Steel Drum Performance Techniques

Steel Drulrn
Peftrrnance
Techruiques
tr lorida Music E ducators' Association Annual Conference
Janaary / 3", 20/ /
Preseruter:
Ed Anderson
SpecialThanks to:
Tropical Hammer Steel Drums
Mr.
Gerry Ncke
Parytard Inc.
Engine Room Publishirug
Basie Stgel DJum In$trumentation
.
.
.
Tenor (also called lead or soprano)
- Single barrel, Melody, C4-E6
Double Tenor falso known as Double Second 1)
- Double barrel, Harmony, Counter-Melody F3-D6
Double Second
- Double barrel, strumming, Harmony, Counter-Melody, F#3-C#6
.
Guitar/Cello
.
Six Bass
Triple barrel, strumming, Counter-Melody, or bass, B2-C#5
Six barrels, bass, Bb1-Eb3
Steel Band Set-up Suggestions
.
.
.
2
.
1 Bass Set
3 Leads
2 Double Seconds
Triple Guitars
-
Double Guitars will serve just as well for Elementary School
for Electric Bass]
Considerations When,Purchasing Steel Drum
.
You get what you pay for
A good quality steel drum
Be careful
.
.
a tuner to
evaluate.
Used Steel Drums are absolutely fine to start with.
- Have them evaluated by a tuner or experienced player or educator.
Chrome
.
will cost between $800 to $2,000 Dollars
if someone sells you a drum for less than $800. Test it first or take it to
Greater dynamic range
Warmer timbre
Recommended for Leads and Seconds
Bore
Greater dynamic range
.
.
Brighter, thinner timbre
Same
Getting drums lrom same source makes a band sound
well-blended and lull
Oversized pans
.
builder
Some Builders are using B5 gallon barrels to make pans.
Extended Hoop Steel Drums (information obtained from www.steelpan-steeldrums-
information.com)
-
Extended rim pans were introduced by the company Panyard Inc. under the trademark Solid
Hoop.
Traditional steel pan manufacturing uses 55 gallon drums
-
as starting material, extended rim
pans are created by welding flat stock metal to solid steel rims. The diameters of these pans
are approximately 3 inches longer than pans made from 55 gallon drums.
This increased surface area is said to provide the right amount of space for the optimal
performance of all the notes in the pan.
Also, the thickness of the metal varies from note to note. The metal for each note is thinned
to a specific pre-determined value for optimal performallce of the note. This has reportedly
minimized the problem of diminishing sound quality in the higher registers.
Other, Consi4erAtions. When Starting a Steel Band
.
Pan stands
-
Chrome tripod stands are adjustable and sharp looking. Powder coated wheel stands are
adjustable and highly portable.
-
Pipe stands are inexpensive.
.
.
.
.
Plumbers Pipe
PVC Pipe
Conduit Pipe
Cases
.
.
.
Humes & Berg: $170
Impact: $140
Impact Soft cases: $ 110
Mallets
Powder coated with tube tips: $18 for tenor pair
.
-
Aluminum:$12-$20
-
Make your Ownl
Wooden:$B-$15
Earplugs
-
Erymotic ER 20: $12.95 [www.entymotic.com)
Engine_Room
o
An Engine Room is the term used for the rhythm section in a steel band. It is critical to the
success of the band as a whole. Most of the time, the entire feel and style of a piece that a
steel band performs is defined by the engine room. The following instruments are a
recommendation for a Basic Engine Room:
' Drum Set [basic 5 piece)
!
.
.
.
.
. l" Crash Cymbal, 1 Ride Cymbal
Congas ILP Aspire AWJ
. The Remo Tuned Tubanos work just as well. Especially for Elementary
Students
Brake Drum
o Two stand mounted Cowbells of different pitches can be substituted
Wood block ILP fam Block 1207J
Claves
Shakers ofvarious sizes and sounds can also be added
. Egg Shakers work very well, especially for smaller hands.
Iumbie Steel Drum
r
The Jumbie Steel Drum is a Steel drum crafted by Panyard Inc., specifically geared for early childhood
r
o
.
.
education.
Jumbie Steel Drums can be utilized by themselves or with an existing steel drum group.
Jumbie steel drums are an excellent tool for use in Special Education inclusion lessons.
Winner of "Best Tools for School" in 2 0 10 for National Association of Music Merchants Convention
Specifically designed be incorporated with Orff Ensembles, Hand Percussion, and recorder
Ensembles
Engqe, Room'Grooycsl
.
Calypso
tluseii
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r
*
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ts
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F
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.
Soca
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i.._i i.._"i i.._'t i..Fi
!
.
Bossa Nova
Hmn,:l*
tr*qq
ft*u*
Ct,.:u
{cl
Island Tunes
tsxqr 0tcu*
Ct,.rs
6st
E-duc,AEpnal Philospphy (p gtformance vs. Aqadenlic)
.
Performance
o
o
o
o
r
The more you perfbrm, the better you getl
Allows students to get more "flight time,,
Better prepares to become a ,'working,,musician
This do.es not mean that the areas of theory, ear training, and musicality, should be given less
priority or ignored. Indeed, steel drum players with a "classical" education and with
performance experience (i.e. improvisation skills,) tend to receive the more high paying gigs.
Academic
o
Focuses more on the history of the steel drum as well as focuses on historical figures related
o
o
to the creation ofthe steel drum and the musical genre.
This does not mean that performance is not given importance.
Most steel drum programs that can meet everyday follow this philosophy.
Academic Resources
c
Introduction to Steel Band by Dave Knap and Adam Grise, Engine Room publishing
o The best definitive educational method for steel drum.
o The total focus of this method is on teaching steel drum methods in a classroom setting.
o
o
Contains Theory Worksheets, Charts, Pictures, and diagrams of the steel drum instruments.
Steel Bqnd Gqme Planby Chris Tanner, MENC: 2007
o Excellent introduction to starting and building a steel band program.
Interactive Material
.
TropicalShores (www.tropicalshores.net)
Pan Tunes Volumes 1-5
.
.
.
.
Contain music and "Backing Tracks" of many standard tunes.
Each song comes with 2 tracks. One with the melody and one without.
Changing Times...Ray Holman
- The six-track double CD includes an enhanced data disc featuring the music scores,
composer profiles, as well as scorer and editor notes. The project was conceptualized by
Mark Loquan, composed and scored by Ray Holman and Dr. Jeannine Remy and executed by
the UWI ensemble
Pan in Education...Mark Loquan
- 13-track double CD includes an enhanced data disc featuring the music scores, composer
profiles, band profiles, as well as scorer and editor notes. Also contains links to other
academic areas that can be used to tie into other subjects. Contains individual sound
recordings of each instrument playing each part separately as well as full recordings
Island Grooves DVD by Chris Hanning
Excellent steel band drum set instructional DVD
- available from Panyard Inc. or Hillbridge Music
Recomr-nended Steql Band Recgrdingq
.
All these bands are available on iTunes or from Pan Ramajay.
Chabot Panhandlers
.
.
.
.
-
Bounce
Pen on the Move
Three
Sticks
Miami University (Ohio)
Simple Pleasures
.
.
.
.
Burnin'
One More Soca
Three Wishes
Solo and Ensemble
r
Steel Band Ensembles can perform at FBA Solo and Ensembles with the Special Permission form fond
on the Florida Bandmaster Association website. A copy of this form is included in this packet.
Simple Arrangements for Steel Band
o
o
Simple Arrangements for a steel band can follow a standard SATB form.
Soprano - Lead
Alto - Double Second
1.
2.
3.
4.
Tenor - Guitar
Bass-Bass
Ed Anderson's 3 easy steps to creating a steel band arrangement.
1.
2.
3.
Create 3 sections: Melody [M), Strumming (SJ, and Variation [V)
Give each Instrument Section an order to play the song in. For Example:
Lead:MM,SS,MM,W,SS,MM
Double Second: MM, SS, SS, W, SS, MM
Guitar: MM, SS, SS, W, MM, MM
BaSS: MM, SS, SS, W, SS, MM
Have Fun!
.
.
.
.
