Inspired by performing in the 120-piece steel bands of Trinidad & Tobago, Kate Lang-Salazar, John Salazar, and Michael Skweir dreamed of recreating the spirit and camaraderie of Trinidad & Tobago's "panyards" here on our own North Coast.
In June 1999, the Pan Arts Network was founded to begin teaching steel drum classes and make available instruments and accessories for the beginning to advanced pan player.
About the Founders
Kate Lang-Salazar, native of Humboldt County, has had a lifelong involvement with music. She studied classical flute for fourteen years and graduated from Humboldt State University in 1997 with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree combining music, dance and cultural arts. Her focus on percussion began in 1995 as a member of the HSU Calypso Band and the HSU Percussion Ensemble. She co-founded Pan Tectonics Steel Band and Pan Dulce Steel Orchestra. Kate furthered her Pan studies in 1998 and 2002 when she traveled to Trinidad, West Indies to play in legendary steel band "Starlift" under the direction of the famed composer and arranger Ray Holman. Kate blends her passion for music with a patient and enthusiastic teaching style creating an optimal learning environment.
John Salazar attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston with further music studies at Humboldt State University with Dr. Eugene Novotney. His fascination with the music of Trinidad and Tobago began in 1987 as a member of the Humboldt Calypso Band and his passion for Pan was infused with travels to Trinidad (1994, 1995, 1998 & 2002) where he performed with "Phase II Pan Groove" and "Starlift" as part of the National Panorama competitions. He is the co-founder and music arranger of both Pan Tectonics (1999-2002) and Pan Dulce Steel Orchestra (2001- present). He is owner and Chief Tuner of Salazar Fine Tuning, a tuning and repair service for keyboard percussion instruments.
Michael Skweir received a bachelor's degree in music from Humboldt State University in 1983. Michael performed in the Humboldt Calypso Band under the direction of Dr. Eugene Novotney and co-founded the Pan Tectonics Steel Band as well the Pan Dulce Steel Orchestra. He has performed with "Phase II Pan Groove" and "Starlift" under the direction of Ray Holman. Michael makes stands and mallets and has been practicing the art of steel drum crafting specializing in double seconds, cellos, and basses. Michael was honored to be included in the Instruments of Art exhibit at the Morris Graves Museum of Art in 2003. His hand-crafted steel drums are performed in universities, high schools and middle schools throughout the U.S.
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