MIDDLESBROUGH'S FIRST STEEL BAND

Archived News

May 2005 'Caribbean Concert for Patients'

James Cook University Hospital will be treated to the sounds of the Caribbean in a unique performance to be given by Steelworks, Middlesbrough's first community steel band. The group will be entertaining patients, staff and visitors in the Atrium at the Hospital. They will perform a selection of music from across the Caribbean and from Beethoven to the Beatles. The group have had a successful year so far with some 50 players regularly attending rehearsals and taking part in performances across the region.

“This is a very busy time for us, we have four concerts in May alone”, says Brian Wise, Musical Director. “We are only to pleased to support events, and the sound of steel pans seems to add a touch of summer to any occasion”

January 2005 'Band Goes Global'

A Middlesbrough Band has set up its own website in the hope of meeting fellow musicians from around the world. Steelworks, based at Hall Garth school, has 38 Panners aged between nine & 19. The group's music director, Brian Wise, said: " The website allows us to contact players from around the world". The website features information about the band and its activities, as well as allowing people to listen to their music. We would love to make contact with a band in Trinidad and one day arrange an exchange", said Brian.

February 2005 'BACK TO SCHOOL CARIBBEAN STYLE'

A packed audience were serenaded to the sound of the Caribbean on Friday in a concert given by local children. School children from Middlesbrough have spent their half term holiday getting a taste of the Caribbean and crafting new skills in steel pan playing. Pupils from across Middlesbrough have signed up to go back to school during the holiday to work with Steelworks Steel Band“Steelworks are giving a fantastic opportunity to local youngsters. They'll be learning and having great fun. Out-of-hours education improves attitudes to learning and gives a sense of achievement, improving confidence and motivation. That can have a longer term effect in life"says Linda Innes, Study Support Co-ordinator.

July 2004 'Steel Band Champions Inspire Local Children'

Local Children are brushing up their skills as the sound of calypso and salsa can be heard ringing out in Middlesbrough. This music making is taking place under the guidance of the UK Steel Band Champions.

The event is part of a week long of activities being put on by the STEELWORKS Steel Band, based at Hall Garth School. The Summer Challenge for the youngsters is to rehearse, perform and record as CD in just four days. Director of Music Brian Wise sought out the top Steel Band Musicians to coach the children. He came up with the North Stars Steel Orchestra from Huddersfield.

“When I discovered that we have National Champions so close I approached them to see if they would be able to share their expertise with our young and talented musicians. The group, who have also performed for the Prime Minister and the Queen, were keen to say yes and so we invited them to come up to Middlesbrough. At STEELWORKS we are always looking to build links with other bands” Brian Wise (Director of Music)