Steel Bands for hire in the UK
Latest reviews of our Steel Drums Bands in Sunderland
"Absolutely amazing and made our party so wonderful! We are so delighted and will book him again and tell all our friends as well. Fantastic. "
Anthea hired MELODIC PANMAN STEEL DRUM for a Private event (available in Sunderland)
"The music sounded great and the guests at the party loved it! Magaron was very professional from start to finish, would happily recommend"
Keith hired MELODIC PANMAN STEEL DRUM for a Birthday party (available in Sunderland)
"Great communication beforehand and on the day, very entertaining. Would recommend. "
Mike hired MELODIC PANMAN STEEL DRUM for a Corporate event (available in Sunderland)
FAQs about hiring Steel Drums Bands in Sunderland
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How many instruments are in a steel drum band?
How many instruments are in a steel drum band will vary but generally, smaller ensembles with 2-3 players will mostly use tenor pans or a double tenor pan. Medium-sized bands (around 5-10 players) will most likely also have bass pans and cello pans for a wider range and larger bands (10 or more players) will have multiple sets of each, plus some might have non-traditional instruments like wind instruments. It’s important to remember, that “steel drum band” is a broad term that covers a lot of different types of bands. All our steel drum bands will say on their profile how many members they usually play with but most will be flexible with their lineup to fit your needs.
Where does the steel drum come from?
The steel drum, also known as a pan, originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1930s. Although its musical roots can be traced back to West African drumming traditions, the instrument itself is based on everyday objects, such as metal oil drums.
When were steel drums invented?
The steel pan (also known as steel drums, or 'pan') was created in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1930s. This tradition traces its origins back to the enslaved Africans who came to the Caribbean in the early 1700s, when Carnival resistance was in full swing.
Are steel drums hard to play?
Whether steel drums are hard to play depends on your perspective and what you consider "hard." Overall, steel drums offer a low barrier to entry and can be incredibly enjoyable to learn, even for complete beginners. However, just like any other instrument, it takes practice and dedication to get to a professional level and our steel drummers have years of experience under their belts.
How are steel drums made?
Originally constructed from an oil drum, the steel drum is a tuned idiophone that is now manufactured of premium steel. The bottom of an oil drum is first pounded into a bowl, then hammers are used to shape and tune it to create unique resonant surfaces, creating a steel drum, also known as a pan.
How much is a steel drum?
The price of a steel drum in the UK can vary greatly depending on the reputation of the builder, the model, and your location but below is a rough estimate: Type of steel drum: - Steelpans (traditional, tuned drums): These instruments come in various sizes and ranges, impacting the price. Basic starter pans can start around £200-300, while professional instruments from renowned builders can easily exceed £5,000-10,000. - Steel tongue drums (modern, un-tuned drums): These tend to be smaller and simpler, with prices ranging from £20-50 for basic models to £100-200 for larger, higher-quality options. To find cheaper steel pans, try buying secondhand or from online retailers (however, be careful to research the seller’s reputation).
Hiring a Steel Drums Band in Sunderland
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