Help Dan learn to make a Steelpan!
Donation protected
In case you don't know me, my name is Daniel Austin. I've been playing the steelpan (also known as the steel drum) for a little more than 10 years. Just to offer a little background, the steelpan was invented in the 1930s in Trinidad, making it one of the youngest families of instruments on earth. Since its inception, the steelpan has been evolving and progressing to become more and more refined with each new development.
In 2007, around 2 years after I first began playing, I started to become interested in the history, development, and design of the instrument, particularly note placement and ergonomics. Since then, I've spent much of my time learning as much as I can as possibly learn about why modern steelpans are made the way they are and how they can be improved. I also designed the note layout for the pan I now play! Needless to say, I feel I've learned a lot from that experience as well.
For all I've learned about the process involved, no amount of reading and talking and writing can replace the hands on experience of making an instrument yourself, under the direction of an experienced teacher.
Around a week ago, it came to my attention that Mannette Musical Instruments, one of the best producers of steel drums in the world, is offering just that; a weeklong seminar introducing students into the craft of creating a steelpan, from start to finish.
The workshop is on July 12th and the registration is $800. Due to the short notice, I'm sure that I won't be able to come up with the money in time, so I've come here. If you could spare even just a couple dollars, it would be incredibly helpful in getting me on towards my goal. I'd also like to ask those of you who don't have any money to help (believe me I completely understand) to please share this so more people can see this! It would mean the world to me. Thank you all so much for your time!
-Dan
A link to the building workshop:
http://www.festivalofsteel.org/building-workshop.html
In 2007, around 2 years after I first began playing, I started to become interested in the history, development, and design of the instrument, particularly note placement and ergonomics. Since then, I've spent much of my time learning as much as I can as possibly learn about why modern steelpans are made the way they are and how they can be improved. I also designed the note layout for the pan I now play! Needless to say, I feel I've learned a lot from that experience as well.
For all I've learned about the process involved, no amount of reading and talking and writing can replace the hands on experience of making an instrument yourself, under the direction of an experienced teacher.
Around a week ago, it came to my attention that Mannette Musical Instruments, one of the best producers of steel drums in the world, is offering just that; a weeklong seminar introducing students into the craft of creating a steelpan, from start to finish.
The workshop is on July 12th and the registration is $800. Due to the short notice, I'm sure that I won't be able to come up with the money in time, so I've come here. If you could spare even just a couple dollars, it would be incredibly helpful in getting me on towards my goal. I'd also like to ask those of you who don't have any money to help (believe me I completely understand) to please share this so more people can see this! It would mean the world to me. Thank you all so much for your time!
-Dan
A link to the building workshop:
http://www.festivalofsteel.org/building-workshop.html
Organizer
Daniel Austin
Organizer
Millersville, MD
