Did you know that the steel drum is considered the only major musical instrument invented in the 20^th century? This melodious drum originated in Trinidad in the 1930s and today can be heard throughout the Caribbean, either solo or accompanying other instruments and singers. Listen to Under the Sea from “The Little Mermaid” if you want to hear the steel drum in action (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC_mV1IpjWA).

Cut, trimmed, hammered, and tempered from the humble 50-gallon drum, the steel drum, or “pan,” is played with rubber-tipped hammers. The concave ovals on the head of the steel drum sound notes in the key of G major. Shape and size of the ovals determine pitch – the smaller the oval, the higher the pitch. Because the traditional steel drum is cut from a standard 50-gallon drum, its diameter is set. Only the length of the “skirt” is varied, resulting in defining the drum’s range. Amazingly, steel drums can be tuned, commonly once or twice a year. Hammers and an expert ear are required for tuning. Enjoy the steel drum!