The music of the Caribbean islands will be in the air at Creative Discovery Museum on June 21, as the Island Steel Pan Band performs using traditional instruments from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Performances are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Museum Atrium.
"We play a lot of contemporary and gospel music with a Caribbean flavor, as well as traditional songs from the Caribbean," said Randy Peterson, leader of the band, which has played several times at Riverbend.
The unique sound of a steel pan band comes from the way the instruments are made, said Mr. Peterson. All the instruments were originally 55-gallon steel drums. They were converted into instruments by cutting off the bottom of the drums and tuning the playing surface so that it can play a variety of musical notes.
"One drum has a full range of notes, and each one has a different voice, like an orchestra. You can hear the distinct voices when we play," said Mr. Peterson.
Island Steel Pan Band performs with a collection of 16 former drums that are played by six people. Most band members are family, including Mr. Peterson and his two sons, as well as his brother and his son. A family friend also joins the band, playing a traditional drum set.
Summer hours at the museum are June 21-August 10. Beginning Saturday the museum will be open every day (Monday through Sunday) from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Regular hours will resume on Monday, August 11.
Tickets are $8.95 for children and adults. Steel pan performances are included in the regular admission price. Creative Discovery Museum is located at 321 Chestnut Street in downtown Chattanooga. For more information, call 423 756-2738.