Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Tribute To Women In Pan


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Meet Karen Codrington of Trinidad & Tobago

“It is very challenging juggling the different roles as a house-wife, mom, and musician. For example, sometimes I might be practicing at the pan yard while at the same time worrying about the pile of dirty clothes at home. Taking care of a family of 8 is no easy task but what makes it easier is the help of the rest of the family.”  -- Karen Codrington

She lives it, talks it and walks it full time - 24-7-365. She is one of the world's most successful steelpan parents. A panist and drummer in her own right, she oversees eight accomplished musicians. Share the real life of the matriarch of the Codrington’s Karen Codrington—in her own words—in a When Steel Talks exclusive.

A When Steel Talks Exclusive

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WST - “You are the proud matriarch of the Codrington Pan Family - and you are the drummer for the core performing band, and also its Panorama drummer. Did you play pan before drumming for the band, and if so, how were you first introduced to the steelpan?”

Karen C. - “I used to play the pan before becoming a drummer. In 1980 I was introduced to Pan at the Tunapuna Nightingales Steel Orchestra. There I learned how to play the steelpan; tenor, guitar, bass and I also played around on the drums at the time.”


WST - “How did you become the drummer for the Codrington Pan Family?”

Karen C. - “In the early days of the band on Frederick Street, the only rhythm instrument that we had was the Dup Dup and that is what I played. In my husband’s [Cary Codrington] own words I was “very creative” so we bought a bongo and timbales set with a crash and I played that as if it was a drum set. In 2005 we bought a used drum set and I learnt on the job.”


WST - “Who are your favorite musical artists, and what are your musical influences?”

Karen C. - “My favorite musical artistes are Ella Andall, Mamadie and Bob Marley. My main musical influences are Afro-cuban, African drumming and Jazz music.”

Karen Codrington
Karen Codrington

WST - “You are a full-time musician in addition to being a wife, and Mom to a fabulous family of sons and daughters - talk about this ongoing experience?”

Karen C. - “It is very challenging juggling the different roles as a house-wife, mom, and musician. For example, sometimes I might be practicing at the pan yard while at the same time worrying about the pile of dirty clothes at home. Taking care of a family of 8 is no easy task but what makes it easier is the help of the rest of the family.”

Karen C. with family
Karen Codrington (far right) on bongo and timbales with the Codrington Family on Frederick Street - the early years

WST - “What would you say to both Moms, and young women, who are interested in becoming involved with the steelpan art form?”

Karen C. - “It depends on how far the individual wants to reach. It calls for a lot of dedication, commitment, discipline and the ambition for hard work.”


Karen Codrington on combos with the Codringtons in the early days
Karen on bongos in the early years

WST - “WST understands the Codrington Pan Family makes and maintains its own instruments? If this is accurate, talk about this undertaking, how it works, who is responsible for what, etc.”

Karen C. - “In the early days of the band we played only on single pans that my husband designed. These pans were tuned and maintained by Mario Joseph. However, as my children grew older, two of my sons, Kareem and Kaijah, did a pan tuning course. They are now responsible for the building and maintenance of the pans with the help of Mario and ‘Birch’ Kelman.”


WST - “WST heard personnel during the live broadcast online of the 2012 Panorama small band finals, after Codrington Pan Family performed - scoff in disbelief at the idea of a woman drumming for the band (this was after the band's performance of Vibes Cyah Done) - after apparently being told that you were on trapset. What do you think of this, and why do you think this happened?”

Karen C. - “That is the usual reaction that I get from people because they know that playing the drum set can be very challenging even for a male musician. However it is not unusual for a female musician to be competent on any instrument. I think it is more a question of amazement than disbelief.”


WST - “If you had the power to change one thing as it relates to the steelpan art form, what would that be?”

Karen C. - “I would change the size of the bands that take part in the National Panorama, making them smaller and much more marketable.”

Karen Codrington (at right), with daughters Kizzi (center) and Keisha (left
Karen Codrington (at right), with daughters Kizzi (center) and Keisha (left)

WST - “What is your vision for the Codrington Pan Family?”

Karen C. - “My vision is to make the Codrington Pan Family an institution where young people can come to learn the art of steelpan — music theory, playing, arranging, pan construction, tuning, proper maintenance of instruments and equipment.”


WST - “Are there any other related matters you would like to bring forward?”

Karen C. - “I would like to personally thank When Steel Talks for the great job that you are doing in promoting the steelpan internationally. If not for this forum that you have provided I would not have been able to express my humble opinion to your viewers.”



-Fine China ~ Codrington Pan Family ~ Chris Brown (steelpan cover)





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