Salah's Story

Salah's Story Learning Pan Book To PgTop To PgBot

Salah's Story.

I HAD MIGRATED to Montreal in 1973, with my chromed alto pans made by Wallace Austin. It was in 1974, at the onset of Montreal's first carnival, when I joined Super Steel. My contribution at that time simply began being as player, enthusiast and witness to the events of the day.

During the years 1974 to 1979, I was instrumental in putting together two bands with a difference of musical emphases and format. With my friend Jimi Phillip, Pan Vibes Exhibits explored the concept of a small five piece steelband; and Galaxy Vocal Steelband vocalised with lead singer Junior Byron.

In 1983 I revisited Trinidad for 2 years. I returned with my alto pan to Montreal in 1984. I had by then decided to go all-out with the pan this time. On suggestion and with the help and of a good friend and brother Khaliyl (Alfred Li ); I took the pan down into the subway - The Montreal Metro - and out onto the streets and parks. For three years I survived as a street musician.

It was an important and formative era for me, as I was having direct contact with the public, and a lot of new associations were being made in the communities I came into contact with through my visits. Important connections were being set up. Later I was able to established a Steelpan Program with the Cote Des Neiges or black community as it is called.

During these 3 years my family was growing up and in 1988 we put together my family steelband group with my kids. That was the start of the Salah & Family Steelpan Workshop.

In 1990 the concept of setting up a steelband organisation in Montreal came to fruition when Pan Quebec was established. I was a founder member and became its first president.

My association with this organisation then propelled me to visit the public school system in 1991, where I presented a proposal for a 'Steelband in the School Program'. The timing was right for a change and the proposals accepted.

The result was a constructive steelpan program in an elementary school. The pilot project was run at Coronation School. The program is still functioning after some seven years ( At this time of writing ). Between 1991 and 1997 the introduction of pan into other Montreal Public Schools continued. My family and I are presently engaged in teaching pan in four of the Cities public schools, at both elementary and at high school level - Coronation and Somerled Schools; John Grant & Wagar High. The awareness of pan in this city is now thankfully growing.

During those early 1990's I thought it necessary to improve on my music skills. Concordia University were running a Jazz programme that was of interest to me and I enrolled taking my pan with me. It was the first time in the University's history that a steeldrum instrument was considered to hold a place as a principal instrument of study. The University acquiesced and I graduated in 1995 with a Masters in Fine Arts after three years.

Following my studies I have tried to be continually active with the promotion of the steeldrum instrument and its pan culture.

In 1995 The Salah & Family Steelpan Workshop released its debut compact disk and cassette entitled Good Feelings; a mixture of Classical, Jazz, Reggae, Pop, Latin, and Soca-Calypso. The material includes some items enhanced with a blend of vocals and with some my original compositions and arrangements. I was also involved with the CD's production.

In 1997 my family and I established our own private music school Salah & Family Steelpan Music Academy. The School is based in Montreal, and shows a mark of success with an enrolment of over sixty students, of many ethnic backgrounds and ages; including a senior citizens group.

Every semester more students from many diverse backgrounds are getting involved and enjoying the music and the environment of pan.

Other local pannist are now jumping on the band wagon and are setting up their own Pan Programs in various communities.

Salah's Story Learning Pan Book To PgTop To PgBot

Pan with Theory

Steelpan Playing with Theory

I have now completed a book on how to play the steelpan entitled Steelpan Playing with Theory - it was released in December 1999.

The book follows on in part from the experience I gained through my studies that culmunated in my graduating in 1995 from Concordia University with a bachelors degree in Fine Arts; specialising through the music program, in Jazz. My general experience and background with the steelpan furnished the rest of the books material.

Steelpan Playing with Theory is a wonderful introduction to the steeldrum instrument; combining a step by step approach to understanding the rudiments of music, along with a practical hands-on method of learning to play the steelpan.

To find out more about this book follow links: About Book - To Buy Book