Steel Drum Band

Updated August, 2006

The Bartlesville High School Steel Drum Band is comprised of percussion students from grades 9-12. The students participate in this group on a volunteer basis, with rehearsals twice a week.

The steel drums, or pans as they are more commonly referred to, are quite unique and intriguing historically. They were the only acoustic instrument to be invented in the 20th century and originated in Trinidad. The steel drum/pan is a 55 gallon oil drum that has been heated and "dished" out to form playing areas that create different pitches. Since these instruments originated in the islands, the BHS Steel Drum Band features various styles of island music such as calypso, soca, and reggae. The group also performs other genres of music including jazz, classical, and popular songs of the current time.

The BHS Steel Drum Band is a very unique group. While there are many steel drum bands around the country, there are very few to be found in Oklahoma...even fewer of them are high school groups. Bartlesville HS percussionists are very fortunate to have this musical group...and they are proud of it!

The group has performed with Steel Drum Great Liam Teague at the Oklahoma Percussive Arts Society's annual Day of Percussion, and has also performed in Holland, London and the Hard Rock Café in Orlando, Florida. Annual events include performances at Sunfest and numerous performances at the OK Mozart Festival in Bartlesville.

The BHS Steel Drum Band has recorded several CDs, including Steelband Paradise. The band's director is Steve Craft.