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Local band steels itself

Ju Percussion takes a bash at playing steel drums. PHOTO COURTESY OF JU PERCUSSION

Ju Percussion Group is back with a new performance featuring steel drums, which are to be played, for the first time, by a Taiwanese band.

"Foreign groups that play steel drums have performed in Taiwan before, but after a few years of planning and practicing, this is the first [time] by a Taiwanese group," said spokesperson Pear Shu (徐佩瑩). "We hope that with this performance, we are not only introducing steel drumming but the rich culture and lifestyle behind it as well."

The art of steel drumming originated in Trinidad and has the distinct characteristic of using the only official instrument invented in the 20th century.

It has now spread to all parts of the world, especially in regions where expensive, traditional musical instruments and training are harder to come by: That has been its lasting appeal as almost anyone can pick it up. This sort of relaxed, unsophisticated anything-goes alternative to expensive orchestral instruments is what has made steel drumming particularly popular among youths around the world.

"Steel drumming has been around for quite a while in many countries, but most people in Taiwan are not familiar with it," Shu said.

Steel drums these days, contrary to popular belief, are no longer simply randomly discarded oil cans picked up for cheap performances. They are usually constructed out of 208 liter oil drums and carefully molded into delicate instruments.

Though the performance will be held in the National Concert Hall, Shu said that the performance itself has been delibe-rately designed to reflect the relaxed culture behind steel drumming so that the experience will be different from the usual concert hall repertoire.

Most of the performers are in their late 20s or early 30s and the songs to be performed range from Hands like Lightening by Liam Teague, an incredibly fast piece that showcases the performers talents, to pop culture tunes like the theme from Disney's The Little Mermaid. The songs share the same vibrant, youthful and energetic energy that steel drumming is famous for.

"The best thing about steel drumming is that it is really easy to start. Not everyone may have an opportunity in life to learn the violin, flute, or even the piano," Shu said. "Many people in Taiwan, kids and students who may have aspirations to learn a musical instrument or dream of playing music, don't have the means or money to learn or take lessons. In contrast, steel drumming would be a nice option. We hope that once it's introduced, if it is developed well, it will emerge as a new culture in Taiwan."

Performance notes:
What: The 2006 Ju Percussion Group's Annual Music Performance: The Oil Drums that can sing (2006朱宗慶打擊樂團年度音樂會:會唱歌的汽油桶)
Where: Taipei National Concert Hall (台北市中正區中山南路21-1號)
When: Monday and Tuesday starting at 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets cost between NT$300 to NT$1,100 and are available at www.artsticket.com.tw.
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