Recording Music in Trinidad and Tobago

Submitted by Sara Somers on the 2015 winter session program in Trinidad and Tobago sponsored by the Department of Music…

Now that our group is settled and more accustomed to our life in Trinidad, we are further understanding our class material and the adventures we go on. In steel pan class, we have recorded two songs in addition to learning some music theory. The knowledge students have gained in the two weeks we have been studying here is equivalent to what I have learned in years of music classes in middle school! Our knowledge is applied when visiting pan yards as the groups prepare for Carnival.

The Trinidad representative from the US Embassy came to talk to our class and watch us play steel pan. We are pictured with him and the students from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
The Trinidad representative from the US Embassy came to talk to our class and watch us play steel pan. We are pictured with him and the students from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

In history class, we have learned how different ethnic groups have settled in Trinidad and how their beliefs and cultures have impacted the country. I found it interesting that the two main ethnic groups in Trinidad, Africans and Indians, were brought as slaves and indentured laborers. To further understand the religions of Trinidad, we traveled to multiple Hindu temples and ate traditional Indian meals. Besides the delicious meal we were graciously given, being able to eat with my hands was an enjoyable experience!

Enjoying a traditional Indian meal served on a banana leaf. We ate with our hands to keep the energy and spirits in our bodies.
Enjoying a traditional Indian meal served on a banana leaf. We ate with our hands to keep the energy and spirits in our bodies.

Now that I am halfway through my stay in Trinidad, I can better see the importance of steel pan to the Trinidad lifestyle. Our group was able to spend a weekend in Tobago, where talking to locals and experiencing their hobbies gave us insight to their culture. There is still so much to learn about the history of the Caribbean and Trinidad’s triumphs and struggles, in addition to hot weather to be enjoyed.