WOMAD

Raspo Humming Birds Steel Band

From United Kingdom

Biography by Mary Genis, July 2003:Trinidad is the birthplace of the steel pan – an instrument recycled from discarded oil drums producing music influenced by the drumming traditions of Africa and India. RASPO (Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra), set up five years ago to encourage young people to explore the culture of the Caribbean, is now Reading’s most successful steel band. The players – mainly girls aged 9 to 21 - perform regularly at a range of events including carnivals, festivals, weddings, parties and on television and radio. Steel pans were first introduced in the UK at the Festival of Britain in 1951. The twelve piece band who performed at the Queen’s invitation were called TASPO – Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra - providing inspiration for RASPO and an opportunity to celebrate an important moment in the history of this twentieth century musical invention. email: raspo@culturemixarts.co.uk