It all started when a school wanted a steelband but didn’t have money to purchase instruments. Then there was another school, and another…
Steelbands can be seen in Private and Public Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Community Colleges, Universities, after-school programs, churches, and other community and privately run organizations across the globe. Apart from easy alignment with the national standards for music education, the steelpan is unique particularly because there is almost immediate gratification. One can get good sound production in the first lesson and can even play a tune (with a good instrument and good instructor of course) making it very rewarding for some students who otherwise would not achieve musical success in traditional ensembles. Although the benefits are very apparent, lack of funding however, has discouraged many from establishing a steelband program as the instruments alone are very expensive to obtain, store, and maintain. Furthermore, a lack of knowledge often leads to the purchase of low standard instruments and ineffective teaching.
Steel on Wheels offers an affordable solution to give schools and community programs/organizations the opportunity to benefit from the many advantages of having a steelband through its residency program. The SoW residency program allows institutions to have a temporary steelband program in which all of the instruments, materials, and instructors are provided for a duration decided upon by the host and the SoW site-coordinator. The top quality instruments are built/tuned by Augustus Peters, one of the leading steelpan builders and tuners in the world. All of our qualified and credentialed instructors are trained by Steel on Wheels and are fit to supervise and manage students of all ages. Each program is customized based on the marriage of SoW’s and the host’s goals.
For our onetime offerings, see our workshops page.
Benefits of having Steel on Wheels:
Aligns with National Standards for Music Education
Builds camaraderie and social skills
Builds self-esteem
Improves sight-reading
Provides opportunities for arts integration and arts enhancement
Improves Intercultural awareness/communication
Develops/Improves physical movement and coordination
Improves discipline
Student enjoyment!
Have instruments and don’t know what to do? We can send a Steel on Wheels instructor to get you started!
CONTACT US TODAY!
“Steel on Wheels gives the host a snap shot of what having a steelband entails and what it should look like. At the end of each residency, Steel on Wheels offers the host resources and a customized plan on how they can start and grow a successful steelband program of their own.”