Fantastic Free Fridays: Miami University Steel Band

Description

The Miami University Steel Band was founded in 1994. Under the leadership of founder and director Chris Tanner, the program has grown to encompass two separate ensembles with a combined enrollment of over sixty members, and twenty-five university-owned instruments. The ensemble is very active, performing in a number of settings including on campus concerts, summer park venues and in-school outreach programs. The ensemble has twice headlined the Virginia Arts Festival's annual PANorama Music Festival (2008, 2003), and has appeared at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention three times (2011, 2005 and 2002). As the art form of pan grows in the 21st century, the Miami University Steel Band aspires to be one of the leading programs in exemplifying excellence in performance, and in expanding the repertory for this unique ensemble. The performance will introduce the different types of steel drums and rhythm section instruments. The history of the music will also be explored with a demonstration of the different styles of music they play. For more information or group reservations, contact Shawn Fenton: fentonsm@miamioh.edu