AARP Online Community: sinbady

sinbady

AARP Member

Offline

Background

Birthday: June 5

Location:
BROOKLYN
United States

My Comments (3)

About Me

I am a retired high school secretary and learned to play the Double Second Steel Drum at the Blenman Senior Center. The band, Blenman Steel Sounds, is especially unique because it is the only Senior Female Steel Pan Band in existence. We practice weekly and are in constant demand to perform at fundraisers, intergenerational activities, community and church functions. Our repertoire includes jazz, (Take Five, Satin Doll, Giant Steps, etc.) calypso and gospel. We have recorded two CDs and presently working on the third. The sounds of the pan bring me joy and keeps me in a constant learning mode. My grandchildren call me "The Entertainer."

Interests:

My association with the Blenman Steel Band has also brought me into the volunteer community. We entertain at nursing homes and many residents have never heard the unique musical sound of the steel drum. They are proud and happy to see women pan players ranging in age from 70 - 83. When tunes like Beautiful Dreamer and Secret Love are played reminiscing abounds. I also use these visits as an opportunity to give a brief history of the creation and evolution of the "pan" which was developed from 55 gallon oil drums on the island of Trinidad in the l930's. Volunteering is always personally rewarding

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