This course is designed for beginning musicians who wish to study the fundamentals of music and performance through the performance and practice of steel pan drums which originate from Trinidad and Tobago. The instructor/band director will instruct students using both western music and Caribbean musical pedagogies. Students will study the cultural, social, and political contexts in which this Caribbean music tradition is played. This will include an introduction to the history and development of the instrument from its roots in Africa to its construction out of discarded oil barrels, to its modern form and practice. No prior instruction or background in this music is required.

This course involves rehearsing and performing in small performance groups in music, theatre and dance. Groups may include flute choir, saxophone quartet, horn ensemble, woodwind or brass ensembles, theatre groups engaged in devised or classical theatre, dance groups, or mixed instrument or vocal groups. Ideas about as well as the application of collaboration and/or improvisation will be emphasized. Students will be led by a faculty member and will rehearse weekly. Collaborative practice in rehearsals and performances will also be discussed and applied within the context of the students’ major(s). Instructor approval required.

Students will receive private (one-to-one) instrumental or voice lessons and participate in studio performance opportunities. Private lessons are offered to support the RIT ensembles program, therefore only students who are active participants in an approved RIT ensemble will be eligible for lessons.

An in-depth examination of a selected aspect of performing arts with a focus on performance and composition.