New York, USA - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, recent NYU graduate Luz Carime Santa-Coloma speaks on her special relationship with the steelpan instrument and how it has transformed her musical perspective and enhanced her college life experience.
Her meeting with the steelpan instrument was not originally by design, but over the last four years her fondness and passion for instrument are unquestionable. She is now a panist headed for a lifelong love affair.
Asked about what led to her venturing into the steelpan environment further a field past NYU Steel, Carime explains that “...Aside from how happy it makes me - playing pan, and the music—that I love—the community and the people -- everyone is so nice. And when I watched CrossFire play in the Panyard, it was like ‘Wow, everyone is having so much fun - everyone is dancing.’ ....It was just incredible to see everybody just so in love with what they are doing at that moment. That was when it was like ‘Wow - I want to be a part of this!’”
Overall, Carime’s takeaway from her interactions in the pan yard community and steelband culture? The ability to stay positive, and remaining upbeat in general in her outlook on life.
Instead of the formal approach of playing via sheet music, the ‘LLL’ (look, listen, learn) then play method known as ‘rote’ became her constant reality in the pan yard. “I think learning by rote is very valuable. It was really hard for me at first... but it definitely helps my ear, with music. And now I actually prefer it - learning by rote rather than reading music, ‘cause when you read sheet music, there is a disconnect between, visual, like your hands....By rote you are forced to memorize it, you are forced to really understand the music, and the direction of the melody...I think that’s really important....and I really am much better now.”
Replies