Youth Steelband Registration

About the classes

Learn to play steelpan, the instrument born in Trinidad & Tobago, in a hands-on ensemble class. You’ll play alongside Tenor, Double Seconds, Guitar, Cello, and Bass pans, and learn how each instrument contributes to the band’s sound.

No experience needed. Songs are taught by ear and by rote, through demonstrations, and repetition, so you’ll be playing right away. Notation is introduced as a support, but you don’t need to read music. Whether this is your first instrument or you’re an experienced player, instructor Darren will guide you at your pace.

What You’ll Learn

Steelpan basics: Proper mallet technique, striking, rolling notes for sustain, and rhythmic strumming patterns
Playing by ear: Learning songs through demonstration, call-and-response, and repetition
Ensemble skills: Locking into a groove and keeping steady time with the band
History & culture: The social history of Trinidad & Tobago and how the steelpan grew out of resistance to restrictive colonial laws. It is often called the only major acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century.

By the End of the Course:

The ensemble will perform 2-4 songs, for a recording and/or an intimate audience of family and friends

There are two class offerings

Mondays, 5:00–6:30 PM

Youth Steelband (Ages 9–13)
Dates: January* 11 - March 22 - 10 Classes
*No class on Jan 18th in observance of MLK Day

10-Class Program Tuition: $750

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Thursdays, 5:00–6:30 PM

Youth Steelband (Ages 9-13)
Dates: January 14 - March 25 - 10 Classes

10-Class Program Tuition: $750

Location:

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.
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

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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.

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Youth Steelband Registration - Jan-March 2027

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