Steel Drum School
Here's your chance to join a fun group of steel drum fans and create your own sounds of the Caribbean. Learn to play the steel drums in a relaxed environment.
Students spend each class rehearsing, listening to and discussing steel drums. Don't worry if you've never played an instrument. Everyone learns at his/her own pace. Instruments are provided for the duration of the course. Students learn favorite songs and traditional steel drum music.
No musical experience of any kind is required.
Tuition includes a steel drum instrument rental to be returned at the final performance.
Fall 2010
Tuesday Evenings: September 21 – November 9
The Community Center, Severna Park, MD
$200
Beginner Steel Drum Class
6:30-7:30 pm
This 8-week class teaches the basics of playing the steel drum while learning a set of music to be performed at a graduation performance.
Intermediate Steel Drum Ensemble
7:30-8:30 pm
The Intermediate Steel Drum Ensemble is open to anyone who has completed a beginner steel drum class. The ensemble works to add songs to its repertoire during class and gives semi-regular public performances.
Steel Drum School FAQ
How do I get to the Community Center?
The Community Center is located at 617 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park, 21146.
From Baltimore - Take Route 97 south to Route 100 East. Get off at Route 10 South to Route 2 (Ritchie Hwy.) South, and follow it to Severna Park. Take a right onto McKinsey Road. Take a left at the light onto Baltimore/Annapolis Blvd. The Community Center is in the first block on the left.
From Annapolis - Take Route 2 (Ritchie Hwy.) north to Severna Park. Take a left at the light at Cypress Creek Road. There is an entrance to The Community Center about 1/3 of a mile on the right.
From the Eastern Shore - Take 50 West from the Bay Bridge to exit 27 - Route 2 North. Take Route 2 (Ritchie Hwy.) north to Severna Park. Take a left at the light at Cypress Creek Road. There is an entrance to The Community Center about 1/3 of a mile on the right.
From D.C. - Take route 50 East to exit 27 - Route 2 North. Take Route 2 (Ritchie Hwy.) north to Severna Park. Take a left at the light at Cypress Creek Road. There is an entrance to The Community Center about 1/3 of a mile on the right.
Who takes these classes?
Our students range in age from 16 to 65+; about 50% are men and 50% are women. Most are from the Annapolis area. Some come from as far away as Wilmington, Delaware; Easton, Maryland; and Northern Virginia. They are students, teachers, business owners, professional musicians, police officers, fire fighters, homemakers, retirees, doctors, and other business professionals.
At this time, we do not accept students under the age of 16.
What happens in class?
Students play the songs they've been practicing all week. You'll even play a whole new song on the first day of class.
Do I have to have experience with an instrument before taking the class?
No. Students come with a wide variety of experience levels. Some can read music, while others have never played an instrument before. The steel drums are fairly easy to pick up if you have time to practice. Some students take one class to get them going and move on while others sign up every term.
How do I practice at home?
The cost of the class includes the use of a drum (to take home) for the duration of the course.
What about the final performance?
Participation in the final performance is encouraged but not required. It's a fun experience, especially for first timers. Past final performances include Ram’s Head Patio, Annapolis Fourth of July Parade, Rock Hall Pirates Festival, Bowie Bay Socks 7th Inning Stretch performance.