How is a steel pan played?

A steel pan, or steel drum, is played by striking its tuned, concave surface with mallets, which can have rubber or plastic heads for a softer sound. The player uses different mallets to produce various pitches and dynamics by striking specific sections of the drum's surface, each of which corresponds to a different note. Steel pans are often played in ensembles, and players can create melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, making them central to genres like calypso and soca music. The instrument's unique sound is characterized by its bright, resonant tones.