Top Three Reasons for Playing in a Steel Pan Band

"Band members have a special bond. A great band is more than just some people working together. It's like a highly specialized army unit or a winning sports team. A unique combination of elements that become stronger together than apart." - Steven Van Zandt.

The Steel Pan Collective is a community of steel pan players and band members. Everyday, we hear and see stories of why playing in a steel pan group is so special. It doesn't matter whether someone is a solo steel pan player in a jazz group or one of of many players warming up for Panorama, there is an appeal and attraction to playing with others.   Here are our top three:

Camaraderie
There is a special bond among steel pan players. We don't talk about it. It is a feeling. We know we are doing something cool, something unique. We cheer each other on no matter what.  It could be in rehearsals, traveling to a gig, or performing on stage. Steel pan players belong to a special musical family. And like any family, no matter the ups or downs, the love shines through. Watch a steel pan performance on YouTube. See what happens when players make eye contact with each other. Chances are you are going to see a genuine smile come over them. They share a love of playing steel pan.

Overcome Risks Together
Getting that new piece of music can be overwhelming. Once a steel pan group overcomes the initial shock, they get to it and learn the piece. It takes time. But bit by bit, note by note, they find a way to get through it. We help each other figure out the hard parts. Steel pan players will play a piece  several times until it sounds right. Even our best professionals iron out the details. They too, will practice something over and over again.  And that's ok because steel plan players are truly invested in creating the best sounding music on the planet.

Shared Learning
Learning steel pan has changed little since its beginning. Many of the early players learned by rote. That tradition continues today. Most players are shown the notes and the pattern to play. They watch others over and over again before trying it themselves. When a difficult part comes up, the ask someone. Eventually they get it because its a supportive, learning experience for everyone.

Part of Something Bigger
There is nothing like being in a steel pan band. It is one of the best parts of playing. Your growth happens because you have a chance to be a part of something special, something bigger than yourself.  That is what steel pan is all about.

Those smiles will be on display at the 2015 Pan People Music Festival. Come and see what it is like to be part of a steel pan band.