History of the Steeldrum

The Steeldrum, or "Pan" as it is colloquially termed, was invented on the Caribbean island of Trinidad some time during the 1940s.

During the 1700s, British colonists had brought slaves to the island from West Africa, from what is now Ghana and Nigeria. The slaves brought with them as much of their culture as they could manage, including the tradition of drumming.

Obviously the island did not provide the same materials with which to make and maintain drums as in Africa, and the slaves looked for substitutes. The most obvious and widely used was lengths of bamboo stamped on the ground or strugh together. These were known as Bamboo Drums or "Tambour Bamboo" which became corrupted to "Tamboo Bamboo".

The problem with Tamboo Bamboo was that after extensive use, the bamboo split or broke. This led to a further substitution some time in the 1930s. This time paraffin tins, galvanised dustbins and the like were played with sticks.

Some time during the 1940s - the exact date is not known - a guy by the name of Winston "Spree" Simon was playing a tin as a bass drum. As he beat it repeatedly with a stick the end of the tin gradually dented in, which caused the pitch of the drum to sharpen. Eventually he found himself playing a bass-drum part on a high pitched instrument. He picked up a rock and stamped the end of the drum back out from the inside, reasoning that if the dent was again made flat it would regain its bass note.

Or course, the end of the drum did not return to its flat state - instead it dented outward into three distinct bumps. Spree discovered that each bump made a different note. He went around playing "Mary had a little lamb" and the first steeldrum was born.

The idea was rapidly developed and by the early 1950s the 44-gallon oil drum was the standard starting point. Instruments had been divided into those for melody, chords, and bass, and simple tunes or even classical music could be performed entirely on the steeldrum. There was intense rivalry between bands, often leading to bloodshed. The upper classes frowned heavily on pan-man, who were seen as hoodlums at best, and attempts were made to outlaw the instrument.

The instrument (and its image) has been refined and improved, and a modern steelband can have anything up to 120 members. The instruments produce a most pleasing, clear sound, and a band has a range of nearly 5 octaves. Reportoire ranges from brilliantly executed classical music to pop to the vibrant calypso/soca music of Trinidad. Anyone who has heard a steelband in full cry will agree that it has a claim to being the 8th wonder of the world.
(Steve Lawrie 1995)

 

 

One Love Caribbean Steel Drum Band

Who Are We?

This group formerly led by Keith C. St. Louis of Trinidad and Tobago came to Virginia under the name of Trinidad and Tobago Pan Professionals in 1994. They worked with inner-city kids from 1994 in the Portsmouth area and continue to do so now. One Love Caribbean Steel Drum Band is a complete steel drum band. The band consists of five professional steel pan drummers. Instruments include: tenors, double seconds, guitars, six bass, and an electronic or acoustic percussionist. Their formal and informal venues include private parties, weddings, corporate functions, boat cruises, school presentations, social centers, college dances and festivals.

We specialize in wedding ceremony music, cocktail hours, receptions, and rehearsal dinners.

They have performed over 1000 events, from entire East Coast from Miami to Connecticut including Musicfest in Bethlehem, PA, Miami Carnival and the entire Hampton Roads Area. Locally their performances include the USS Enterprise, USS Nimitz, HarborFest, Blackbeard Festival, Seawall Festival, and Afram Festival. They also toured Bermuda in December 1999 and Trinidad and Tobago Carnival in 2000. The five talented members have earned a solid and trusted reputation as polished professionals who have appropriate look, sound and attitude you expect for your event. They have an authentic repertoire and which is appropriate for all ages. They can provide special request with prior notice. They have a sweet mix of calypso, reggae and island music. Some songs from our repertoire include:

  • Here Comes The Bride
  • Canon In D
  • Forever In Love
  • Falling In Love
  • Jamaica Farewell
  • Over The Rainbow
  • Amazing Grace
  • Mary Ann
  • Hot Hot Hot
  • Margaritaville
One Love Caribbean Steel Drum Band is available for all occasions. They enjoy what they do and they know you will too. Performances can be tailored to the needs of the client and are great for parties, church programs and meetings, as well as educational programs. If you only want one steel drummer or a whole band we can accommodate your needs.

Schedule

DATE
TIME
LOCATION
May 8
6:30-8:00 PM
Bridal Expo Kane Marie Gallery Hilltop
East Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach
May 10
3:30-5:30 PM
Birthday Party
3609 Matoaka Place,
Virginia Beach
May 10
5:00-6:00 PM
Wedding Ceremony
Shana Johnson and Ryan Palmateer
Virginia Beach Conference Center Virginia Beach
May 10
5:30-6:30 PM
Wedding Ceremony for
Karen Russell and Nigel Mills
First Landing State Park
Shore Drive, Virginia Beach
May 11
11:00-3:00 PM

31st Street Park
Virginia Beach

May 16
6:00-7:00 PM

Amie Scairono and Steve Ferguson
Wedding Ceremony/
Village Beach Club, Nags Head, NC

May 17
6:15-8:00 PM
Wedding Cocktail Hour
Page McGranahan and Eric Gallo
Baja Bayview Lounge
Sandbridge Virginia Beach
May 17
6:00-8:00 PM

Tonya Webster and Chris Thomason
Wedding Cocktail Hour
Vista Pointe Club, NOB Norfolk

May 17
4:30-5:30 PM
Megan McDermott and Tony Ryan
Wedding Ceremony
The Quack Shack, Duck, NC
May 23
7:00-11:00 PM
Mill Point Park
Hampton
May 24
5:30-7:30 PM

Wedding Ceremony/Cocktail Hour
Kristen Lopez and Joseph Kacsanek II
First Colony Inn, Nags Head, NC

