Music &Culture

Where are we? -Trinidad is located in the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela -It shares land with its neighbor Tobago -These two countries are often called twins because of there simular cultures and geographical friendship

Background Music is heavily dominated by many secular and religious holidays The music has roots in many mixed desendent cultures on the island including, African, Indian, French, Spanish and British. One of the greatest celebrations of music is the world-renowned Carnival, a music festival preceding the season of Lent that’s filled with Parades, Music Competitions and Roadside tents. This country is known for it’s drumming and steel drum band competitions

Three main genres of music: -Calypso -Soca -Rapso

CALYPSO - -Over 100 years old -Largest musical genre in Trinidad throughout it’s history -A classic African derived style -Has a strong international presence -Found it’s roots in the Carnival celebration in the 19 th Century, however the crowds gathered at Calypso Carnival tents are usually older musicians and fans -Many singers and composers came out of this genre including; Harry Belafonte, Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener -Performances can last up to 4 hours! q5yXCDw427w&feature=related Engaged Listening: While listening to this Calypso piece, pretend you are on a Caribbean Island and move your body to the music!

Soca -Developed from Calypso -Has a very rhythmic Latin beat and is associated with strong rhythmic dancing and drumming -Draws young crowds and is often heard in Carnival celebrations -Leading artists include; Machel Montano, Destra Garcia and Shurwayne Winchester -Popular pieces have become international such as the famous; “Who Let the Dogs Out”, and “Feelin Hot Hot Hot” Soca! “Who let the dogs out” “Feelin Hot, Hot, Hot” Activity: Active Listening “Who Let the Dogs Out” and “Feelin Hot, Hot, hot”

Rapso -Developed from mixing rap beats with those of Calypso and Soca -Has developed into its own form with its own artists and has taken on a culture of its own. --Includes a blend of street poetry from both Trinidad and Tobago -This genre of music devopled as a way of picketing during political unrest in the 1970’s during the Black Power Movement and pro- African Sentiment -Rapso artists include; Cheryl Byron, and Lancelot Layne MZU Active Listening: Reflect on how this example is different from other examples of Trinidad music we have heard.

Steel Pan! : -One of Trinidad’s greatest achievements was the invention of the steel pan of steel drum (names are used somewhat interchangeably)! -Steel bands of over 150 members gather to compete in Panorama, a competition at the annual Carnival Festival. -Steel pans are individually pitched to cover different parts, soprano, alto, tenor, or bass. -Steel drum music is extremely versatile and can play anything from Calypso to Classical music -Steel drumming had developed over decades originally started using dented oil drums -Since its start, the steel drum has been an important asset to almost all the music in Trinidad Engages and Active Listening: ube.com/watch? v=kQfoSll9rTg

diaBoxInternalLink Traditional Songs of Trinidad Marianne Dodo Petit Popo: Lullaby Traditional music often gets overlooked when learning about Trinidad Culture, however there are quite a few children’s songs sung at celebrations, in schools, or at bedtime!

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