A funk-infused tune for steel band based loosely in the tonal framework of D major. The back line lays down a solid groove while the melody in the tenors weaves nimbly in and out of the key. A gradually intensifying jam capped off with a final push to the end complete the tune nicely.

This lively calypso packs a punch! Through great voicing and effective stops, this danceable melody will please your audience. This piece was commissioned specifically for beginning bands, and is a perfect choice for middle and high school steel bands!

This Spanish-tinged calypso from a forthcoming suite chronicling the adventures of Cervantes' Don Quixote is ideal for the intermediate to advanced ensemble. Caribbean syncopation coupled with traditional Iberian harmonies paint a picture of the heroic knight-errant in an epic struggle for his life and sanity.

This tune was originally commisioned for a Canadian/Caribbean Film called “Finder of Lost Children.” The first part of the piece is rather happy going with a chorus that plays with phrasing the same melody on and off the beat. But then—as in many families—once you scratch the surface, there are often hidden secrets. The middle part of the piece becomes a bit darker and more dramatic. Finally, the last part is a return to the main theme in order to, as a family member might say, “keep up the appearances.”

The melody is nice, easy and carefree, hence the title of the tune, with percussion adding a little drive to the rhythm during the 2nd verse. Then comes a laid back solo to fit the mood perfect for beginning steel pan players. Next, a nice bass and drum break down before the chords and melody come back in to take it out to the end. Ahhhhh…..Not A Care.

This is an exciting adaptation from Leoncavallo's most famous opera, Pagliacci or, "Clowns." The energetic melody laid out by the front line and the montuno accompaniment in the back line effectively capture the bitter emotions brooding inside of Pagliaccio as he discovers his wife's transgressions. This piece works great as a closer and provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce your students and audience to the Bomb tradition.

The notes to this piece are not too challenging, though there are a few chromatic runs in the back line, and the scored articulations and dynamics require a certain level of musical nuance. The engine room parts are provided for the scratcher, iron, cowbell, timbales and congas. The tenor bass part to this score is optional.

“Pan For Ya!” was written with me thinking of playing in Trinidad’s Panorama competition. I wanted to write a piece to give people who have never experienced Panorama a small taste (tease if you will) of what they are missing. I wanted to keep it short and sweet but still have the excitement of a tune played in the world’s greatest steel band competition.

The tune starts out with a short but powerful intro that leads right into the hook of the tune. The verse turns the beat backwards to change and funk up the feel to contrast the smooth and driving rhythm of the chorus. The second verse changes the voicing where the seconds take over the melody and the tenors go into solo passages that weave in and out of the melody.

This leads back into the hook again that then gives way to a classic Panorama breakdown heavy on percussion with a simple but powerful melody that ends in a Panoramic type chromatic run that leads you back into the chorus. Then a varied intro that gives way to the big ending that gives the tune a nice explanation point!

This series was commissioned specifically to provide quality steel band music for beginning steel bands. The six pieces in this collection represent a variety of styles, composers and difficulty and can serve as an entire semester's repertoire.

The first two pieces, Pa Bailar (cha-cha) and Hope (reggae and soca), were composed by composer, performer and educator Jeff Narell. These two tunes are Level 1 difficulty and make great first tunes for middle and early high school steel bands. The groove is really nice, and they could easily be taught by rote

The next two pieces were composed for Engine Room Publishing by Danish composer Sune Borregaard. You Got Me Going is a jazz band styled piece with a great melody and features an easy solo section suitable for beginning players. Catch Me is an exciting medium-tempo calypso. These two pieces are Level 2 difficulty.

The last two pieces were composed by composer and educator Adam Grisé. Working is a medium-tempo soca with nuanced dynamics and features a jam section with rich inner voicing. Finally, Floating Serenade introduces students to classical music on pan. It is written in a major key, with just a few accidentals in rounded binary form. These last pieces are also Level 2 difficulty.