Feel the Beat of the Drums
Seminole Springs Elementary School Breaks New Musical Ground with Steel Drum Band.
Written by Blair Townley; Photos and Video by Anthony Rao
In the early morning hours on the quiet campus of Seminole Springs Elementary School in Eustis, a sudden burst of Caribbean music can be heard wafting from classroom portable No. 8.
It’s not from the sounds of a loud stereo but from the energetic playing of the school’s steel drum band, the first of its kind for the school.
Helmed by music teacher Ed Anderson, the group of 13 second, third, fourth and fifth graders come to portable No. 8 at 7:15 every Tuesday and Thursday morning to practice, play and have fun.
“To play steel drums, all it takes is a love of music and a matter of repetition and practice,” Ed says.
Let the Music Begin
The band officially formed in November of last year, prompted by Principal Adrian Boyd after seeing on Ed’s resume his professional background with steel drums.
“I have been involved with steel drums for 10 years over in Brevard County where I had a band of 31 kids, including a few with autism,” says Ed, who also played professionally throughout Florida, including at Walt Disney World and Universal’s Margaritaville.
“It [the band] was very successful in Brevard and I would like to see that done here. My goal is to have a band with 50 kids.”
Those students that were interested in joining the band had to go through an audition process to determine which of the five drums would suit their skill level.
“We got to audition,” says Brinna Barnett, a fourth-grade band member.
“I really didn’t care what drum I got,” adds Tatiana Gauvin, another member of the band.
Besides assigning the right drum, Ed also looked to see if the student displayed the stage presence and energy that goes into performing the steel drums.
“Part of what I look for in the players is that energy – can they sell the music as well as play it? You can be someone who can play well but cannot really engage the audience. You’ve got to be able to feel your way through the music,” he states.
So far the students have five songs in their repertoire, ranging from the popular classic “Jamaican Farewell” to the traditional “God Bless America.” The favorite of the band members though is the upbeat “Marianne.”
To learn a song typically takes two weeks or four rehearsals and Ed mentions that the students have easily picked up some tunes right away. He encourages the students to be able to read music as well as play it to help broad music appreciation.
“I try to promote and get the kids to read music and the more they apply that to what they are playing, they will recognize ‘that’s a D, that’s a C,’” he says.
“They soon won’t need me to show them the notes.”
As for performances, Ed recalls the students being more excited than nervous about performing concerts, whether at school or during February’s GeorgeFest or for band sponsors like Striking Effects (who donated band shirts) and Golden Triangle Kiwanis Club (who donated $1200 for equipment).
“I love to teach performance and I believe the more time they have more time performing, the better they are going to get. Something about performing gives music that little edge and raises the skill level every time you play,” he says.
Keeping the Beat Going
The students are currently preparing for the Florida Music Educators Steel Drum Adjudication as well as their first spring concert. Several also hope to integrate into the steel drum band at Eustis Middle when they graduate from Seminole Springs.
They will be more prepared for middle school auditions with Ed’s previous experience teaching middle and high school music classes as well as his successful teaching of several students who have turned professional.
“The music that we play at this level is around middle school level. I believe in setting the bar high and the students are going to reach it and they will set the standards to the level,” Ed states.
What the students have gained most from being in the band is a greater understanding of their abilities and discipline that can transcend into their school studies.
“Music itself raises test scores and gives more well-rounded education,” he says.
“It uses higher order thinking skills as the students start taking ownership of the music and band.”
The introduction of the steel drum band has also encouraged expansion of the music program at Seminole Springs, something that has dwindled in schools nationwide.
“Last year the school just had a smaller, advanced chorus. This year, we have two choruses, a recorder group, a steel drum band and an ore group as well,” Ed says with a smile.
“I am blessed to have an administration that supports the arts as much as they do because they want the kids to have a well-rounded education. I’m proud to say that I teach at Seminole Springs Elementary School.”
To help continue the musical dreams of the Seminole Springs steel drum band, contact the school at (352) 589-1117 to make a tax-deductable donation and come out to future concerts of the band next year.
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