Handpangea is an American gathering of Handpan players, makers, and enthusiasts. I was fortunate to attend both events thus far (2011 and 2012).
Handpangea 2011
In 2011, I received my SPB just a month prior to the event. I spent much of my time at Handpangea trying out all of the handpans available. I believe that I played every generation of Hang and Halo available. Played a few Bells as well. Mine was the only SPB present, so she spent much time with others as they explored Victor’s creation. I had very little skill in 2011 and very much enjoyed watching and playing with others. I was in awe of the sounds that I heard some players make on this beautiful instrument. Needless to say, I went home with many new friends and techniques. I also went home with a deeper appreciation of this instrument and the community.
Handpangea 2012
This year was different! I have spent the last year getting to know the handpan better. I also obtained a second SPB as well as a Halo… my music is much fuller and more defined. I am at a different place with my music. In the past few months, I have decided to become a Certified Music Practitioner. It seemed that many at Handpangea are on a healing sound journey as well. The first day was full of conversations about using the handpan in healing as well as the healing properties of sound/music/vibration. Good stuff going on! Also this year, I jumped in as many jams as possible in such a short time. I played several of Victor’s special builds and shared travel stories with friends who have also made the journey to Russia. I thoroughly enjoyed the time that I shared with my handpan brothers and sisters.
Here is a audio recording of two Halos at Handpangea. I am trying out Gabriel Goldberg’s Equinox and he is playing my Silverado. You can briefly hear Janet Spahr on voice. Good stuff!
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/50646849″ iframe=”true” /]
For more information on Gabriel and his work: Gabriel Sound Healing
Here is a video of a jam that I participated in on Friday afternoon. Played exclusively on Halos by Pantheon Steel in the scales of Aegean, Equinox, Silverado, and Melong Selisir. I believe there is a Golden Gate mixed in there for good measure…
Many Thanks to Buddy Brinkley for making these videos available!