Steelpans are the only family of chromatic, acoustic instruments developed in the last century. Invented in Trinidad around the Second World War, they are traditionally handmade from oil drums, and hand-tuned by a small number of master pan tuners.
Although historically hard to come by, steelpans will be found in 19 cities around the US in participatory events and “petting zoos” for Make Music Day 2022, thanks to Panyard’s Jumbie Jams, an entry level steel pan designed to be easily playable by anyone.
Many thanks to Panyard!