This page is
Inten tionally
Left Blank
Mqrianne
Composer: Roaring Lion
Arr. Ed Anderson
Hgigl.i
Otu*rs ieclnc
{tt9!e Guifat
{ttiru
f,lue,-s
FnftrtFi
igsrN:
{tt,rlr Fltt',t$
ft$,.e $*rt*t
Druus
ft't,-r
*sll
Sutres
Sleef Drvqr MuFic Sasic Libr?rv
Hillbridge Music (w"wrv.,hillbridge+o"_mJ
.
Versos Pra Teresa
The Proposal +
Anna
Guantanamera
The Caribbean Sampler [This comes with 3 songs that work great for a beginning Steel BandJ *
The Rope x
Club Trini Back in Town
Brown Eyed Girl x
Banana Wind
Cantata
Dancero
Panyard
Cozumel
Our Song
Hanerot Halalu
Under the Sea
Sunrise Sunset
Sad Song for a Panman
Oye Como Va
Panyard {www.gauyarct{em)
Both of Them
Crazy Love
*
Jump in the Line
Rant and Rave
Steelband Paradise
Rhythm of Calypso *
Day-0
Margarittaville
Sunset
Hard Times x
Yumbambe
Pan Painted Blue
Samba Da Arcata
Pan Ba.maiay Ptoductions [W.ww.nanraruaiav.cod
Allah We
Chocolate Love
Desert Wind
Easy Does
It
Steel Band Bacchanal
ZigZag
Sarah *
Tobago Jam *
Engine,Room Publishing (www.e4gineroompublishing.com)
Six Pieces for Beginning Steel Bandx
1) Pa Bailar
2) Hope
3J Catch Me
4J You Got Me Going
5) Working
6J Floating Serenade
Be Thou But Near
Moonlight Sonata
Not a Care
Song for Laruen [Tracy
Thornton tune, in production)
* Highly recommended for a basic steel drum
library
Recommended Steel Drum Tuners
r
Tropical Hammer Steel Drum Crafters
900 Country Club Dr.
Sanford, Florida 32773
Phone: (407)323-7079
www. tr.op i c al_hamn er:. c o m/f] oli.dal
s-a le.s@tlop icalh amm er. ccm
Owner: Tom Revnolds
.
o
Coyle Steel Drums
2621W. Leonard St.
Pensacola,FL 32505
Phone: (850) 433-7785 Fax: (850) 432-7710
Toll Free: 1-866-35 5-3786
www.coyledrums.com
Email : info(@covledrum s. coln
Owner: Alan Coyle
PANYARD, INC.
l2l6 California Avenue
Akron OH 44314-1842 USA
Phone/Fax: (330) 7 45-3 155
Toll Free: (800) 377-0202
www.panyard.com
Email : [email protected]
Owner: Ron Kerns
o
Mannete Steel Drums
P.O. Box 354
Osage, WV 26543
Phone/Fax 866-237 -3786 (DR[A4)
http ://www.mannettesteeIdrums. com/
Email : mail@mannette steeldrums.
Owner: Ellie Mannete
The Following Pages
are excerpts from
lntroduction to Steel
Bqnd Method Book.
They are reprinted with
permission from Engine
Room Publishing.
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@
@
Notes a"nd-Rhythrn
€4natoryy
{aStd&awl
Like a conventional orchestra, instruments within a steel band usually perform
a certain role. For example, the violin often plays the melody and the tuba often
outlines the harmony. Though each instrument plays a typical role, every musician
in a steel band will at some point be asked to play melody, harmony, and every'thing
in between. Below is a list of instruments in a steel band and their typical role and
note range.
There are five basic instruments in the steel pan family: tenor, double tenor, double
seconds, triple guitar, and six bass. There are many other kinds of pans, such as the
quadraphonic, four cello, double guitar, and nine bass. The instruments listed here
are the most common.
Instrument
Tenor
L
o
Function
Melody
b0
+
Double Tenor
Melody, Counter Melody
I
I
Double Seconds
Counter Melody, Strumming
FT
I
Triple Guitar
k()
d
Bass
Bass
line
_$
%$
".-e'
Not all instruments have the same range as these listed above. Some double seconds,
for example, only go down to an F#. AIso, many 6-Basses will only go down to a C.
