Final answer:
The steel pan, made from discarded oil drums, is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. It demonstrates the creative use of available materials to form an integral part of Caribbean music and has gained international popularity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The instrument that was made out of discarded oil drums on Navy bases on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago is the steel pan. This unique instrument is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and represents an innovative use of materials at hand to create a powerful musical tradition. The creation process involves cutting the bottom of 55-gallon oil drums at various levels to produce different sounds. The top of these drums is then carefully crafted to form a chromatically pitched percussion instrument that is played with a pair of sticks. A wide range of pans can be developed to form a steel pan orchestra, showcasing how a simple concept can blossom into a complex and resonant musical phenomenon.Not only has the steel pan become an integral part of Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heritage, but it has also gained recognition and popularity beyond the Caribbean. Its evolution and incorporation into Calypso music further attest to its significance in Caribbean music history. Instruments like the steel pan have played a key role in the evolution of Caribbean folk music traditions, influencing other styles and showcasing the creativity of musical adaptation and creation using locally available resources.