Board members from ArtsWestCT delivered two steel pan sets to the West Haven Child Development Center, located at 201 Noble St. Children immediately got busy playing them, continuing their musical education as plans get underway for Make Music Day 2023. The second annual event takes place June 21, at Old Grove Park from 5-8:30 p.m., and is open to the public.
The national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, steel pan has become a popular part of percussion groups across the Caribbean, especially at Carnival time. The player strikes different areas of the pan with short wooden mallets that have rubber tips on both ends to make different notes.
Fashioned out of industrial steel drums and other repurposed metal objects since the 1930’s, the instrument has cultural and historical roots going back much further, to the talking drums of many West African cultures.
These steel pans are made by a company called JumbleJam. The table-top setup is easy to play for all ages. There are many YouTube videos where you can see the steel pans in action.
The donation was arranged by ArtsWestCT’s treasurer Zohra Rawling, a local musician and voice instructor, who leads the ensemble Madame Thalia. She purchased them through Make Music International. “Providing these instruments to the Center as an educational resource is a great example of our mission, to center creative expression and performance by and for the West Haven community,” said group President Elinor Slomba. “Last year we hired a percussionist to spend several days in-residence with the children, and hope to do something similar this year. Meanwhile, members of the broader community will have a chance to see, play, and learn about the steel pans and other instruments when we celebrate Make Music Day.”
Make Music Day, started in West Haven by ArtsWestCT and the West Haven Early Childhood Council in 2022, returns as a celebration of the first day of summer with live music at the beach. In 2023, the family-friendly event, which falls on a Wednesday this year, is being held in conjunction with the City of West Haven. More details to follow in the coming weeks.
Make Music Day is free and open to the public.
Food trucks will be on site. Community groups will have tables where educational information and community resources will be distributed. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own musical instruments or use one of a limited number to be made on-site from repurposed materials.
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Make Music Day: Wednesday, June 21
Time: 5-8:30 p.m.
Place: Old Grove Park
Parking: Free parking is available to residents. To access resident parking lots, beach stickers to place on qualified vehicles may be picked up in advance at City Hall.