The steelpan or steel drum originated in the Caribbean Island of Trinidad some time during the 1930's. This drum is the only acoustic musical instrument invented this century. These instruments are made from used oil drums and are extremely versatile. The steel orchestra is composed of instruments covering the full range of the conventional orchestra.

Six categories of drums make up the orchestra: the tenors, the double second, the guitars, the cellos, the quadro and six pan, the bass, plus the rhythm section. Today the Steelpan is a widely accepted art-form and international phenomenon. Steelbands have sprung up in a number of countries ranging from Japan to Sweden, and now in Canada.

The importance of the steel drum in the emergence of world music means that it is now being enjoyed internationally. Trinidadians are pleased to see their national instrument enjoyed and appreciated world wide.