Registration Form: 8 Week Youth Steelband Session

About the classes

This a hands-on course is designed to welcome both experienced musicians and absolute beginners into the world of playing the steelpan/steeldrums. Together, we will learn a few songs, proper mallet technique and the rich history of the only major acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century.

By the end of this course, our ensemble should learn 2-4 songs to perform for a recording and/or an intimate audience of family and friends.

What You Will Learn:

• Basic Steelpan Techniques: The fundamentals of striking the pan, rolling notes for a sustained sound, and playing rhythmic strumming patterns.
  
  
• Playing by Ear & Rote Learning: Reading traditional music notation is not required. Songs will be learned by ear and rote learning, i.e step-by-step demonstrations, call-and-response teaching and repetition that gets you playing instantly
  
  
• Ensemble Cohesion: Learn the art of locking into a groove and keeping a steady rhythm with the rest of the band.
  
  
• History & Culture: Learn some of the social history and roots of Trinidad and Tobago, and how the steelpan was creatively invented out of resistance to restrictive colonial laws.

No experience needed: Open to musicians and 'non-musicians' alike.
No materials required: All instruments and mallets are fully provided. You can just show up, step up to a pan, and start playing!

Youth Steelband (Elementary/Middle School, ages 8–12)

Mondays, 5:00–6:30 PM - Kiskadee Group

Sept 14 - Nov 2
Dates: Sept 14, 21, 28 | Oct 5, 12*, 19, 26 | Nov 2 (Nov 9)

*Oct 12 to be confirmed

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Youth Steelband (High School, ages 13–18)

Thursdays, 5:00–6:30 PM - Agouti Group

Sept 17 - Nov 5
Dates: Sept 17, 24 | Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Nov 5

Classes take place at Epiphany Lutheran Church - 14411 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866. Parking lot & entrance located in the back of the building.

About The Instructor

Darren Shillingford is a Caribbean-American musician, composer, and educator, based in the DC-Maryland area. His active research interests in Caribbean Music Education, global-mindedness, and culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy drive his work and passion as an educator. He holds both a Bachelor of Music (BM) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Music Education, and pursued doctoral coursework at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Darren has extensive experience as a teacher, collaborative pianist, and teaching steelpan in classrooms, community, and academic ensemble settings. He believes the steelpan is not just an instrument, but a living symbol of creativity born from resilience.Through it, people in engage history, deepen their musical understanding, connect with culture, and build meaningful community.
Darren is passionate about creating spaces where music education builds confidence, connection, and a deeper appreciation of global culture.

Feel free to reach out if you have questions - shillingfordmusic@gmail.com

Terms & Conditions

1. Tuition & Attendance

Full Tuition Required: Registration secures your seat for the entire duration of the course. The full tuition rate is required for enrollment, regardless of the date you join or your weekly attendance.

Missed Classes & Enrollment: Because this is a collaborative group experience that relies on practicing together, and because the location rental time to access to the steelpans is limited outside of scheduled class hours, individual make-up sessions may not always be available. If you miss a class or enroll late, you will not receive a partial refund,

2. Refund Policy

All registration fees are non-refundable once the course cohort has officially commenced. 

3. Intellectual Property

Any materials and presentations provided during this course are for your personal, educational use only. You agree not to distribute, share, or resell any course content without express written permission from the instructor.

4. Behavior & Participation

We maintain a collaborative and respectful learning environment. The instructor reserves the right to remove any student from the course without a refund if their behavior is consistently disruptive to the learning of others.

5. Photo & Video Release Form

From time to time I use photos and short videos of ensemble rehearsals and events, on the ensemble webpage, or in social media posts. These videos and posts are encouraging to other members and helpful to promote the ensemble. If you do not want your image(s) to be used, please let me know. If needed, the participant would only be identified only by first name.

Photo & Video Release Form

I, {participantFull}, grant Darren Shillingford my permission to use photographs and videos which feature my likeness. I understand that these photographs and videos may be from rehearsals, performances, and any other ensemble events. I acknowledge that photographs and videos featuring my likeness may be shared for any legal use, including but not limited to: ensemble communication, publicity, social media, copyright purposes, illustration, advertising, and web content. 

Furthermore, I understand that no royalty, fee, or other compensation shall become payable to me because of such use.