University of Mississippi Steel Band

University Steel Band

Most Americans have to visit a Caribbean island to get a taste of the exotic rhythms of calypso-inspired steel drum music. But students at the University of Mississippi can not only hear the popular island music on the Oxford Campus, but can learn to play it as members of the University's newest ensemble. Led by Ricky Burkhead, the group has been preparing a varied program of Jamaican-style music for their October 25 debut in Meek Auditorium.

All of the members are musicians, but most are not drummers. That's okay, Burkhead says, because the steel drum is much more than a simple drum--it's a percussive instrument with melodic qualitues. "We don't treat these instruments like percussive instruments," he told his students at their first rehearsal. "We have the best players on campus here, but this class will increase your rhythmic perception about two hundred percent," Burkhead promised. He grimaced at the cacophony that resulted when he told students to test their mallets on the instruments. "My work has just begun," he laughed, motioning for silence. Students responded with laughter and seemed more excited than insulted. Jamie Vernon of Oxford, a cellist in the University Orchestra, said playing the steel drums is "kind of a cool thing to do. Not everyone wants to go see a chamber concert."

Made from used oil barrels, the tempered steel drums originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1930s, and have gained exposure in the United States in recent years. Much of their recent popularity can be traced to Ellie Mannette, considered the father of the modern steel drum. With more than twenty-five years of experience making, tuning, and playing steel drums (popularly called "pans"), the Trinidad native has introduced audiences all over the country to steel bands and their music.

Music department chair Ronald Vernon says that diversifying the music curriculum has been a goal of his for many years. When funding became available, forming a steel drum ensemble seemed lik a good starting place, he said. "Students need to understand that music plays an important role in other cultures. I'd like to have another performing groups that plays non-European music," said Vernon.

Back in class, Burkhead, who first brought steel band music to the state in 1986 at Mississippi Valley State, led the Ole Miss ensemble in their first piece, "Rant and Rave." He's expecting a lot from them by October 25.

Karyn Smith, Staff Writer
Department of Public Relations

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