Meet the Guitars/Cellos
David, playing pans since 2005
Day job: Associate Vice President, Research Compliance, Virginia TechFavorite songs to play: I like 'em all.
How did you get involved in PanJammers? Saw a performance in Squires and the whole family signed up to be in Island Pan (a sister band that merged with PanJammers in 2011)
What advice would you give to a new pan player? Be patient. It's not that hard.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? Getting better and being part of a professional group.
Other musical instruments played: Trumpet (high school band 40+ years ago)
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: Anything but country.
Interests and hobbies: Photography, genealogy, Civil War research.
Derley, playing pans since 2005
Favorite songs to play: 5th of Beethoven, Smooth, Pick Up the Pieces, Soul Finger
How did you get involved in PanJammers? Years ago I was invited to a show by the mother of a player in the group. The show was great fun, so when I found out about a workshop, I signed up and have been playing ever since.
What advice would you give to a new pan player? I learn by listening, so I recommend listening to the song a couple of times before playing it to avoid getting frustrated. It's a lot easier to play a song when you know what your part should sound like when played with the rest of the group. Also, move while you practice. Tap your feet. Sway. Bob your head. That way, when you perform in front of an audience, you'll look more relaxed.
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? I’ve been playing a musical instrument since I was 8, so it fills my need for making music. Plus, I have made some great friends in the band who don't care if I bounce around or dance when I'm playing! It's a good time.
Other musical instruments played: Piano... and I'm usually the drummer when I play Rock Band with friends because we lose when I play guitar. Does that count?
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: I like all kinds of music from John Mayer to Michael Buble to U2.
Interests and hobbies: Taking photos, shooting and editing videos, going to concerts, traveling, writing.
Lynn, playing pans since 2014
Day job: Adjunct professor at Virginia Tech Learning and Culture Institute; Theate and puppetry for kinds with LOCO artsFavorite songs to play: Pick up the Pieces
How did you get involved in PanJammers? I played on a neighbor's set when I was 10, got hooked on the sound, and finally joined PanJammers in 2014.
What advice would you give to a new pan player? Don't worry! Have fun!
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? Playing with a group and the unique sound.
Other musical instruments played: Viola, rhythm tap, djembe
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: R&B, soul, Jazz, blues and Bowie.
Interests and hobbies: Parades (especially Mummer's Parade), swimming, yoga, qi gong.
Meet the Basses
Sarah, aka Turtle, playing pans since 2013
Favorite songs to play: Green OnionsHow did you get involved in PanJammers? After being abducted by aliens, I survived in a fort made of bass steel drums that were sitting idle in a corner of their spaceship. I found I could influence the aliens by the sounds of the drums and, through music, eventually convinced them to release me back to Earth. Who knew music could be so influential?
What advice would you give to a new pan player? They call it ‘playing’ for a reason – have fun, enjoy yourself and don’t get hung up on wrong notes. In a pinch ‘air-pan’ it if you have to!
What do you enjoy most about playing the pans? You get swallowed by the music, mind, body and soul. Bass drums especially are a full body experience, you must dance if you’re going to reach all those notes in time!
Other musical instruments played: Piano, clarinet (both untouched for many years now) Pan: Lead
Favorite musicians, types of music, musical influences: Broadway musicals, novelty music, instrumental bluegrass and classical. I like to think my primary musical influence is Animal, from the Muppets: ‘Beat drum! Beat drum!’
Interests and hobbies: Theatre, knitting, quilting, bicycling, skiing
