Music Class Explores Trinidad & Tobago

[Pan Times]

Massachusetts, USA - The sound of steel drums calls to mind a warm tropical breeze, and during the frigid winter months in Norton, the idea of a steel pan ensemble from Wheaton College seems about as unlikely as a bobsled team from Jamaica. Yet, not only do we have one, the Lymin' Lyons got out of the classroom to experience the rich traditions of the steel drum, calypso and soca in Trinidad and Tobago , they also got academic credit in the process.

Over January break the thirteen students in Music 204: Music and Traditions of Trinidad and Tobago, spent ten days in this Caribbean nation off the coast of Venezuela, learning its history and culture. The students traveled to see various pan yards, centers where steel pan groups perform every night, and saw how the music strengthens communities by bringing generations together in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

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[tessa nesty]

right now I'm cold, I'm snowed in and I wish I was home listening to my sweet pan and calypso. I'm bored and restless. But there's an up side I'm going home next week albiet's after carnival but it will be sunny and I can still hear my close up and personal. I'll be cold for my birthday which is carnival tuesday what a bomer but I'll stand up in the kitchen and jump up to what ever u give me on wst. so long enjoy the day I hope I have electricity whole day today