STEELING NOTES: A GUIDE TO STEELBAND ARRANGEMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

” The steelpan is said to be the only genuine acoustic instrument invented during the 20th Century. The first instruments brought to South Africa were those of Andrew Tracey in the late 1960s. Steelband ensembles can range from 2 to 120+ players. Many players also use the instrument solo with conventional instruments like drum kit, guitars and keyboards. There are between 20 and 30 different types of steelpan instruments, each with its own range and playing its own significant part in the ensemble. The art of steelband arranging varies from simple to complex. This is seen in the great variety between small bands and Panorama bands. Arrangers have the freedom to express their own individual style while still using a variety of ethnic and traditional steelband styles. The ideas and technical devices that may be added to the arrangement are endless. The aim is to produce a masterpiece that expresses the ensembles’ musical ability, talent, co-operation and communication. Changes in style, tempo and dynamics are used frequently during arrangements. These elements of music keep the audience’s ears entertained and interested. The changes are used to create suspense and contrast. With fast and slow, loud and soft, they literally bring the arrangement to life and provide the character of the music. Quote of ‘Abstract’ from the Full Text.