Nothing conjures up warm tropical breezes, soft summer nights, and Caribbean soul like the rich, round ping of a steel drum. And if you’ve always wanted to learn how to play these beautiful instruments, now’s your chance. Washington College’s Department of Music is developing a community steel drum band, with hopes of performing a concert for Chestertown sometime in August.

Anyone can sign up; no experience is necessary. John Leupold, a percussionist and assistant professor in the music department, will lead the band, rehearsing 5:00-6:30 p.m. every Thursday starting on May 26. A $150 fee covers the cost of instruction, access to the instruments, mallets, and sheet music. Band members will also have open practice times available to them to use the instruments throughout the week. 

Spots in the community steel drum band are limited so don’t wait. You can learn more about steel band at Washington College, and find a link to the community steel band and the registration form, at www.washcoll.edu/steelband. You can also access the registration form at http://ow.ly/4mZVh5.