Alyssa Camejo ~ Assistant Editor
The University of Lynchburg will host steel drum workshops for students and staff in the coming weeks.
The University hopes to identify those interested in the instrument and to eventually introduce a steel drum ensemble in the fall of 2022.
These cultural and vibrant instruments can be traced back to enslaved Africans in the 1700’s in Trinidad and Tobago.
Steel drums are drums made out of steel pans. They are handmade and were created when access to musical instruments was few and far between, and people wanted the ability to create intricate rhythms and sounds.
Raegan Jackson, a first-year music education major said, “I think it’s a good opportunity for people to be immersed in music in a culturally diverse way.”
This is an exciting opportunity because most students are not exposed to different kinds of music, which is necessary for an inclusive education.
Communication major and music minor Alberto Marrero Sanchez said,“I think it’s cool. I’m still figuring out if I’ll join this fall, but it was a fun experience when I did it.”
If you are interested in playing steel drums, the next workshops for students are Feb. 25 and Mar. 4 at 12-1:30 p.m. in Sydnor Performance Hall, no experience needed! Use this link to sign up:
If you are faculty or staff, there is something for you too! Look out for Friday, Apr. 1 at 12-1:30 pm in Sydnor Performance Hall. Use this link to sign up: