The Dogwood music department is unique because it has a steel drum band.
“The steel drum is one of the newest instruments that has been created,” music teacher Mr. Joseph Smith said. “Not that many people in the world at this point play steel drums. I wanted to have students interact with these instruments and see how unique they are.”
The Steel Drum originated from Trinidad in Northern South America. It combines the Reggae, Bossa Nova, and Soca styles. Students not only learn how to play the drums, but they also learn a little bit about the history.
“I created the band because I am in love with the sound of this instrument,” Smith said, “and I know if others hear it they will be too. Also there is no other group like this around here, so I knew it would be a unique thing the kids could be involved in.”
The band interacts with the drums every practice. The advanced band practices on Tuesdays, and the beginner band on Fridays. They held a holiday concert, and they also show up at school events, like the recent Snapshots teacher recruitment event, to entertain guests and show what the students at Dogwood can do.
“I think we gain more confidence when we perform,” fourth grader Harper Rosen said.
Fourth grader Liam Ziskind agrees. “I think we gain strength and get a lot better each time.”
Those who see the band perform are always amazed. “The sounds are beautiful and relaxing and make me feel like I am on the beach,” parent Shannon Pressler said.
The band will perform again on Fine Arts Night. The songs for the next concert are Marriane, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Limbo Rock, and Linstead Market.