Contextual Associations

The lead pan is a gongchime idiophone belonging to the steel band, the indigenous orchestra from Trinidad and Tobago. Steel pans (or simply ‘pans’), including the lead pan, are the primary constituents of steel bands, which also typically include other traditional and ad-hoc rhythm instruments. For detailed information on the social uses and meanings of this instrument see the ‘Steel Band from Trinidad and Tobago’ ensemble page.

Description

The lead pan is an aggregate gong comprising 29 apexes divided from a common surface fashioned from the bottom of a 55-gallon oil drum (also known as a pan) that has been sunken into a concave bowl. The 29 oval bosses on this concave face are separated from each other by a shared contiguous rim and arranged in three concentric circles. The gongs range in size from 2 inches to 6.5 inches across the widest active area. The bosses are laid out in perfect consonances, 5ths apart, due to significant harmonic implications—sympathetic vibration makes each gong resonate with the sounding its neighbors (listen to audio clip). The skirt extends 5.3 inches down the pan, exposing a small amount of the belly (underside of the playing surface). The pan playing surface and skirt are highly polished. The aluminum stick beaters are lightweight and rubber-headed (see detail image) to protect against throwing the gongs out of tune during rapid attacks.

Player - Instrument Interface and Sound Production

The pan is suspended from a metal rack with thick plastic loops, hanging the playing surface horizontally at approximately waist height. A standing player holds a stick in either hand, often alternating attacks, as he or she strikes the instrument's vertices. Tremolo and rapid arpeggiations are used in lieu of an actual sustain. The lead pan is classified as a front-line instrument in the steel band, reflecting its position in the performance arrangement of the ensemble and its musical role. A full chromatic scale between D4 to F-sharp6 is available to the performer. The two outermost circles of the layout span an entire chromatic octave and the innermost circle contains F6, D6, E6, F-sharp6, and D-sharp6. Lead pans are the highest pitched instruments in the ensemble and usually play the melody in a f to fff dynamic range.

Origins/History/Evolution

For a comprehensive overview of the history and evolution of this instrument, see the ‘Steel Band from Trinidad and Tobago’ ensemble page. 

Bibliographic Citations

Myers, Helen. "Trinidad and Tobago." Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press, accessed November 30, 2012, http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/44477

Montagu, Jeremy. "steel band." The Oxford Companion to Music. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press, accessed November 30, 2012, http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/opr/t114/e6439

Rimmer, Joan. 1984. "Steel band [tinpanny]," NGDMI v.3: 448-449.

Sandiford, Simeon. 1987. Steel bands of Trinidad & Tobago. CD with liner notes. Delos International DE 4011.

Shannon Dudley. "Steel band." Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press, accessed November 30, 2012, http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/26590