The St. Louis High School band is known for playing the fight song at football games and performing at assemblies. Some students don’t know that the band is divided into several groups that work together and separately. One of these bands is the steel band, which consists of students who play steel pans and sometimes percussions.
It’s never too late to join the steel band. Senior and guitar cello player Olivia Good said, “I’ve only been in steel band for one year and I’m having so much fun with all of my friends. I love being able to perform and getting to see people’s faces when we play because it might be a song they’ve never heard before. I’m excited about our upcoming concert, especially our senior concert.” Despite only having one year in the Steel band, Good feels right at home in it and will miss it greatly when she graduates in the spring.
Some students have been in the Steel Band since they were young such as Rachel Jewell who has been playing in the band for 7 years. “I play the Lead Pan in the band and I would recommend it to anyone considering joining. It’s just such a great experience that brings you closer to other people outside of the classroom.”
As the class of 2024 graduates, younger members of the steel band will have to step up into leadership roles. Sophomore Gracie Lombard said, “The seniors leaving will affect the band. A lot of our members are seniors, so it will be weird without them. We need more people to join next year because it’s such a fun experience and gives people a chance to not only make new friends but also participate in school activities and events.” Lombard has been in the SLHS Steel band since middle school and joined because her friends were doing it, but stayed because she loved it.
The SLHS Steel band has a lot more to look forward to this year, with more concerts and an annual trip to New Philadelphia.
