Help me start the South Walton Steel Pan Band

[30ABandMan]

Hey Everyone,

As many of you know, I am the band director at SoWal H.S. Because of our small size at the school we can't offer a full band program. Yes, we have a marching and concert band and during my first 4 years here, we were tops in our area. We have great kids!

Now that I am back, I would like to establish an ensemble that will draw from more of the student body. In my year away from SoWal I was able to see some other schools that had very successful Steel Pan Bands in their programs. I thought, what better place for that type of group than here? Most of those groups play local events including local restaurants, weddings and other public gatherings for donations back to the program.

I would like establish such a program within the South Walton Band and I need your help. Soo...

If you have any experience with thay type of group and would be willing to help us, please let me know.

And, if you have any ideas on a way we can raise the approximate 15K it takes for a full steel pan ensemble let me know that too!

Thanks in advance for all your help.

dean-

 

[seagrovegirl]

Please explain Steel Pan...?

 

[Alicia Leonard]

Will there be pickles involved?

 

[30ABandMan]

Please explain Steel Pan...?

Thanks for asking SGG! I'm going to place a few links here, one to a Wikipedia page that will explain the history and anothers that will let you hear the beautiful sounds they make.

Steelpan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It is my hope that we can draw from the entire student body, not just students who play traditional band instruments. It will be another way for students to get their required fine arts credit.

YouTube - First and Ten Steel Drum Band

YouTube - Steel Drum Free Bird - Old Mill HS Steel Drum Band

YouTube - How to Play Steel Pan Drums in a Band : Playing Leads on Steel Drums

YouTube - Pans of Steel

One of my favorite songs of all time...

YouTube - The Girl From Ipanema

I think that it would be a great contribution to the school music program as well as the local flavor of our community.

Hope you agree!

 

[aggieb]

ohhh so it's something like this?

YouTube - best joy division cover version in the world!

 

[MaryAnne]

What a neat idea. I'd love to sit on the green grass in front of the Seaside Amphitheater and listen to the band on a summer evening. If I remember correctly there are no scheduled events at the amphitheater on Sundays in the summer. How great to showcase local student talent. Hope this works out for you.