Wedding Blog
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I’m actually not referring to the usual frying and other kinds of pans, but rather, the steel drum, otherwise known as the steel pan. It’s an instrument that was created in the Caribbean in the 1930s on the island country of Trinidad & Tobago.
The steel drum is a descendant of the hand drum and is essentially a large oil drum container that has been dented to produce a specific tone. Actually, it’s now very common for many steel drums to make sounds that correspond to standard musical notes. Most of the time they are printed on the portion of the drum that will produce that particular note, as you can see below.
More advanced players don’t need the notes printed on their drums.
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There are also different types of pans like the lead tenor, double tenor, bass, etc., each having its own tone and purpose in a large steel drum group.
Steel pan music is now very common all over the Caribbean, and many islands have steel pan competitions included in their carnivals. Steel drums have a uniquely Caribbean flavor.
Why am I writing about this? Stay tuned.
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My friend just had a steel drummer play at her beach wedding. It sounded wonderful!
When I was little, my parents forced me to take music lessons. They asked me what instrument I wanted to play, and I said without hesitation, “Steel Drums”.
They made me play the flute instead 
Note to future parents… if you’re gonna ask your kid what they want, you should probably roll with it! I quit the flute so fast their heads were spinning!
We hired a steel drum band for our rehersal dinner - it was PERFECT 
We have a steel drum band for our beach ceremony. I cannot wait to walk down the aisle to that!
I’m assuming you will be having a steel drum band at your wedding just like I am! They sound amazing and I can’t wait to have them playing as I walk down the aisle on the yacht we are getting married on! Check them out… they are awesome — PanJive in So Cal!
*sigh* I LOVE the steel drum! I can’t wait to see how you’re incorporating this into your wedding
Yay! We had a steel drum band play the ceremony and reception. Canon in D on the pan…awesome! They were amazing and we recieved so many compliments on them. People really enjoyed the unique entertainment.
I am having a steel pan trio during the cocktail hour as a homage to my Mother’s side of the family who are from Trinidad. I grew up in Brooklyn which has the biggest West Indian Parade this side of the Caribbean a mere 5 blocks from our house and went every year for most of my childhood. There is nothing–NOTHING– like the music of the steel pan
What a great idea! I got to play around on a steel drum in one of my classes this semester! What a cool sound. I’m so jealous that you are able to incorporate this into your wedding!
I love the sound of steel drums! If you’re having them at your wedding, I’m sure your guests will have a blast!
aww love this post. I am actually half Trini. And I want this for my cocktail hour. I’m thinking of finding someone on craigslist that will be willing to do a solo cheap. My fam will love it if I can get someone to play some oldies!
Steel drums will be awesome! I am excited to hear part 2!
Can’t wait to hear how you’ll be incorporating the steel drum. Sounds exciting.
We had a steel drummer for our wedding ceremony by the ocean. It was perfect and the guest loved it. I waled down the aisle to Come Away With Me by Norah Jones and it sounded beautiful on the steel pan.
Walked*
@doctorgirl - It’s never too late!! Try to learn.
@Elizabeth - Hey, island ‘oman. I do love the Parkway. I have not had a chance to go with Mr. Swan yet for a variety of reasons, but hopefully we will this year.
@Cereza - Ooohh! I’d love to know the songs on your playlist.
I love love LOVE steel drums! I would really like to get one of my own to play around with… but for now, I make myself be content with CDs!
I used to work as a Steel Drum Musician for 5 years!! It was so much fun.
I love the steel drums! When I was in elementary school, I was fortunate enough to be a part of our steel drum band. My drum of choice was the double seconds, and my best friend played the lead. It brings back fond memories. I’m excited to hear more!
~Ash
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Mrs. Swan, New York City
Age and Occupation: 31, Legislative Representative
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Finance Guy
Engagement Date: August 9, 2008
Wedding Date: August 2009
Venue: Battery Gardens
About Me: I am an un-crafty but resourceful, Caribbean-born but New York-raised woman who's been known to analyze "Dancing with the Stars" and “So You Think You Can Dance”, buy stinky cheese, and use way too many parentheses. I keep lists for fun, am constantly daydreaming of my next international travel adventure (four continents down, three to go), debating sports (let’s Got Mets/Giants!) and dancing around my apartment to stay sane. I am excited to share our wedding planning journey as I hope to plan a streamlined, personal, and fun wedding with the greatest life partner I could ever imagine, Mr. Swan.
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