Learning to Play Steel Drums Inspires At-Risk Children

CHARLOTTE, NC - For the last year, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center will partner with the Johnston Y to give 27 at-risk youth the opportunity to form a steel drum band that will put on a concert after 15 lessons.
The steel drum novices, ranging from 9- to 12-years-old, will be taught by Jim Boyce, a Trinidad native and accomplished Caribbean steel drum performer and instructor. The 8-week program, consisting of two 60-minute sessions weekly, began June 22 and culminates Aug. 12 with a concert at the Johnston Y.
In addition to funding provided by both the Blumenthal and the Y, the steel band program is made possible with a grant from the Jack & Jill of America Foundation in Washington, D.C. Part of the foundation’s mission is to help children attain their fullest potential as individuals. Ralph Beck, the Blumenthal’s Director of Education, said, “The significant times of inspiration and hope in a child’s life occur in the situations and interactions in which he or she has an opportunity to discover joy, a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence all together in the same experience.”
“On the first day of instruction, I got goose bumps,” says Maria Quant-Young, Community Programs Coordinator for the Blumenthal’s Education Department. “I could see in the children’s eyes, and their growing excitement as they realized how quickly they were learning and that they were part of something really special.
“During the second week, my own excitement increased when I discovered last year’s program graduates teaching and mentoring the newcomers.”
By the third week, the children had learned how to play "La Bamba." The steel drum, or “pan,” was created from discarded 55-gallon metal oil drums following the discovery of oil in Trinidad. Islanders discovered a way to repurpose the containers by making a percussive instrument with chromatic pitch capabilities – similar to the piano, Beck says, which is technically a percussive instrument since sound is produced by the hammering’ of steel strings.
Along with the skillfully dented and dimpled 55-gallon containers, steel drum bands include different sizes to create an ensemble of soprano, alto, tenor and bass “voices.” The groups play musical styles ranging from calypso to classical, and are equally known for memorable renditions of jazz and pop tunes.
Steel drum bands are common in the Carribean Islands, the U.S., Europe and Japan. Appalachian State University has an established steel band as part of its music program.
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