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An overview of the European
Experience
Jenny Lee,
Founder, ExPresident and
Executive Director
Steelpan European
The first wave of
migration of the steelpan from Trinidad and Tobago, my country of
birth, was to the London in the 50s. The instrument then moved onto
the European continent where it is now firmly established not only
in community groups and non profit associations, but in long
established music conservatories, learning institutions, festivals
and professional organisations. Europe enjoys the status as having
the most organised, most internationally accomplished organisation
for the instrument.
Steelpan European is the association which seeks to regroup all those
having a vested interest in the instrument . In 1999 with assistance
of the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy in Brussels, and with 5 other
European country partners this ambitious venture was formed. We
have learnt many lessons from years of working together to realise
one dream – to gain mainstream acceptance of the instrument.
In the integration of the steelpan throughout Europe what is interesting
to note is that although it is a musical instrument, the parameters
are different : how it is perceived, how it is played, even the type
and style of music that is played is different. Cultural
differences, habits, language, methods of learning, musical
accomplishments, even food all play an essential role in the
development of the instrument and should all be taken into
consideration for wider acceptance of the instrument is to be
gained.
The
vast and varied experiences of Steelpan European will be shared
throughout the presentation so that those wishing to learn from the
experiences of others may see what further steps could be taken for
future growth of the instrument. Our primary source of inspiration
is derived from the European Steelband Festival.
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Programme