You've decided that you're interested in starting a steel band program in your school district. Where do you start? How much will it cost? How many kids do you need to have? What problems might you encounter?
Two MENC members recently shared the progressions they followed to begin steel band programs in their schools.
John Krumm, at Granville Exempted Village Schools in Granville, Ohio, began his steel band quest after the high school marching band program fizzled out and a friend suggested trying a steel drum band instead. Because steel drums are expensive, he applied for and was awarded grants, and he also received some private funds. His initial student sign-up was very positive, and, with further assistance from the Manette Steel Drum Company and personal private lessons, his program took off. Initial start-up cost in 2002 was $22,000 for the basic instrument set, $300 for music to get started, and $1000 for uniforms. Upkeep is around $1000 a year for tuning and additional costs for new music, folders, mallets, etc. Steel band participation has grown from 18 students to over 80 students, and Krumm has also started a home school steel drum band in his community that has over 40 students, age 10 and up.
Edward LeBorgne's steel band interest began at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio when he was a percussion major. His experience there suggested that the steel drums would also be valuable at the high school level. After discussing the positives and negatives with other music staff and administration, he was able to obtain funding through his school, Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. His initial investment for instruments, cases, and stands was around $35,000. The program has grown, and the school now owns nearly $70,000 worth of equipment and spends $3000-$4000 a year for tuning and upkeep.
Both directors are very enthusiastic about their programs and emphasize that even though the drums are expensive, they are very popular with the students and the community - and that the experience of leading a steel drum band is unbeatable. Krumm says, "Steel drums have reenergized my teaching career. They are exciting and kids love them." LeBorgne agrees, "It is by far the best teaching experience I've had."
Is a steel drum band in your future? Maybe it's time to find out!
Recommended resource: The Steel Band Game Plan by Chris Tanner. Includes strategies for starting, building, and maintaining your pan program.
Read Part I of this article:
Steel Away
- Becky Spray, July 9, 2008, (c) MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)
