What do stilts, steelpan, and Spring have in common? The Trinidad and Tobago celebration of Carnival!
Over the Spring semester, associate professor of ethnomusicology Dr. Janine Tiffe and School of Music alumnus Jennalee Quillen participated in the Advanced Pan Fellowship program. The program was held at the University of Trinidad and Tobago during Carnival season. The Carnival Immersion course was held completely “in the field,” which gave Dr. Tiffe and Quillen first-hand experience with steelpan groups in the very place the instrument originated.
Jennalee Quillen first met professor Tiffe during a percussion workshop that led her to add a world music minor. As a student, Quillen participated in the Caribbean Steelband and African Ensemble before graduating in 2021 with a B.A. in music education.
For Quillen, favorite memories of the Advanced Pan Fellowship program include playing with the band “Phase II.”
“I met wonderful musicians from all over the world that came together to play this beautiful instrument. They treated me like family and showed great hospitality during my stay,” said Quillen.
During her time in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Tiffe was able to attend the 80th birthday party of personal mentor and pan legend, Ray Holman. She also saw many famous calypso and soca performers– genres originating from the dual-island nation that heavily features steelpan.
“This experience has provided exactly what I needed for my creativity and research. I am extremely grateful I was able to spend this time immersed in the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago,” said Dr. Tiffe.
Through her experience, Dr. Tiffe hopes to bring some of the Carnival spirit to the Kent State University campus.
“I have so many ideas for incorporating my experiences from Trinidad into the Kent State community! I am planning to recreate one of the carnival traditional mas character concepts for the homecoming parade with student organization Asé Xpressions and my Caribbean Steelband class,” said Tiffe.
Learn more about the ethnomusicology and world music program at Kent State: https://www.kent.edu/music/ethnomusicology