Pannist

A pannist is a person who plays the steelpan. A professional pannist can perform solo pieces, play with a steel band, or accompany one or more singers or solo instrumentalists. Pannists often play with their respective bands in large competitions, [cite web |url=http://www.pan-jumbie.com/sam/steelband-history-2.htm |title=Another Look At The History Of The Steel Band No. 2 1945 - 1949 |accessdate=2008-02-21 |date=May 2005 |last=Saldenha |first=Robert |year=2005 |work=Sam's Newsletter ] and generally memorize everything that they perform.cite web |url=http://www.diversitynow.ca/article.jsp;jsessionid=AGJCODFIOJFA?content=20040825_145033_5260 |title=Focal Point: Steelpan - Playing in De Band |accessdate=2008-02-21 |last=Woodall |first=Carolyn |year=2008 |work=Diversity Now ]

A pan player's success in his or her band or on the instrument itself varies from musician to musician. However, gaining knowledge about multiple steelpan varieties (as there are several types of drum) can lead to success in the field and possibly becoming a leader in a particular band.cite web |url=http://www.music.princeton.edu/~skot/txt/pan_life.pdf |title=“Pan Life”: Transformation in Trinidadian-American Steelband Culture |accessdate=2008-02-21 |last=Smallwood |first=Scott T. |format=PDF |pages=6–8 ] Success can also include impacting the steelpan community at large.

The pannist's top position in a steelband is that of the captain, an experienced and musical player. Large ensembles may also include section leaders, musicians that assist the captain.cite web |url=http://library2.nalis.gov.tt/Default.aspx?PageContentMode=1&tabid=165 |title=Steelband |accessdate=2008-02-21 |year=2007 |work=National Library and Information System Authority of Trinidad and Tobago ]

Influential pannists include Ellie Mannette, inventor of several concepts in the construction of steelpan instruments and a tenor pan player, and Winston Simon, the inventor and a skilled player of the tenor pan.

References