Kirklees College is pleased to be working in partnership with Legacy Steel Band to help reintroduce steel pan playing to Huddersfield through a new evening class.
Following the community donation of an additional set of steel pans, Legacy Steel Band approached the college to explore opportunities for delivering an adult evening course.The class is taught by Melvin Zakers, a respected steel pan teacher and performer from Leeds New World Steel Orchestra.
The college’s Creative Industries department welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust as part of its commitment to widening community access to music education.
Refurbishment and tuning of the steel pans have been jointly funded by Kirklees College and One Community. Significant work has gone into restoring the instruments to a playable standard after many years in storage under unsuitable conditions.
Who are Legacy Steel Band?
Legacy Steel Band has been active for the past three years, following an initial donation of instruments from Paddock Junior Infant and Nursery School and support from the Windrush Fund. The 15-piece band regularly performs at local events, promoting Caribbean culture and the musical art of steel pan across the region.
They are appealing to local residents who may have unused single tenor pans stored in lofts or cellars to consider donating them for future use, helping to expand access to steel pan learning within the community.
Enrol on Intermediate Steel Panning at Kirklees College
Taught by talented experts, you will be guided through all the tips and tricks of this wonderful instrument, creating amazing sounds with your peers! Check out the Steel Panning course page for more information.