Tropical Bird

Trinidad Steel Band

First listen

Listen once without writing. What do you notice?

Listen closely

1 TIMBREHow would you describe the sound of the steel pans?

Sentence stemThe steel pans sound ___.

Vocabulary
  • bright
  • ringing
  • metallic
2 PITCHDoes the tune sound high, low or mixed?

Sentence stemThe tune is ___.

Vocabulary
  • high
  • low
  • mixed
3 PULSEHow does the beat make the music feel?

Sentence stemThe beat feels ___.

Vocabulary
  • lively
  • steady
  • dance-like
4 RHYTHMWhich short rhythm could you copy or clap?

Sentence stemThe rhythm is ___.

Vocabulary
  • short
  • repeated
  • bouncy
5 DYNAMICSIs the steel band loud, quiet or changing?

Sentence stemThe steel band is ___.

Vocabulary
  • loud
  • quiet
  • changing

How does this piece make you feel?

There is no right or wrong answer. Which words match your response?

calmexcitedhopefulcuriousjoyfulpowerfulpeacefultensedreamybravethoughtfulenergeticmysteriouscomfortedrestlessproudsadsurprisedupliftedfocused

Music through time

Living tradition · Trinidadian steel band

Explore the full timeline →
  1. Medieval500–1400
  2. Baroque1600–1750
  3. Classical1750–1820
  4. Romantic1820–1900
  5. 20th century1900–2000
  6. Contemporary2000–present