Monday, September 29, 2008

Nor Cal Welcomes Joe Perea

Joe Perea former Director of Instrumental Music at Richland College, where he directed the steel band ensembles, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and the Jazz Ensemble has reportedly moved to Santa Rosa Junior College in Northern California.
Joe was the founder of The Richland College Steel Band, the premier community college steel band program in the DFW metroplex. All their steel pan instruments were built and tuned in-house Joe with assistance by members of the group.
Together with the Richland Music Club, they host the annual Carnival of Steel music festival every April on the Richland College campus. With over 1000 attendees, the Carnival of Steel brings together elementary, high school, college, and professional steel bands from all over Texas and beyond for a daylong event of performances, cultural activities, and educational presentations.
He holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the University of North Texas. As a steel pannist, he has performed with Phase II Pan Groove, as well as with many of the top steel pan artists including Ken "Professor" Philmore, Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, Tom Miller, Ray Holman, Andy Narell, and Robert Greenidge.
He has developed his skills in the craft of pan building and tuning through the guidance of people including Ellie Mannette, Alan Coyle, Tony Slater, Wallace Austin, Darren Dyke, Phil Solomon, and many others.
He served as Program Coordinator for the Over-the-Rhine Steel Drum Band in Cincinnati, OH and later toured with the University of North Texas Steel Band. He started the steel band program at North Garland High School in Garland, TX and has consulted with numerous school and community-based steel band programs around the US on grant writing and curriculum development.

Steel Band Expereince Group Class Resumes

Hi All…many of you responded to my “Sat., Sept. 6 Group Steel Drum Class” posting that a weeknight class would fit better with your schedules. Thank you for all of your input. (A BIG thank-you, again, to everyone who participated in the Sat., Sept. 6 class. It was a pleasure to work with all of you!)

I’m happy to report that Steel Jam’s next “Steel Band Experience” group class offering is:
--Tues., Oct. 21, 6:30-8:00 PM (Steel drums are provided.) --$75 fee. (Advance payment required to secure your reservation.)

Go from rank beginner to member of a steel drum band in a fun, 90-minute session!
This class is designed especially for those who don’t have time to invest in a multi-week course or for those who simply want to try a single, introductory session.No previous musical or steel drum experience (or even talent!) is required.

Class location: the Sunset neighborhood in San Francisco. (Easy access to parking and within a 2-3 block walking distance from public transportation.) Class instructor is Mary Spalding, founder and band leader of STEEL JAM. ********Space is Limited******** Call now (415-731-3550) or email mary@steeljam.com to find out how to secure your reservation for your FUN “Steel Band Experience!”