WRITTEN BY LI LI
This fall, join the Steel Band Ensemble to experience the Caribbean culture and a new music world through steel pan—the most recently invented chromatic and acoustic instruments from the 20th century. Opens to students from ages 12-18, the ensemble will play a range of musical styles from traditional folk to pop and classical.
The class is a blend of culture study, music theory, and hands-on practices for students to imagine and learn about the fascinating tropical scenery of Trinidad and Tobago, where the beautiful sea meets the sand and the tropical weather. Mason’s School of Music Professor Victor Provost, one of the growing top artists in the pan world, will spend time coaching the students and performing for them.
Students will spend their first two weeks learning how to play the instrument. Then, students will focus on studying the history of steel pan instruments and the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. “I believe that when you are learning to play pan, you also need to know some of the history of the instrument and the culture it defines,” said Mr. David Singhaus, percussion instructor.
The steel band ensemble will provide students an opportunity to perform in a unique ensemble setting that is different from their school percussion ensembles, and students will play drumset, learn a variety of world music styles, and learning to read music, ear training, and musicality through a different medium.
“The notes are labeled on the instruments,” said Mr. Singhaus. “The visual association to its sound allows the students learning the pan instruments via both sound and visual stimulations.”
The class begins on Sunday, October 6, from 2-4 p.m. To register for the class, visit https://masonacademy.gmu.edu/music/steel-band/ or call the academy at 703-993-9889.
LEARN MORE: STEEL BAND PERCUSSION