‘Bertie’ Marshall Speaks on the Steelpan
Bertie Marshall (1936- ) is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s living icons who has made an invaluable contribution to the evolution of the steelpan instrument. Marshall, an adept pan-tunist, introduced several fixtures and accompaniments to the instrument that are evident today such as the canopy, and the popular double tenor pans. He is also responsible for other innovations made to the pan such as the introduction of the chromatic scales to the instrument and adding a “keyboard face” to the pan for greater proficiency. Bertie Marshall was also the leader of the “Armed Forces” band and later ascended in the ranks of the band “Highlanders” and became captain, as well as its tuner and arranger.