A Plan for Pan
by akua leith
' we cannot remain stagnant or become too comfortable in our current state while the rest of the world continues to make strides with the steelpan.
as trinidad and tobago celebrates 60 years as an independent nation, my focus is on one of the greatest gifts that this small nation has given to the world: the gift that is the Steelpan. This instrument that started in East Port of Spain is now being played and appreciated across the globe. In celebration of our nation's 60th birthday, I, along with my colleagues, have launched the Musical Instruments of Trinidad and Tobago Company Limited ( mittco). This is a state-of-the-art steelpan manufacturing plant and one-stop shop.
My own vision for greater elevation of the steelpan pervaded my senses early one morning in 2018. It was a spiritual experience and one I was prepared for with prior insight from the Bible and amplified through the book I was reading at the time, Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Both books advised to 'Write the vision and make it plain…'. While writing, I observed that there was a theme which has been prevalent throughout my musical journey as a student, performer, arranger, educator, steelpan builder and conductor. I recognised the abundance of under-tapped talent that existed in the steelpan fraternity as well as the huge reservoir of musical possibilities for the steelpan. I felt that this was where I could make a difference. My vision for a Steelpan Ecosystem was born.
Through this Steelpan Ecosystem, we can ensure that Trinidad and Tobago will always be seen as the 'Mecca' of Steelpan. This Steelpan ecosystem will comprise:
1. a manufacturing facility
This is what we have recently launched
at mittco. This facility is a one-stop shop for steelpan instruments which are crafted and tuned by some of Trinidad's best artisans. Steelpans can be purchased in person or online. Tours displaying the steelpan making process will be available to the public soon.
2. a steel symphonyorchestra
The Steel Symphony Orchestra will be used to promote the steelpan instrument and by extension, Trinidad and Tobago. The orchestra will demonstrate the versatility of the instrument through performance of various genres of music to local and international audiences. This is expected to encourage sales of the instrument, inspire others to learn to play the instrument and boost interest in our country.
3. a steelpan conservatory
There is an abundance of music schools and pan yards which teach the rudiments of playing the steelpan. However, it would be a great achievement if Trinidad and Tobago could establish a conservatory, similar to Julliard, specifically for steelpan performers, where the focus would be strictly on honing performance and composition skills. This will be a space where performers who wish to become steelpan virtuosos can learn from our celebrated Masters.
4. the steelpan store
The Steelpan Store will have every item relating to the Steelpan available for in-person or online sale. All steelpans and ancillary accessories such as sticks, pan stands, books, music stands, cases, drums, et cetera will be available for sale.
5. a museum and hall of fame
It is critical that our people, as well as visitors to our shores, can learn about our past and understand the trials we overcame to get to where we are today. Our pioneers and contributors must always be acknowledged and celebrated. A space should be created where anyone can easily access information on the steelpan and its contributors from origins to present day.
6. a research and development/ scholarship fund
It is imperative that we continue to evolve. We cannot remain stagnant or become too comfortable in our current state while the rest of the world continues to make strides with the steelpan. Through this Research and Development/Scholarship Fund we can encourage and support the creativity and innovation of our people so that the steelpan instrument can continue to grow. Many people consider me a dreamer and without financial support my ideas would remain just dreams. Therefore, I would like to see this materialise, so that the legacy of the steelpan can continue for future generations.
7. an agencyand consultancyfirm
Newcomers to the industry should not have to start from zero. A Steelpan Agency and Consultancy Firm would be beneficial to everyone involved in the related industries. There needs to be a space where experts in the various industries linked to the steelpan are willing to lend their expertise to others with shared interests and to those who would like to be a part of the steelpan ecosystem.
8. a state-of-the-artconcerthall
This Concert Hall will be designed as a steelpan with a revolving stage and a retractable roof. It will be an architectural challenge, I'm sure, but just as Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Egypt has the pyramids, Brazil has Christ the Redeemer, Australia has the Sydney Opera House… Trinidad and Tobago should have an architectural monument that reflects our heritage.
These eight areas I have identified are a part of my vision to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago will always be the forerunner when it comes to our indigenous instrument, the Steelpan. Not everyone understands my vision. However, I will do my best to contribute to the legacy of the steelpan while I am here and ensure that future generations are equipped to take the mantle from me.
To summarise, in the next 60 years in Trinidad and Tobago, I would love to see more appreciation, promotion and innovation of the steelpan, so that this instrument can continue to evolve. However, it is also important that greater efforts are made to preserve and celebrate our history so that the stories are ingrained within us and become a part of our cultural identity. As the birthplace of the steelpan, it is my expectation that steelpan classes would be a part of the main curriculum at all schools. This is already being done internationally. I see the steelpan as a symbol of our national pride, and as such, every Trinbagonian should endeavour to have a steelpan in their home.
Steelband legend Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe thrills the audience at the launch of the new pan manufacturing company, MITTCO. Photo courtesy of MITTCO.
Guests get a close-up view of MITTCO's pan manufacturing process at the new steelpan manufacturing company's facility at e-Teck Industrial Park in Diamond Vale, Diego Martin. Photo courtesy of MITTCO.
