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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….. It’s on its way to the Guinness World Book of Records!!!

Worlds Largest Steel Drum

On June 25, 2010, The Reel Ting Steel Drum Band introduced the Worlds Largest Steel Drum. The band performed with this new musical Steel drum instrument at a wedding event at the Premier Banquet Hall located in Miami Florida. The Steel Drum measures over 40 inches in diameter and has over five octave ranges. This incredible engineering innovation will revolutionize the way Steel Drums will be designed in the future. The sustained vibrancy, range, residence is triple that of a standard manufactured steel drum instrument.

George Pollis, Steel Drum Musician and Band Manager of Reel Ting Steel Drum Band along with Eric Ness, Master Pan Designer and Master Pan Musician, launched this new Steel Drum into the Steel Drum Community and Pan-Demonium has been re-found. This new Steel Drum covers the ranges from the front line pans, midrange pans and double second pans, double Guitars, double tenor pans and bass pans all in one steel drum. It is very easy to play and other Master Pan Musicians are waiting in line for the next Pan to be manufactured. More Photos’, Audio and Video clips of this new Steel Drum sounds can be found on our YouTube channel.

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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.

What to know about wedding musicians will depend on the kind of wedding in your plans. Additionally, you will want to decide if you need musicians for the ceremony alone, the reception alone or for both. Once you have decided these things you will be ready to choose your 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.

For less formal settings, the music for the ceremony itself may be provided using a recording. The couple may choose a song that is currently popular for these portions of the service or there may be no music 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.

Instead of live musicians, many couples today choose a DJ to provide the music for the service and or the reception. Mobile DJs often have access to all the sound equipment needed for either an indoor or outdoor wedding and play a large variety of music. This helps to meet everyone’s tastes.

Before choosing a musician or a DJ, it is a great idea to have heard them in action. You do not want to pay someone that is going to cause you special wedding day to be anything less than perfect. In addition, you should ask for and check references. If you have friends that have recently had a wedding, you might consider asking if they would recommend the musicians from their wedding.

Wedding musicians can help to set the mood and atmosphere for the wedding ceremony as well as the reception. Choosing the correct musicians is a very important part of your wedding plans.

Weddings are a time for celebration and nothing sets the mood better than the right music. Although the ceremony itself often reflects the romance of the classical era, when it comes to the reception people want to rock it out, making it a memorable event that brings out the laughter, love, and joy everyone is feeling. Therefore, the selection of wedding music or, better yet, wedding musicians can become an important decision.

When it comes to wedding music for the ceremony and reception one has many options. For those on a budget many times just a stereo or radio with speakers is chosen. Although it fills the need it often lacks the tonal quality desired leaving one wanting. A more popular option is hiring a DJ. They provide the equipment and music which has been preselected and often meet needs, but if someone really wants to make a statement nothing beats a live band and often the price is commensurate with that of a DJ.

Many types of bands specialize in weddings, but finding one that is unique and out of the ordinary can heighten the occasion for any prospective couple. Imagine the surprise on guests’ faces when a live steel drum band, like Reel Ting, begins to pop a Reggae beat that brings the sounds of a Caribbean island right into any room or outdoor space. The beat can be quick and lively or laid-back and lovely. Regardless of the form, they will have every guest up and dancing in no time.

Many wedding musicians, like Reel Ting, are not limited to genre when it comes to music. Classical music played on steel drums provides a twist on the original composition that is not only unique, but produces lovely, melodious music that is especially unique. When the party kicks into high gear, however, they are more than ready to enliven the party with a beat that will ensure party-goers never want to stop. With the options provided by steel drum bands, feeling like one is on a tropical isle can be experienced regardless of where the event is held.

When hiring any band it’s important that sufficient experience and references are provided and that they are checked thoroughly. After all, a couple has only one chance in their life to do it right so ensuring that the best band is hired for the event will save much worry. For instance, a steel drum band like Real Ting with ten years of experience and many letters of recommendation can reassure engaged couples that their event will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Florida has the perfect mix of live wedding musicians to fill any need, but for those who have yet to consider stepping outside-the-box, one would be wise to look at all options before selecting only one. It’s important to remember, too, that steel drum bands, like Reel Ting, play almost every type of wedding music desired. Whether it’s Oldies and Goldie’s that the guests can sing along with, Johnny Cash for your two-stepping attendees, or Caribbean island favorites, this type of music will make any wedding, for those living in Florida as well as those planning a destination wedding, something to remember for a lifetime.

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.

For less formal settings, the music for the ceremony itself may be provided using a recording. The couple may choose a song that is currently popular for these portions of the service or there may be no music at all.

Some couples that are getting married will want a band for the reception. The band will entertain your guests and provide music for dancing. Be sure that you contract the band for the correct length of time for the reception.

Instead of live musicians, many couples today choose a DJ to provide the music for the service and or the reception. Mobile DJs often have access to all the sound equipment needed for either an indoor or outdoor wedding and play a large variety of music. This helps to meet everyone’s tastes.

Before choosing a musician or a DJ, it is a great idea to have heard them in action. You do not want to pay someone that is going to cause you special wedding day to be anything less than perfect. In addition, you should ask for and check references. If you have friends that have recently had a wedding, you might consider asking if they would recommend the musicians from their wedding.

Wedding musicians can be a very important part of your wedding day. They provide music for the ceremony and the reception. Getting the right group can make or break the day.

When you are planning a stunning Caribbean wedding, make the your day complete with fabulous wedding musicians! When the steel drum band introduces you as a couple for the first time, a lasting memory will be made even more special!

What to know about wedding musicians will depend on the kind of wedding in your plans. Additionally, you will want to decide if you need musicians for the ceremony alone, the reception alone or for both. Once you have decided these things you will be ready to choose your musicians.

Very formal weddings use an organ for playing of the processional as well as the recessional. Music may also be played as a prelude and to accompany any singers in the ceremony.

For less formal settings, the music for the ceremony itself may be provided using a recording. The couple may choose a song that is currently popular for these portions of the service or there may be no music 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.

When planning the less formal weddings, many persons choose a DJ rather than a live band. The DJ may be able to provide music for goth the service and the reception. He also can often provide any needed sound equipment and can play a variety of music to entertain everyone in attendance.

The best way to choose a musician or a DJ for your wedding is to hear them live and in person. If you do not have a chance to hear the band beforehand, you should as friends for referrals. In addition, ask the group or person for references. Check with the references to see if they recommend the musicians. You do not want a bad musician to mess up your special day.

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.