If your instrument does not have a certain note, make adjustments in your music
by either playrng that note in a different octave or leaving it out entirely. When you
make an adjustment, take care to maintain the same musical shape intended by the
composer.
@
Y
k4
d
#
w
w
IP
w
w
w
t#
w
ed
w
w
w
I
J
6
Strumming, Melody
#
#
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w
4
w
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Strumming and the- Engine Room
There are many different strumming patterns in steel band music. Composers will layer
different patterns in different sections of the band to create their own flavor, or groove.
Those that follow steel bands in Trinidad are able to connect specific grooves to specific
neighborhoods and steel bands because those bands are known for their unique character.
Though there are many strumming patterns, there are a few common patterns beginning
students should learn.
The names of the following strums are not standardized. We use these names here to
simpliff their learning. Though you may hear composers and players use the following
names, others may use other names, or use no names at all.
The Three Strum
This strum is the most basic. It can often be heard in the bass guitar of old callpso
recordings. Calypso drummers will also often play a pattern similar to this, playing the
first two notes on the bass drum and the third note on the snare. This rhythm is also
common in other Caribbean music.
The Soca Strum
The soca strum is a little more challenging than the three strum because it does not begin
on the beat. Besides the first note, the last two notes occur on the same syllables as the
last two notes of the three strum. The soca strum can be heard in callpso recordings and
is also very common in soca music. The drum set in soca music will sometimes have this
pattern on the snare.
The Cuatro Strum
The cuatro strum is an older pattern found in early calypso recordings, often being played
by an instrument called the cuatro, a Venezuelan instrument that has four strings. Even
though it is an older strum, it is commonly used by steel bands today.
€-)
"*f
.4
d
Strumming and the Engine Room
.*l
j
EUr"e J{oont
J
The name engine room comes from the fact that this group of instruments drives the
steel band. Each instrument in the engine room repeatedly plays a fixed rhythm.
When played together, the different instruments interlock to create a polyrhythm
that maintains the pulse and energy for the rest of the steel band. Below are sample
patterns for some common engine room instruments.
-o'-,.-,_:r':
sl
.J
yf
Fl
Fl
.J
Iron
l,f
IJ
taJ
..-_-.
UaJ
rp{
d
Congas
*l*,
'','
I
I
a
Cowbell
I
vJ
y|
val
d
.'f
FJ
14
cc
cl"J
cvJ
4
vJ
d,
Shaker
a
e
g
i
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"&
SOLO and ENSEMBLE MUSIC REQUEST FORM
F I or ida B andmas t ers As s o c iat i on
General Application Procedu re:
l. All
I
requests must be postmarked by December
of the school year in which they are to be performed.
2. Each submission must include the following:
A. Copy of the score
B. Letter from director stating the reasons for this request
C. Self addressed stamped envelope (If you want music retumed)
D. This SIGNED copy of this form
E. The email address of the FBA member making the request.
F. A recording (required for original compositions - optional for published music)
3. NO ACTION will be taken on requests that are received by the Chairperson postmarked after the
December I deadline or on requests that are incomplete in any way.
4.
All forms
and music must be sent to;
Keith Stark, Chairman, S & E Compittee
Sarasota Middle School
4826 Ashton Rd
Sarasota, FL 34233
5. You
will
be notified by email as to the decision of your request.
Form Must Be Typed
Director's Name
Director's email
FBA District
School
S&E Instrumentation
Tirle
Composer /Ananger
Publisher
List Number from Immediate, Prior S&E
List:
Director's Signature
Proposed Grade
Date:
For Committee Use only:
Date Received
Missing
May 2008
Date Postmarked
Code
@ #ffi66{#0t/t{/
Enoine Room
A series designecl for the beginning steel band classrr:oml This collection-student
text book, teacher's manual, and instrument packs*accompanies everyday classroom
rehearsal. Students are given comprehensive instruction on technique, note reading,
heginning ancl advanced rhythrn counting, strumming, the engine room, key
signatures, scales and improvisation. Content is tied directly to worksheets, tests and
lesson plans through a 36-week schedule provided in the teacher's manual. Students
develop technique and musicianship by individually working through instrument
specific packs with exercises and etudes written for their pan!
