I first heard this magical instrument while I was traveling in Peru earlier this year, and instantly I was hooked. I started talking about it with everyone I got the chance to, listening to hand pan music on repeat, and day dreaming of the day I laid my hands on a pan of my own.
I spent the summer tucked far away in the bush, planting trees, spending my days alone, just my spade, trees, the land and my thoughts. This strange, UFO-esc instrument flooded my mind on the daily.
Finally, the day came I returned from the bush, and found myself wandering in Vancouver. Most makers have a large wait list behind acquiring an instrument, but I came across someone selling a Hanpan locally, so immediately I made plans to go try it out. I sat there and played it for an hour, so entranced by its mystic sound, appearance, and emotion it left me feeling.
Of course, it was a love at first sight situation, and I decided to bring it home. It’s a Pan Amor pan, tuned to D-Kurd.
I walked down to the ocean, rocking the turtle shell shaped case on my back, I swear I was glowing from excitement. I took my last dip in the Pacific before flying home to the prairies in the morning, and as I was walking back to the path, I see a man, wearing red heart shaped glasses and mushroom printed pants HOLDING A HANDPAN. Partially in disbelief, I wasn’t really sure what to say, but I was intrigued. Noting this was my first, and only encounter in Canada with a fellow Handpan-er. Thankfully, he shared the first words along the lines of “you look like an artist just in time for my busk, come join me”
In that moment I felt as I was being given a beautiful confirmation from the universe that I was on the right path with starting this new musical journey. We shared stories, he showed me lessons to practise developing skills, and most importantly left me feeling seriously inspired by the path that could lay ahead. We also started to play some music together, and by together I mean I held a very basic rhythm while he created the magic.
Iv been playing for about two months now, and I’m slowly learning to create my own rhythems, and to feel the sounds I’m creating. It has been a powerful tool in active meditation, and to sift through my constantly wandering mind sucking me into a trance like state. I’m no where near the skill I'd like to achieve, but that’s apart of the journey.
Heres a photo Iven and I snapped to hold this memory. The work he does is inspiring and can be found here (https://www.medicineart.ca/home)
Thanks for reading
gomary