Steel Drums/Steel Drum Pans and the Solid Hoop Innovation
October 21, 2010Steel Drum Bands
December 3, 2010Beach wedding music has always been one of the most important aspects for a well planned beach wedding ceremony. Did you know that you can impress all your friends and other people that you have invited to your wedding simply by having a steel drum as one of your instruments? Well, in this article I’m going to show you how to make your wedding an unforgettable memory for all the people you have invited by giving you some tips before hiring a steel drum player.
A little background.
Let’s talk about the history of steel drums a bit. Steel drums (or steel pans) originated from Trinidad and Tobago. Made by black slaves, this instrument was first used as a tool of communication. Tamboo-bamboo, a tunable stick made of bamboo wood was the first step in the evolution of a modern steel drum. One of the well known figures that are often related to steel pans is Rudolph Charles, a leader of the steelband movement in Trinidad and Tobago.
Why Is the ceremony music so important?
Well, the wedding ceremony music is very important because this is the single most important aspect of leaving a positive impression on your guests. Sure, your music choice might be a bit conservative but think about it: do you want people to remember your wedding as a high-class one, or do you want them to remember it as an informal, relaxing experience? Choosing the right music type will determine exactly that. You have many options here, but I want to specifically talk about one here: having a steel drum.
Why is having a steel drum band the best option for a beach wedding ceremony?
To tell you the truth, beach wedding ceremonies are considered to be pretty informal right from the start. That’s why it’s often not a good idea to play serious music. You might confuse your visitors, and you absolutely don’t want that.
So, what is the best, relaxing and fun alternative? Simply hire a steel drum band. steel drums are an excellent way to make your ceremony lively and reduce the pressure of it being too formal. You can bet people generally don’t like very formal weddings. Sure, things such as a wedding speech or a toast can sometimes be fun, but you don’t want to make a mistake by making every aspect of your wedding boring and dull just for the sake of formality. As I’ve already mentioned before, steel drum music is an excellent way to bring life to your wedding. Hiring a great steel drum player who is full of energy will boost your wedding experience to the heights, guaranteed.
Here are some tips when hiring a steel drum player or a band.
First of all, you must absolutely be assured of their reputation and professionalism. Many people have fallen prey to unprofessional bands which are after your money only. Make sure you find out as much as possible about the band you’re about to hire. Find out if they have a website
or any contact information outside of their personal numbers. You don’t want to have business with kids who assembled for some quick buck. This is probably one of the most important days of your life.
Secondly, make sure that the price is competitive. When I talk to some of my friends, you wouldn’t believe how much unnecessary funding has been flushed down the toilet because of the wedding planners being lazy. Let’s admit it, there aren’t that many steel drum bands
in Florida. But that doesn’t excuse you from researching a bit, does it. The most expensive bands are not always the best either. Consider the range $300-$3000 to be your playing field. Don’t overpay, it doesn’t guarantee for anything.
Conclusion.
I hope this article has helped you to realize the importance of having a great steel drum band as a part of your beach wedding ceremony and I also hope you’ve found out new things about steel drum as an instrument.
52 Comments
Ephraim and his team are excellent, versatile steel drum players!
I love steel drum music since I was a child. This music is original and has a pleasant and joyous sound that will bring life and happiness to any occasion!
Steel Drum is the most incredible sound of the islands, so if you can’t go to the islands let the Drums bring the islands to you.
I love steel pan music…and it is so tru that it would make a great part of a wedding ceremony…giving people show dont know about it a taste of what the island life is like and making a wedding one filled with memories people will always reminisce on
steel pan music really gives you that authentic caribbean feeling. It is the soundtrack of my teenage years.
Whenever i hear steel pan music my body automatically moves, no one can stand still whenever the pan plays. I love steel pan music. Good to go Ephraim.
Only Rythmtrail can give you a true steel pan experience! I’ve been listining to you play Brown Eye Girl and still in awe of your phenomenal talent! You’ve reached my heart and soul by combining the songs I love to my favorite Caribbean instrument. Thank you.
Congratulations Emphrain for a job well done.
It was indeed a pleasure listening to your steel band music. You are one of the best in the world.
Again, Congratulations and keep the good work up.
Rhythym Trail’s sound is unique. Takes one back to the old days when steel pan music was the gong thing, makes you just wan to keep moving and these fellows have revived just that.
Thanks Vanita
Loved you guys at my launch…the sound was wonderful and everyone talked about it after you left. You’re the best in town…thanks for playing for us.
The steel drum music added the true Caribbean flava to our Caribbean American Passport News Magazine launch, the quality was just unbelievable….thanks for being a part of our event.