Engine Room Publishing
wwwetrginerootnpubli shi n g.conl
64 6-2 4'6-91- il 3 " mail @engi n eroompublishi
n
g.co m
$15
Introduction to Steel Band
Introduction to Steel Band: Teacher's Manual $50
$15
Tenor Pack
$15
Double'fenor Pack
Double Seconds
Pacl<
Triple Guitar Pack
Six Bass
Pacl<
Free Teacher's Nlanuel with a purchase of 20+
student texts.
$15
$15
$15
Stqdent Textbnnk
This 80-page textbook is a comprehensive supplemenl to steel
band rehearsal for beginning steel bands. Rich with photos,
illustrations and worksl'reets, it is intended to be used alongside
everyday repertoire rehearsal. This curriculum is designed to
occupy Z0o/o of instructional tinte, rnaking the other 8OVo rnore
eff'ective. Your students will walk away with a better foundational
knowledge of music and panl
Through detailed and focused lessons, students learn important
concepts of music reading through steel band, such as:
a
a
I
*
a
o
Note reading
Beginning and advanced rhythm counting
Idiomalic steel band rhythm and strumming
Key signalures
Scales and improvisalion
Playing technique
'l'eacher's Manual
This teacher's manual provides teachers with all the tools they
need to easily and effectively implement the student textboclk:
a
a
a
a
a
a
Chapter summaries with page-specific tips on implementation
12 fun and elfective lesson plans to augment student text
Steel band styles overview
Musical examples for engine room accompaniment
Discussion of classroom management and directing
Resource guide for purchasing instrulnents, gear, sheet music
and other classroom resources
B tests that correspond to student curriculum and worksheets
Instr:ument Packs
These tie clirectly into our lntroduction to Sreel Band text book and
help students indiviclually develop on their instrunlent. The Instrument
Packs are filled ivith technique instruction. photos, exercises and
etudes written specifically for each pan, as rvell as over l?0 rhythnt
ancl rnelody classroom reacling exercises.
Exercises develop:
.
a
;
a
a
'
.
.
Sticking
Rotary and bend strokes
Note doubling
Legato playing
Double Stops
Instrument-SpecificAgilityExercises
Chromatic tunts
Major scales
$
May 2010
Engine Room
music and resources for pan
www.engineroorn pu blish ing.com
Title
88 BPM
Alba
Allegr:o iront Concerto
Composer
Aclam Gris6
Dave Lonsfeilow
I {andcl
Genre
lazz/Latin
lazz
Classical
Difficu1fv Instrdrnefltatioh
'I, DS, C, B, DT.
Level 4
Levcl 4
f-evel 3
DS,
DT G, EB,
DT.
Pri-€
35.00
35.00
T, DT, DS, G, B
35.00
T, DS, C, EB, DT.
40.00
T, DS, C, B, DT.
35.00
DS, Q
25.00
DT G, EB, DT.
DS, DT, G, EB, DT.
T, DT, DSl, DS2, G,
C, FP, TB, B
DS, DT, G, EB, DT.
C
40.00
T, DS, C
30.00
T
DS, DT, G, EB, DT.
DS, DT, G, EB, DT,
T
D51, DT, DS2, G,
EB, Dr.
10.00
Grosso
Alone Within You
Amo'iclextrous
Arabesctue No. L
IJananas For Anna
Bocardo
Endrrrnicin and Diana
Morford
Adam Grise
Claude Detruss'y
Level 5
Jazz/Latin Ler.el3
Level 5
Classical
Level 5
Dave Longfeliornt Jazz
Ler.'el5
Tazz
I.B. Morford
Level 5
Dave l.onp;fellow laz,z
J.B.
Jazz
Tchaikovskv
Iazz
Classical
Classical
Level 4
Le"rel3
Level 2
Cossec
Classical
Leve
Morford
Adam Clrisd
Expiration Dating
Fantasv for Solo Cello Pan
Four Trios from
Alhuut pour Enfttnts
Clavotte in D Maior
Iust Out Of Reach
Kidding on the Square
La Tambourin
Number 2
J.B.
