Appalachian’s Steely Pan Steel Band to perform March 26 in the Schaefer Center

View larger image — On March 26, the Steely Pan Steel Band of Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music will perform in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on campus. Eliza Dutcher (left) of Zebulon and Miranda Stone of Garner are among the group’s members. Photo by Marie Freeman

By University Communications

Posted March 15, 2017 at 5:23 p.m.

BOONE, N.C.—Under Byron Hedgepeth’s direction, the Steely Pan Steel Band of Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music will perform at 3 p.m. March 26 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 or arranged for steel band. Hedgepeth is an adjunct instructor of percussion at Appalachian.

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

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 also has programmed Phil Hawkins’ “Cha Cha Sandwich,” which will feature a solo by vibraphonist Miranda Stone of Garner. Other pieces to be played include Aldwyn Roberts’ “Pan in A Minor”; Ellie Mannette’s “My Paradise”; and “Tamboo Bamboo to Steel,” a traditional steel band number.

The program will conclude with Alphonsus Cassell’s “Hot Hot Hot.”

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

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.