May 24
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Wedding Cocktail Hour for
Anna Simeone and Justin Johnson
Lesner Inn Shore Dr, Virginia Beach
May 24
8:00-10:00 PM
Pool Party
Outer Banks, NC
Jun 7
7:00-10:30 PM

Sarah Henderson and Chris Noble
Wedding Reception
The Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City, NC

Jun 8
4:00-7:00 PM
John Dudley
Graduation Party
George Washington Hwy, Gloucester
Jun 21
5:45-6:45 PM
Volunteers Luncheon
Suffolk Cultural Arts Center, Suffolk, NC
Jun 21
6:30 -8:30 PM
Melanie Sholtis
Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour
Nagshead Beach/Nagshead Golf Links, NC
Jun 21
8:00-11:00 PM

Reception Partyz
Broad Bay Country Club, Virginia Beach

Jun 22
12 - 4:00 PM
31st Street Park, Virginia Beach
Jun 27
5:40-6:40 PM

Emily Nixon and Matthew Roberts
Wedding Ceremony
Wyndham Hotel 57th Street and Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach

Jun 28
5:00-7:00 PM

Kim Weaver and Scotty Beecher
Wedding Ceremony/Cocktail Hour
Hilton Garden Inn
N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC

Jul 19
5:30-7:30 PM

Katlin Andrews and Mitchell Klar
Wedding Ceremony/Cocktail hour
Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club, Virginia Beach

Jul 20
12:00-4:00 PM
31st Street Park, Virginia Beach
Jul 26
5:30-7:00 PM
Melanie Lindgren and Jeff Martin
Wedding Ceremony
31st Street Park, Hilton Hotel, Virginia Beach
Aug 10
12:00-4:00 PM
31st Street Park, Virginia Beach
Augt 17
5:30-7:30 PM
Krista Trono and Timothy Goodale
Wedding Reception
Yorktown Freight Shed 331Water Street, Yorktown
Sep 13
5:30 - 8:30 PM
Wedding Celebration Party
2708 Royster Court, Virginia Beach
Sep 13
4:00 -5:00 PM
5:30-6:30PM
Jade Whitehurst and Nathan Bolling
Wedding Ceremony/Cocktail Hour
317 Sea Scate Rd. Sandbridge, Virginia Beach
Sep 21
12:00 -4:00 PM
31st Street Park, Virginia Beach
Sep 21
5:30 - 6:30 PM
Tiffany Markun and Charles Mohr
Wedding Ceremony
Cape Henry Beach Club, Fort Story, Virginia Beach
Sep 26
3:45 -4:45 PM
Sandy Bordatto and Brian Coon
Wedding Ceremony
Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel
3501 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach
Sep 27
5:00-7:00 PM
Laura Chally and Gregg Mann
Cocktail Hour/Wedding Ceremony
101 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Oct 19
4:30-7:00 PM
Wedding Ceremony/Cocktail hour
Wyndham Hotel 57th and Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach

Need directions?  Click here.


Testimonials

We love the band, the music is excellent. I am glad to do a testimonial. Please feel free to call and stop by any time you are on the Outer Banks.
Delphine Amrhein, Kill Devil Hills, NC

I am not only pleased, but impressed with One Love Steel Drum Band! What a talented group of musicians! Everyone at the wedding had nothing but wonderful things to say about you all. I feel your music and enthusiasm made our beach wedding that much more special. It was an element of the day that will NEVER be forgotten. I noticed you will be laying on the 31st stage at the oceanfront a few times this summer. We will be sure to come over. Thanks again for all your hard work and making my special day so enjoyable!!!
Monica Malone

Everything was just fine. The band members were very pleasant and played well all evening. They were a good addition to our theme and everyone enjoyed them.
Milly Wassum

"The sounds of the drums were beautiful. The steel drums made the party. I felt like I was in the islands. The ladies came right on time. They played songs that everyone knew. I now know who to call when I need steel drummers for an event. Thank you very much."
Alicia Riley, Newport News VA

"The band was wonderful. The band members are so nice and all our guests enjoyed the selection of music. My son said it was the best party ever and loved the music. It was so nice to drive up after graduation and to see the band set up and ready to play. I was so glad I did not have to worry about anything. Your band members looked so professional with matching shirts and truly gave us their all. We look forward to having you for another event and will highly recommend One Love Caribbean Steel Drum Band. Thank you for the wonderful graduation memories."
Babs Szycher, Virginia Beach (Great Neck), VA

"The band was fantastic. Really made the party. They set up early and got right to it. Thank the drummers for me."
Carrie Weston, Norfolk VA

"You guys did a wonderful job! I tell everyone that the band was my favorite part of the wedding. Everyone said they just enjoyed listening to the music and a few asked me if you sold CD's. Also someone told me that people from the other wedding were coming over to listen to you guys. One Love is a great band and my favorite part of my wedding! Your performance at our wedding left an everlasting memory on me and my husband and for everyone that attended. I wish I would of booked you guys for the entire wedding not just the ceremony."
Kathy Draper, Grafton, VA

"The music was great and ALL our guests really enjoyed the band; they kept asking how I found a steel band in VA Beach. Two hours really set the tone of the evening, and the quality of the music was certainly worth the price. Again, I loved the sound; I'll clearly recommend One Love in the future."
Michael Moore Virginia Beach (Pembroke) VA


Contact Us
Tel: (757) 640-1508
Email:onelove@cavtel.net
Address: 512 W. 36th St., Norfolk, VA 23508
One Love Caribbean Steel Drum Band
Copyright 2002, One Love Caribbean Steel Drum Band, All Rights Reserved
512 W. 36th St. Norfolk, VA 23508
Tel: (757) 640-1508
Email: onelove@cavtel.net