Appalachian’s Steely Pan Steel Band

From the University News  Appalachian's University By University Communications

BOONE—Under Byron Hedgepeth’s direction, the Steely Pan Steel Band of Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 21 in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on campus. Admission is free.

The program will boast a wide range of styles, from rock to opera. It will consist of music originally written for steel band or arranged for it.

Among the selections will be Len “Boogsie” Sharpe’s “Birthday Party”; Roy Holman’s “My Band”; “Reptilia” by Julian Casablancas/The Strokes; and “Under the Sea,” which was composed by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.

Hedgepeth has also programmed Outkast’s “Hey Ya”; Enrique E. Garcia’s “Conga”; “Glory” by Andy Sheafe and Mark Loquan; a medley from Pagliacci Ruggiero’s famed opera “Leoncavallo”; and Ellie Mannette’s “My Paradise.”

The program will conclude with Alphonsus Cassell’s “Hot Hot Hot.” There will also be traditional numbers, including “Marianne” and “Tamboo Bamboo to Steel.”

The Steely Pan Steel Band consists of 22 Appalachian students performing 41 steel drums and other percussion instruments. The band performs often, not only at Appalachian but also at schools and arts festival around the state, delighting audiences with its vibrant sound.

About the Hayes School of Music

The Hayes School of Music prepares young musicians for professional lives as performers, composers, music educators, music therapists, conductors and music industry professionals, ensuring the next generation of musical leadership for the state, region and nation. Noted for quality instruction by national and internationally recognized faculty musicians, the school offers four undergraduate degree programs and three graduate-level programs.

About Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University, in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The transformational Appalachian experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and embrace diversity and difference. As one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system, Appalachian enrolls about 18,000 students, has a low faculty-to-student ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.