Stand and Play!

Steel pans are a physically demanding instrument. Just getting instruments to and from gigs can take a toll on any pan musician or group. But there is so much more to the instrument. "Playing" steel pans is just as physical. It just makes sense that the better you use your body, the better you play.

One of the struggles of steel pan players is where to stand in relation to their pan(s). Here are some suggestions from the website MyPanyard:

1) Pans should be position waist high,
2) Give yourself about five inches out from the pan to allow for movement,
3) Feet planted firmly on the ground.

We have found at the Steel Pan Collective that keeping elbows at or little above waist high works well too. Using foot mats are ok because they take some of the pressure off your feet. Keeping pliable knees and loose shoulders also prevents strain and injury. Staying limber and loose is one of the keys for getting the most out of your steel pan playing.

MyPanyard offers specific suggestions for tenors, doubles, guitars, quadrophonics, and basses. General resources such as the Musician's Way also offer suggestions that will help you play better and for longer.

This is the season when our steel pan gigs and performances pick up. Events and festivals, like the 2015 Pan People Music Festival, are chances to showcase our talents. Making sure your body is prepared for the season will make sure your performances are the best.