Meet the Double Seconds
Alice, playing pans since 2011
Day job: RU AdministratorFavorite songs to play: Cachita, Sarah, Trinidad Blue Basin
How did you get involved in PanJammers? Quest Academy (participating in Feel the Steel beginner band)
What advice would you give to a new pan player? Keep the faith.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? The sound makes me feel like I am vacationing in the Caribbean every Monday evening. Other musical instruments played: The radio
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: Eclectic - rock n roll, reggae, jazz, oldies, beach music, classical
Interests and hobbies: Old black and white classic movies, anything outdoors, and food.
Curt, playing pans since 2007
Day job: Research Associate, Entomology Department, Virginia TechFavorite songs to play: Easy Does It, Love, La Bamba, Stand By Me, El Diablo, My Girl, Can't Help Falling in Love, Louie Louie, and on and on!
How did you get involved in PanJammers? After the 2006 Summer Arts Festival performance on Henderson Lawn, I was dragged down to the stage by a curious 2 year old who wanted to "play." When I saw that the notes inside the pan and on the music were labeled (I can't read music), it occurred to me that just maybe I could do this. Six months later I "walked on." I’m still telling myself that maybe I can do this!
What advice would you give to a new pan player? Don’t be intimidated by an entire song--break it down, learn a bit at a time, listen to the veterans. Have fun. Let the music protect you. Be the pan.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? The whole group--every practice is a joyful event. When we perform in front of an audience for an hour, it seems like 5 minutes.
Other musical instruments played: Air guitar
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: John Fogerty, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, Nils Lofgren, Mavis Staples, Jackson Browne. Blues, rock and roll
Interests and hobbies: Softball, yoga, gardening.
Eileen, playing pans since 2011
Day job: Science writer and editorFavorite songs to play: Dancero, Cachita, Como Ves, La Bamba
How did you get involved in PanJammers? I first saw PanJammers in concert about three years ago at a local venue. They appeared to be having great fun playing together and making great music. In 2010, I joined a beginner band (Feel the Steel) to see if I could learn to play without ever having had any formal training in music. In early 2011, PanJammers invited Feel the Steel to join them. Now, we are ALL having great fun playing together and making great music!
What advice would you give to a new pan player? With patience and practice, you can learn to play at any age.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? I can create beautiful sounds with the pans while being part of a terrific band of talented, fun-loving people.
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: I’ve been listening to rock n roll for the past 40+ years. I currently enjoy classic rock (Eric Clapton, Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Hot Tuna, Little Feat, Talking Heads), instrumentals (Pat Metheny, Al DiMeola, Andy Narrell), and contemporary musicians (Cold Play, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, Green Day, Snow Patrol, Blue October, Norah Jones).
Interests and hobbies: I enjoy gardening, needlework, cooking, and computers.
Patricia, playing pans since 2010
Day job: Chemistry professor at Virginia TechFavorite songs to play: 5th of Beethoven, Iko Iko, and Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
How did you get involved in PanJammers? I joined a Feel the Steel class after seeing PanJammers perform at Summer Solstice.
What advice would you give to a new pan player? Learning to play is worth the effort; keep practicing; it can be slow at first, but playing gets easier with time.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? Being part of a band.
Other musical instruments played: Piano
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: I like Christian praise music (Chris Tomlin, Twila Paris, Michael W. Smith). I also like balladeers like Gordon Lightfoot and I like classical music.
Interests and hobbies: Reading, swimming, biking, and hiking
Tina, playing pans since 2012
Day job: Administrative Assistant at Blacksburg Christian FellowshipFavorite songs to play: Smooth (probably because my husband really likes Santana), 5th of Beethoven
How did you get involved in PanJammers? I signed up for an introductory class after hearing them play at a Friday night concert on Henderson lawn. I was excited to see that the notes were written on the drums!
What advice would you give to a new pan player? I'm still a newbie so I don't have much advice except to not give up and don't be too uptight about getting all the notes right. The other people in the group are very welcoming and encouraging.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? It is something totally new for me. I love making fun music and playing in a band.
Other musical instruments played: Piano, dabble with the harmonica when sitting around a campfire
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: Christian worship and I will just come out and admit that I really enjoy country music.
Interests and hobbies: camping, horses, hiking, reading.
Meet the Double Tenors
Charles, playing pans since 2005
Favorite songs to play: I'm not really partial. I like most of our music.
How did you get involved in PanJammers? With my son Tim as an interest in percussion.
What advice would you give to a new pan player? Have fun. Be patient. Don't be hard on yourself.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? I like the whole experience
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: I like most music. (Not a fan of country.)
Interests and hobbies: Karate, reading.
Emily, playing pans since 2009
Day job: At home with my 3 children, Leader in Bible Study Fellowship, Thirty-One ConsultantFavorite songs to play: Smooth, 5th of Beethoven, Soul Finger... Oh, OK, ALL of them!
How did you get involved in PanJammers? I saw a performance and the music geek/percussionist in me was immediately hooked. I did the Feel the Steel class one summer and joined the group afterwards.
What advice would you give to a new pan player? If you don't have a drum to practice on "make" one. A piece of poster board, a "map" of your drum, a Sharpie and voila! Be patient and give yourself grace as you learn (air panning when necessary. :) ). Mostly, just enjoy being a part of this fun, friendly group of players!
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? I've loved the challenge of learning to play a new instrument. Pans have such a unique and beautiful sound, and it's awesome to hear songs come together in practice after hearing each section practice its own specific part. Also, it's fun seeing people's reaction when I tell them I'm in the group... "Wait, you play what? In BLACKSBURG?"
Other musical instruments played: A myriad of percussion stuff and my voice.
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: I love just about anything from classical to classic rock (except country... sorry). I especially love Contemporary Christian and Worship stuff.
Interests and hobbies: Hobbies? Other than my 3 kids?? I love to read and am a sports junkie.