Thanks Sammy & Guenet
Call again anything for Live steel drum music
He has the steel drum down to a science and his sounds immediately transported me to the islands. And you won’t believe how easily he sets the mood for any type of tropical event. He’s definitely the go to guy for that lovely Caribbean feel. We’ll do it again real soon.
Thanks Carmen
Hope we do more gigs together in 2011
On a serious note, I’ve known Ephraim a long time and I can honestly say that the steel pan and him are one. His love and passion for music is expressed in his art form from playing in school to church, in competitions within the C’bean and North America. I believe when a couple gets married everything is supposed to be not only special but meaningful, why not have the music be memorable, meaningful, full of passion and as rhythmic as your beating hearts? Ephraim is the guy for you, I believe that. He’s got my stamp of approval. Keep up the great work!
keep up the good work Ephraim. excellent steel pan music
Ephraim played at my wedding, he played steel drums, he DJed and sang too, my wedding couldn’t have been better without his music..two thumbs up 🙂
wow!!!!!!!!!!!!! now this is music at it’s best. check them out maan
Very good steel pan player – keep up the good work Ephraim!!
Ephraim and I were members of the same church while he lived in Guyana.
A pleasant individual. I have known him playing the steel pan for nearly twenty (20) years. He is a talented individual.
His music is always a delight to those listening, whether it is an activity in Church or a social event in the wider community. Some of his pieces are also available for your enjoyment on the internet including YouTube and Ephraim’s website.
He is now the leader of Rhythm Trail and from the reviews I have seen over the years Ephraim has blossomed into the steel pan entertainer who can stand his ground at every level.
Whenever I think of steel pan / band I always remember Rhythm Trail.
Cheers to Ephraim and his band.
For your greatest selection of Steel Pan music, be sure to use Ephraim. He is the best.
Many blessings to you as you grow in your passion for Music!!
impressive, all those hours in Bishops’ steel pan room made off.. creative it.. love it
Variety is the spice of live and this is real original. Keep up the great work Bro!!
I usually do not give out comments to people, however I was very impressed after reviewing your profile, I can tell you are very serious about your craft. I wish you the best in your career.
nice job.. u should be proud!!!
This is a great initiative. Steel pan music is always unique and wonderful to hear at just about any event. All the best folks.
I’ve seen steel pan on de sand in Barbados but notting like RythmTrail, RythmTrail is de best to me so far.
Big up Ephraim. You done well. Keep it up bro. Respect
Steel Pan music was something i grew up listening to because my uncle made the pans and drums. He had a group. It is so refreshing to see the art form being kept alive in this way. Great idea and good luck Ephraim.
the best authentic rhythm, vibes whateva you want to call it of the Caribbean. Nothing like relaxing on a beach to the cool ,sweet sound of some steel pan music. love it love it Cheers!!!!!!!
Best steel pan player around!
steelpan music a work of art
for a wedding at the beach
it could play a part
make steelpan a part of your wedding detail
and don’t forget contact RHYTHM TRAIL.
Keep up the good work Ephraim,you are the best…
Continue your God given talent play on
Having a steel band at a wedding ceremony is really nice. I love steel band music, and actually played a steel band guitar pan at High School.
I love that you guys do want to maintain the rich tradition of calypso music. Keep up the good work. Much love.
Love the sound of pan and the feeling of belonging it delivers. Keep up the good work guys.
Well,I have known Ephraim from church and his steel band music is great since then.He even was good with the guitar also. The people in the church use to look forward to hearing Ephraim and his band play, it was very inspiring.Continue the good work you’ve come a long way and you are also heading in the right direction good job Ephraim
The best i’ve heard……good job Ephraim. like Deslyn said…u got the stamp of approval….
good luck
Think about it…discarded steel drums …making music out of them …fascinating.
Hey I really enjoy listening to your steelpan music keep up the good work.
Ephraim has had a love for steel pan since I have known him and it is truly his gift…he is very good at it. It’s nice to see him share that love with other people. He is the best out there and will add a nice touch to your special occasion!!!!
Hi Ephraim,
So nice seein U again after so many years…. and you remain resolute in your heart beat—the steel pans….Ole Time Bishops High School Boy and a wonderful performer in school activiteis at the National Cultural Centre. Keep up the good work.
Way to go love the steel pan music
I love music in the whole, but Steel pan music you come alive. Ephraim’s Band puts back M into steel pan music.
Ephraim makes it all sound so simple yet spellbinding…!
Make us all proud, my friend…
Slingshot
You guys are awesome Ephraim!!
Awesome Ephraim! Wow!
I love steel pan music, glad to see it is kept alive!
It’s always grate to be able to have your dream come true on your special day thanks to you E.
Love Always
Angel
since i was very small i played steel pan in school and i always loved it i should have really taken it as one of my profession and i did not think of ot until i heard a little of your pan Wow! its great . Keep it up guys ,i love it