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Summertime Steel in Shildon

There was energetic music making by local young people at Sunnydale Leisure Centre last week. Sounds of the Caribbean filled the air and entertained not only the participants of the steel pan workshop but also the members of the gym, employees of the Leisure Centre and any passers by. The workshop was attended by a group of enthusiastic local young people. They quickly learned to play a variety of steel pans for the first time and were able to perform several popular and classic tunes in the Caribbean style. Many people commented on how professional the group sounded in just a few hours. The programme was funded by Sedgefield Borough Council, as part of the Summer Splash activities. U CRE8 has high hopes of creating a community steel band in Shildon and will be advertising dates in the near future.

One member of the workshop said; “The steel pan challenge is really creative, it also keeps us off the streets and in a safe and fun environment. We have made new friends and would like get to involved in a steel band in the future”.The participants were thrilled with the results of their first CD recording session. And, on the final day of the week-long course the newly skilled steel pan musicians performed to an eager audience at the Sunnydale Leisure Centre.

The activity was run by U CRE8 Community Arts, of whom Artistic Director Brian Wise said; “It has been great to see so many talented and enthusiastic young people get involved with the steel pan challenge. I have been asked by youngsters and parents about running regular rehearsals as they would like to be part of this group.”

For details on steel pans and other musical activities contact us: brian@ucre8.org.uk