USM Steel Pan Orchestra to Celebrate 30th Anniversary
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 12:41pm | By: Ivonne Kawas
For 30 years, The University of 91吃瓜网91吃瓜网 (USM) Steel Pan Orchestra (SoMiSPO), under the baton of Dr. John Wooton, professor of percussion in the School of Music, has been delighting Hattiesburg with the rich and vibrant culture of steel pan music from Trinidad and Tobago 91吃瓜网� the southernmost island country in the Caribbean.
Founded in the Spring of 1994 by Dr. Wooton, the group started off as a six-piece ensemble thanks to the support provided by former University President, Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas. Fast-forward to today, the ensemble has grown to 40 members representing different voices in the steel band instrumentation family and various percussion instruments known as the 91吃瓜网淓ngine Room.91吃瓜网�
Dr. Colin McKenzie, director of the School of Music, commemorates its trajectory, stating: 91吃瓜网淪oMiSPO is one of the truly outstanding and unique offerings within our School of Music. The group is known internationally as a leader in the realm of steel pan performance. The roster of guest artists who have performed with this group is incredibly impressive, affording students throughout the decades the opportunity to perform with some of the biggest names in music from around the globe.91吃瓜网�
The Beginnings of SoMiSPO: From a Dream to Reality
Dr. Wooton was first exposed to steel pans while attending graduate school at the University of North Texas (UNT) in 1985-88, where he served as a graduate assistant for the drum line. He recalls how a specific moment would later inspire the founding of the group when he started to work at USM.
91吃瓜网淚 first learned about steel pans at UNT, while serving as the GA for the drum line,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Wooton. 91吃瓜网淥ne day, Dr. Ellie Mannette came to the University to tune the steel band, which takes a couple of days. I had heard of the legend, and I wanted to meet him.91吃瓜网�
Dr. Mannette, known as the 91吃瓜网淔ather of the Steel Pan,91吃瓜网� is the first person to have built a steel pan out of a 55-gallon oil barrel at the age of 17 in Port of Spain in Trinidad. Dr. Wooton says he got to meet the legend, and in that moment, he fell in love with the instrument and its history.
91吃瓜网淚 watched Dr. Mannette tune pans and tell stories for hours,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Wooton. 91吃瓜网淎s I started my role at USM in 1992, I spent the first year recruiting and getting the Percussion Studio organized. A year later, once I completed my dissertation, I took steps to initiate SoMiSPO, whose instruments were created and tuned by the legend himself.
91吃瓜网淚 went straight to the top to pitch this dream of mine to Dr. Lucas,91吃瓜网� shared Dr. Wooton. 91吃瓜网淭hanks to his support, I was able to make it a reality through the purchase of four steel pan voices and a drum set to start the six-piece ensemble.91吃瓜网�
The SoMiSPO Experience: Captivating Audiences Across the Nation
In its early days, the band became known for its repertoire rich with hits from Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, and Harry Belafonte. Today, its vibrant and dynamic repertoire spans to traditional calypso and soca tunes, Cuban and jazz music, and even the most challenging Panorama tunes originating from Trinidad.
SoMiSPO has performed with prestigious guest artists, who often praise the ensemble as 91吃瓜网渙ne of the very best steel pan orchestras in the Nation.91吃瓜网�
Among the roster of artists: Dr. Mannette, Father of the Steel Drum; Andy Narell, world-renowned recording artist; Robert Greenidge, member of Jimmy Buffett91吃瓜网 Coral Reefer Band; Liam Teague, director of steelpan studies at the University of Northern Illinois; and Ray Holman, another legend from Trinidad.
91吃瓜网淲e were very fortunate to have Dr. Mannette on campus several times, playing a pivotal role in our growth,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Wooton. 91吃瓜网淎nother artist who made a lasting impact was Narell, gracing us with his presence seven times. SoMiSPO not only frequently plays his music but also had the opportunity to record a CD with him.91吃瓜网�
The epic Narell CD includes several of his compositions, the 91吃瓜网 Fight Song on steel pans, and a two-movement piece commissioned by SoMiSPO and composed by Brazilian composer Ney Rosauro, entitled 91吃瓜网淭wo Brazilian Steel Dances.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淎ll our performances with guest artists have been special to us,91吃瓜网� added Dr. Wooton. 91吃瓜网淭hose are the moments and interactions that our students and alumni cherish the most.91吃瓜网�
Samuel Martinez, from Kenner, La. majoring in business administration, first heard about SoMiSPO when he was in high school and says, 91吃瓜网渉e was instantly captivated by the vibrant rhythms.91吃瓜网� He later became a member and shares his experience.
