The vibrant and distinctive melodies of the Caribbean filled the chapel at Felsted School in north Essex recently as more than 80 steel pan musicians came together to celebrate the 22ndΒ anniversary of the schoolβs popular steel band.
βPan Fest: The Sounds of Steelβ commemorated the founding of the band in 2014, bringing to Felsted the energetic and deeply expressive sounds of the steel pan, rooted in the rich cultural traditions of Trinidad and Tobago.
Since then, hundreds of pupils, parents and staff at the independent boarding and day school have learnt to play the steel pans under the guidance of Felsted Prepβs Assistant Director of Music Rachel Clarke and have performed at events, shows and fetes to the delight of audiences across the region.
βThere was a genuine sense of joy, warmth and celebration throughout Pan Fest, right from the very first note,β said Mrs Clarke. βPerformers from seven different bands took to the stage, showcasing not only exceptional musicianship, but also the incredible community spirit that steel pan music brings.β
Felstedβs Year 9 band opened the concert in impressive fashion with a set featuring traditional favourites ‘Tip Bi Lap’ and Lord Kitchener’s ‘Sugar Bum Bum’, alongside David Bowieβs ‘Sound and Vision’. The Years 7 and 8 bands followed with a collection of traditional steel band pieces including ‘Limbo’, ‘Samba’, ‘Water Come a Me Eye’ and ‘When the Saints’.
Senior bands consisting of pupils in Years 10 to 13 contributed an eclectic programme, ranging from the Jackson 5 and Simon & Garfunkel to Ozzy Osbourne and Daft Punk, while the ever-popular Felsted Parents Steel Band brought fantastic energy to the evening with four upbeat and lively pieces
Former Felsted steel band members from across the bandβs two decades travelled from far and wide to take part in Pan Fest, performing ‘In the Mood’ as though they had never been away, and professional pan musician Dr Rachel Hayward gave a stunning solo performance on tenor pan of Bachβs ‘BourrΓ©e’ and ‘Under the Sea’, which demonstrated the extraordinary versatility and sensitivity of the instrument. Rachel has performed at the Proms as well as Olympics ceremonies and she recently played steel pans on the soundtrack for the new Little Mermaid film.
Among the 250-strong audience dancing, clapping and cheering along was renowned pan-maker Grafton Yearwood, who came to hear his instruments in action. He was hugely impressed by the standard of performance and the enthusiasm of pupils taking part.
βWhat made the evening so special was not simply the music itself, but the overwhelming sense of community and happiness,β said Mrs Clarke. βEverywhere you looked there were smiling faces, pupils dancing together, families celebrating, former students reconnecting and audiences fully immersed in the joy of live music-making.β
βSteel pan has become a unique and treasured part of Felstedβs identity, bringing generations of pupils, families and staff together through music.β To find out more about entry into Felsted, book an individual tour or an upcoming Open Event atΒ www.felsted.org/opendays.
For further information or comment, please telephone the Felsted Marketing Department on 01371 822647 or emailΒ marketing@felsted.org
