Calypso Music of Trinidad and Tobago
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/9/4/24941365/46734.png)
Calypso music, also known as Kaiso, originated in Trinidad and Tobago. It was originated as part of Trinidad's Carnival in the 19th century, and combines story-telling, humor, and singing. It has its roots in slave songs sung by African slaves who communicated through song during work because they were not permitted to speak to one another. They were traditionally sung in French Creole dialects, but are now sung in many languages. A singer of calypso is called a "Giot" and must be well versed in the style of calypso. Calypso is characterized by percussive rhythmic beats, a pattern of call and response, extemporaneous singing, and satire. Calypso music relies heavily on percussion, usually on steel drums.
Photo from: http://tamilculture.ca/why-do-sri-lankans-love-reggae/
Photo from: http://tamilculture.ca/why-do-sri-lankans-love-reggae/
Classroom Implementation
Here you will find a tutorial on how to make a steel drum from a coffee can: http://suite101.com/a/how-to-make-a-steel-drum-a105406
A great way to introduce students to the Caribbean sound of calypso is to make a coffee can drum and allow them each to experiment with different pitches and rhythms. Then, instruct them each to come up with a small 6-10 note melody that they can name and play for the class.
A great way to introduce students to the Caribbean sound of calypso is to make a coffee can drum and allow them each to experiment with different pitches and rhythms. Then, instruct them each to come up with a small 6-10 note melody that they can name and play for the class.