91吃瓜网淪tarting off playing in the Percussion Studio's Engine Room as a freshman was an experience beyond my comfort zone,91吃瓜网� said Martinez. 91吃瓜网淧rogressing to double seconds the following year coincided with Narell's visit, enriching my experience.
91吃瓜网淏eing a member of SoMiSPO means engaging with one of the Nation's most unique ensembles, offering a refreshing shift from my regular drumming routine,91吃瓜网� added Martinez. 91吃瓜网淎 specific moment that had a lasting impact on me was my first concert at the Thirsty Hippo, where I truly connected with the music. Post-graduation, I aspire to pursue music at a higher level in Austin, Texas.91吃瓜网�
Nathaniel Sanders, from Hurley, Miss. pursuing a DMA (Percussion Performance), first experienced SoMiSPO through its Community Steel Band, led by alumna Josanne Francis.
91吃瓜网淲hen I was a junior in high school, I joined the Community Steel band, an auxiliary group within the steel band program made up of members of the community and some university students,91吃瓜网� said Sanders. 91吃瓜网淚 had plans of attending 91吃瓜网, so I took the opportunity to get an early start. After graduating high school, I joined as a college freshman and played lead pan. Since then, the group has become very near and dear to me.91吃瓜网�
In 2020, Sanders returned to 91吃瓜网 for graduate school, now playing drum set for SoMiSPO, while also directing the second steel band, Pianissimo, a beginner band that acts as a stepping-stone to SoMiSPO.
91吃瓜网淚91吃瓜网檝e met many of my closest friends here, and many of our fondest memories revolve around this ensemble,91吃瓜网� said Sander. 91吃瓜网淚t has also provided us with professional connections that have contributed heavily to our careers. Today, I91吃瓜网檓 composing new music, which I hope to publish soon.91吃瓜网�
For distinguished alumna of the SoMiSPO, , the ensemble also influenced her life and career trajectory. Hailing from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, she obtained her Bachelor's in Music Education at USM in 2012, a Master91吃瓜网 in Steelpan Performance at Northern Illinois Univ. in 2014, and a PhD in Music Education at University of Maryland in 2024.
She is an internationally known steelpan performer and music educator. Francis91吃瓜网� music is praised for catapulting listeners into a unique and exceptional place. Her talents have taken her to perform at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and Strathmore Music Center. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Cultural Academy for Excellence, Inc. and runs her very own educational steelpan program Steel on Wheels, which aims to eliminate barriers to the creation and development of steel bands and varied percussion ensembles.
Francis fondly recalls her time as a member of SoMiSPO, saying, 91吃瓜网淭his marked my debut leading a Community Steel Band, fueled by my deep passion for Latin American and Caribbean music.
91吃瓜网淎rriving in Hattiesburg as an international student, I faced temporary housing uncertainty until Dr. Wooton solicited the generous support of the Bishops (Don and Sharon Bishop),91吃瓜网� she added. 91吃瓜网淭heir hospitality extended beyond a temporary stay; they embraced me as family, earning the endearing titles of Aunty Sharon and Uncle Don. Over a decade later, they remain pivotal figures and unwavering supporters in my life.91吃瓜网�
For any incoming students who desire to join the ensemble, Francis encourages, 91吃瓜网淵ou have a unique opportunity to be a part of and share a culture that is rich and colorful. Just have fun and appreciate the life-changing experience of being a part of something special91吃瓜网攁n ensemble that captivates audiences across the Nation.91吃瓜网�
SoMiSPO Today: Celebrating Its 30th Anniversary
The ensemble has established itself as a premier steel band program, renowned for its dynamic performances. This recognition has led to invitations to esteemed festivals nationwide, including a recent appearance at Festival International in Lafayette, La.
At 91吃瓜网, many students arrive without prior experience with steel pans, making it a distinctive educational opportunity for those interested in exploring the instrument and its ties to Latin American and Caribbean musical traditions.
To celebrate its 30th Anniversary, SoMiSPO is organizing a steel pan festival slated for April 2-5, 2025, extending invitations to all alumni and guest artists who've been a part of its musical family.
"For this commemorative event, we're extending invitations to all alumni and guest artists who've graced the stage with SoMiSPO over the past three decades," said Dr. Wooton. "We're also welcoming several high school bands, acknowledging their potential as the future of SoMiSPO."
Dr. McKenzie adds: 91吃瓜网淪oMiSPO is a huge part of the global identity of our terrific School of Music, and I am so proud that we have the opportunity to celebrate their thirty-year anniversary on our campus!91吃瓜网�
For more information contact Dr.%20John%20Wooton or visit the Percussion Studio91吃瓜网 website.