From Skin 2 Steel and Beyond is an interactive, hands-on workshop that immerses participants in the rhythmic and cultural foundations of the steelpan and steelband tradition. Through guided playing experiences, participants actively engage with skin drums, tamboo bamboo, iron, steelband instruments, and other elements of the steelband “engine room,” experiencing firsthand the evolution of sound that led to the creation of the steelpan.

The workshop traces the historical journey from West African percussion traditions through Carnival practices in Trinidad and Tobago, culminating in the development of the steelpan.

Led by Joy Lapps, an artist, educator, and creative consultant, the workshop emphasizes experiential learning, cultural context, and inclusive music-making. Joy draws on her extensive performance and educational experience to create an accessible, participatory environment where participants develop rhythmic awareness, ensemble skills, and a deeper understanding of the steelpan’s cultural significance and contemporary relevance.