Compositions and Arrangements
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Our Steel Drums
Steel drums are individually hand-crafted, and as a result, no two are exactly alike. The construction of a steel drum can be broken into two large components: building and tuning, and sometimes these components are executed by different people. Barracuda Steel Drums recognizes the individual stylistic and artistic choices of each of its craftsman, credits them by name for their work, and celebrates the unique character of every instrument.
Chromed Lead
This instrument is a chromed Lead. If you think of the voices in a SATB choir, the Lead is the equivalent of the soprano voice. The Lead, also called "Tenor" in Trinidad or "Melody" in other countries, functions primarily as a melodic instrument. Its lowest note is Middle C, and its highest is G above the treble clef.
Painted Spiderweb Lead
This instrument is a black painted Spiderweb Lead. If you think of the voices in a SATB choir, the Lead is the equivalent of the soprano voice. Fully contained on one drum and laid out in a circle of fifths pattern designed by Tony Williams, the Lead functions primarily as a melodic instrument. Its lowest note is Middle C, and its highest is G above the treble clef.
Painted Bass
This instrument is a black painted Bass. If you think of the voices in a SATB choir, the Bass literally functions as the bass voice. Laid out across six drums in a pattern of Ellie Mannette’s design, the Bass functions as you would expect. Its lowest note is B-flat below the bass clef, and its highest is E-flat in the bass clef.
Chromed Triple Guitar
This instrument is a chromed Triple Guitar. If you think of the voices in a choir, the Guitar is loosely equivalent to the tenor voice. Laid out across three drums in a diminished chord pattern, the Guitar primarily functions as a supportive, interior voice.
Its lowest note is B below the bass clef, its highest is C# in the treble clef.
Chromed Double Second
This instrument is a chromed Double Second. If you think of the voices in a SATB choir, the Double Second is loosely equivalent to the alto voice. Laid out across two drums in a whole tone pattern of Ellie Mannette’s design, the Double Second can function both melodically and as a supportive, interior voice. Its lowest note is E in the bass clef, and its highest is E-flat above the treble clef.
Imported Instruments
We are now importing affordable "pre-tuned" instruments from Trinidad, which are then completed by Emily here in Texas - Mannette-style tuning on an affordable instrument. This package includes a chromed, low-C tenor pan, case, and sticks. Please contact us for pricing. Other voices may be available.
Sticks
Our sticks are hand crafted out of oak, and sanded and stained to bring out the natural detail in the wood, which we prefer to aluminum shafts. All sticks have a rubber playing end, as well as a bumper on the back side of the stick. This bumper can function as extra security in your grip, an alternative playing end, or just to minimize the unpleasant sound of dropping your stick inside your pan. Currently, sticks for all voices except bass are $20, and bass are $25.Compositions and Arrangements
Support new music for pan! Many of Emily's compositions and arrangements are published by Boxfish Music. In addition to her charts, Boxfish also publishes other great literature for steelband by artists dedicated to promoting new music for pan. Below are several links to student performances of her work, as well as other pieces that are not yet published. If you are interested in performing one of these unpublished arrangments, click here, she's happy to share! If there's no link to a performance and you'd like to have a listen, click here- there's a MIDI file included with all of these charts.
Click here for access to an ever-growing library of freely shared arrangements. It's important to pay for music and to invest in the art form's professionals, but many of us are also happy to share our unpublished work within the community.
Forgive the recording quality- these are all amateur performances.
Click on HD for better video.