Oro del Tontcr
C)rrerture to Cartnen
Rondo for Cello Pan
Sarabancle & Double from
Pnrtita No.7 in B minor
Sonata for Uuaccompaniecl
Cello Pan in G Maior
Thrce Pieces for: Tcnor Pan
ancl Violoncellcr
Three Short Waltzes
Adam Gris6
Bizet
Adam Crisd
Classical
J.S. Bach
Dave Lonsfellow Jazz
lazz
J. 13. Morford
Rameau
Classical
Dave Longfellow Jazz
,1
Leve 5
Leve 4
Leve +A
Level 4
lazz/Latin Le"'el4
DS,
40.00
s0.00
40.00
15.00
40.00
40.00
10.00
40.00
lc
25.00
DS
15.00
C
T; DS, C
15.00
Classical
Level 5
Level 5
Level 4
30.00
Adam Gris6
Classical
Lerrel4
C
20.00
Aclam Gris6
Classical
Level
T, Violoncellcl
35.00
Adam Gris6
Classical
Level 4
T, DS, C, B
3s.00
Classical
5
Music fnr Steel tsand
Title
Thou But Near
Canzon XII
Be
Composer
Stolzel (T.S. Bach)
Gabrielli
Genie
Classical
Classical
Difficulti Instrumentatisn
L,evel 3
IDS,C,B
Level 4
Price
30.00
T\,T2, DS1, DS2, C1,
45.00
c?., T81,, TB2,F,1,, 82
Catch Me
Clair de Lune
Danse Bacchanale from
"Samson et Dalila"
Don Quixote
Dor:r Quixote Suite
Erlkonig (The Erlkine)
Familv
Sune Borregaarcl
Calvr;scl
Claude Debussl'
Saint-Sa0ns
Adarn Gris6
Adam Grise
Schubert
Sune Borregaard
Classical
Level 2
Lerrel 5
T, DT, DS, C, B, DT.
T,DT, DS, Q, C, B
Cllassical
Level
5
71,T2, DT1, DT2, DS, 50.00
G1, G?, CI, C2, B, PCrC
Soca
3
l, DI
3
T,
4
T, DT, DS, G, C, B, DT,
40.00
4
T, DT' DS, C, B, DT.
+0.00
25.00
40.00
B,Dr.
40.00
DS, C, B, DT.
55.00
St>caf
Level
Level
Level
Level
Call'pso
Bomb
Level 4
T, DT, DS, G, C, (TB),
B
30.00
lazz
Level 5
T; DT, DS, G, (TB), B,
Dr.
40 00
Soca
Bomb
D]l
DS, C,
Greeirsleeves
Traditional
Kiciding on the Scluare
J. B.
lvlerry Gathering
of the Counhvfolk
Moonlieht Sonata
Nlcosi Silcelei' i Afrika
Nocturne in C# minor
Not A Care
Number 2 (Steel Bancl)
Beethoven
Classical
Level 4
T, DT, DS, G, C, B
40.00
Beethoven
Enoch Sontonga
Classical
Anthen-r
30.00
3
T,DS,C,B
T, DT DS, C, TTB),
Classicai
5
T,
DI
2
T,
DT
Paghacci
Chorrin
Trac\z Thornton
Dave Longfeliolv
Leoncarrallo
Level
Leve
Leve
Leve
Jazz
Bornb
Pan For: Ya
Tracrj T'hornton
Soca
Ler.'el4
Pan Hvmnal
Various
Edrvarcl Hlgar
Various
Classical
Various
Stafford Srnith
Sune Borregaard
Pomp ancl
Circumstance
Six Pieces for
Beginning Steel Bancl
Slar Spangled Banner
You Got Me Going
J.
Morford
3
B
35.00
DS, Q, C, B
DS, C, B, DT.
40.00
Lerze T!
T, DT, DS, G, B, DT.
40.00
Level 3
40.00
Lvl1&2
T, DT, D5, G, (TB), B,
Perc, Dr.
T, D]-, DS, C, B, DT
T DS, C, (TB), B
Le"'el4
T1 ,
T2, DT, DS, C,
{TB), B
45.00
Varir:us
Lvll&2
Mixed
120.00
Anthern
lazz
Level 2
Level 2
T, DT, DS, C,B
T, DT, DS, C, B, DT.
30.00
Calvpsr>
2s.00
"10.00
75/15
25.00
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