Teacher beats drum for steel band classes

When Basha High School’s steel band started a little more than two years ago, it had just 10 students. Now it has close to 100.

Teacher Luke Abrahamson wants to expand his love of music and appreciation for Caribbean culture even further by offering classes to the community. In January he will begin the Chandler community steel drum band.

“I want to raise the general support for art in our community,” he said. His long-term plan includes arranging performances for the band, with proceeds benefiting local charities and scholarship funds.

But first, students will need to learn to drum. Beginning Jan. 8, Abrahamson will offer twice weekly evening classes at Basha.

During its colonial rule of Trinidad, Britain banned native musical instruments. So Trinidadians resorted to discarded metal trash cans, oil drums or whatever else could be found in the streets to make music. Abrahamson is enthusiastic to share this tradition.

“You don’t need prior music experience, although it certainly helps,” he said. “But if you’ve never played an instrument and you want to try, this is a great place to start.”

Brent Averett is a Chandler resident who has played drums in bands for years, but he’s never been in a steel band and always wanted to try. He’s already signed up to take the class.

“Steel drums are so cool,” he said. “And to be able to do this with other adults and with my son is a great opportunity.”

Son Corbin is a freshman at Basha and also in the steel band class.

“This is very exciting for me because I’ve always had an interest in percussion and the Trinidadian culture,” the elder Averett said. “And, for my son, this allows him to learn something that is not typically found in the curriculum.”

Basha is the only school in the Chandler Unified School District to offer a steel band elective.

Just a few other schools in the Valley offer one, including Corona del Sol High School in Tempe.

There are no limits on the class size, but those interested should register before Jan. 8.

Trinidad sound

What: Community steel band classes

When: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 8 through March 13

Where: Basha High School, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive, Chandler

Cost: $120, or $7 per class; $90 for Chandler Unified School District students

Information/registration: E-mail abrahamson.luke@chandler.k12.az.us or call (480) 600-9152.