Steel drums bring island sounds to the lake community

[Pan Times]

The Roanoke Times

Members of the steel drum bands come together each Monday for practice at the “panyard” at Bridgewater Plaza.

Virginia, USA - The sound of steel drums has become a common occurrence at Smith Mountain Lake over the last decade. A dedicated group of local residents has taken up learning to play island melodies and showcasing them at events and fundraisers held around the community.

The leader of this spirited group of performers is Richard Rudolph, commonly referred to as the “Pandaddy” by the group. He introduced the steel drum sounds to the lake community and keeps coming back week after week to teach more than 30 musicians who are interested in playing the music of the Caribbean.

....Most members are lake residents, retired and well beyond the age they thought they would be able to learn a new instrument.

Rudolph leads two practices every Monday evening. One for the Toucan Pan and one for the Parrot Pan steel drum bands.

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