.

Many couples choose a band for the reception. The band can provide dance music for the entertainment of the guests. You will want to determine the length of the reception before contracting with the band.

If you are planning a less formal wedding, you may have a DJ to play recorded music for both the ceremony and for the reception. Most mobile DJs will provide the sound equipment needed for both places and will play a variety of music to meet the taste of a wide variety of guests.

Before you select the musician or DJ you should listen to them at some other place. If you have heard someone you like at a friend’s wedding be sure that you contact them first. Ask for references and be sure that you check out those references. If at all possible, make arrangements to hear the band live before you make your final decision.

Wedding musicians are important in setting the mood and atmosphere for the ceremony and for the reception. If you choose the correct musicians, your day will go smoother.

Reel Ting Steel Drum Band shot a brand new music video November 19^th 2009 at the Juno Pier.

Everyone had a great time, and even the camera crew was singing and dancing. They couldn’t help it – it’s what always happens when the band starts playing.

If you’re getting married in South Florida – or planning a birthday party or other special event – you can count on Reel Ting Steel Drum Band to make your event memorable and FUN!

Call George Pollis to get your event on Reel Ting’s calendar. Call (561) 215-7596 to book the band.

Keno is currently the touring keyboard player for Ky-Mani-Marley, son of Reggae Great Bob Marley.

Keno’s first appearance with Reel Ting was August 14^th 2009 at the Cruzan Stadium West Palm Beach Florida Performing the opening act for the Dave Mathews Band. The sold-out show thrilled more than 22,000 fans. Keno’s tour experience will enhance Reel Ting’s world tour scheduled in 2011 which will include Germany, Australia, United Kingdom, Africa, and South America.

Are you ready for some football?

Reel Ting Steel Drum Band is!!!!!!!

The Reel Ting Steel Drum Band was invited by one of the NFL preferred vendors to perform at Landshark Stadium February 07, 2010 for the NFL’s Super Bowl Championship game. Stay tuned for more details.

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/44

On January 16^th 2010 the Reel Ting Steel Drum Band travels to the city of Key West to perform its Caribbean Music for the Perz Wedding. The wedding event will feature a true tropical flair with steel drum performing at the wedding ceremony, then a full dance band for the reception .The band will be performing its recently recorded wedding classic on Steel Pans, Pachelbel’s Canon in D.

Built in 1896, the Southernmost House is a superb architectural site that offers a historical museum and 13 guest rooms that are open to the public. Visitors feel enveloped in the rich history of the house which was at one time a Cuban nightclub. Browsing through the museum, you’ll be treated to many Presidential artifacts including signatures of William Henry Harrison and President Johnson. On display is also a collection of personal writings of Ernest Hemingway, including letters he wrote to friends and relatives. There’s also an exhibit of artifacts and treasure that was salvaged by Whitey Keevan from the shipwreck of a Spanish galleon.

Thought you’d enjoy reading this story by Ray D’Ariano.

http://www.areuonsomething.com/reviews_reelting.html

Posted as the largest concert event in Palm Beach County in years, on August 14th 2009, the Reel Ting Steel Drum Island Band opened the show at the Cruzan Rum Amphitheater in West Palm Beach Florida for the Dave Matthews Band.

Cruzan Rum and the Reel Ting put together the “Show of Shows”. The band featured nine pieces including Keno Hall Keyboard player from The “Ziggy Marley Band” and the Famous Jimmy “Jam” Graham, a Steel Drum Player with roots in Jamaica who has performed with his childhood friend “Shaggy”.  The band also featured Bobby “Chew” Buffett from Ocean City, New Jersey performing on the harmonica and the steel guitar.

What a Night!!!

“This was the largest event the Reel Ting Band has ever performed at,” says band manager and steel drum musician George Pollis.

“With over 22,000 fans in attendance for this concert event, the Reel Ting did a spectacular job!” says Wayne Pozzi, Cruzan Rum executive. “I would recommend them to anyone. They are a band with a bright future.”

On October 9th and 10th 2009 the Reel Ting Band hits the Road( A1A) to the Florida Keys to perform at Tranquility Bay in Marathon, Florida.

The event is scheduled to kickoff  Friday evening where the Reel Ting will perform at a Beach Bonfire event hosted by Tare Charleston, Bride. The event will feature Island songs of Jimmy Buffett and Bob Marley with special Caribbean food and plenty of Rum Punch. On Saturday the band will be performing at the ceremony at sunset to be followed by a cocktail hour and then dancing all night under the “Caribbean Stars” Wedding event.

Sounds like a Island festival to me!!!!!

To book Reel Ting’s Steel Drum Musicians for your wedding or event, call George at 561-215-7596.