Recently, the after-school steel band has started up at St. Louis High School; this club brings many students together to share their love for the steel band.
The steel pan, also called a steel drum, is a percussion instrument developed in the early to mid-1900s. However, its roots go as far back as early West African cultures as the drums may have been used to communicate over large distances. Despite this early documentation, the steel pan was not marketed for sale in the United States until 1961.
Participating in her second year and being a member of the after-school steel band, Alexis Hitsman stated, “My favorite part of steel band is the festivals we go and perform at.” She continued, “I think people should join the steel band because it is fun and also helps build friendships.” Sophomore Bryce Buchanan also shared his experiences in the after-school steel band. “I love the songs we play and just hanging out with a bunch of my friends. I think others should join because it’s fun. You learn how to play an instrument if you’ve never played one before and you get to meet new people,” he added.
Furthermore, the after-school steel band is not only a school-related program. In fact, just last school year, St.Louis High School hosted Michigan’s Festival of Steel. The event included multiple steel bands from throughout the state including, Mid-Michigan Student Steel Band, Mid-Michigan Adult Steel Band, Steel Syndicates, RMS Steel, Strike, Bay City Central Red Steel, Bay City Central Blue Steel, and many more. Students also participated in the annual Panstock in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Panstock, a festival dedicated to celebrating the steel drum and the pannists associated with it, invited students from St. Louis High School to play alongside famous steel drum players such as Tracey Thornton.
The after-school steel band’s first performance will be Nov. 23 at the St. Louis yearly Blues in the Night concert.
