About the Band

The University of Akron Steel Drum Band was founded in 1980 by Dr. Larry Snider. At the time, it was one of only three colleges in the U.S. to have a steel drum ensemble. All of the University's steel drums are built and maintained by Cliff Alexis. The band is comprised of undergraduate and graduate percussion students. Students perform in the ensemble as a requirement for their degree program along with the percussion ensemble and other musical groups. 

Our most recent CD is entitled, "A Kiss For Christmas," featuring traditional and Caribbean approaches to yuletide carols.

The University of Akron Steel Drum Band has enjoyed having many guest artists over the years. These guests have included Cliff Alexis,  David Rudder, Andy Narell, Pan Ramajay, Boogsie Sharpe, Robert Greenidge, Ray Holman, Professor Philmore, Liam Teague, Dave Samuels, Michael Spiro, and Earl Rodney.

Many students and alumni have even gone down to Trinidad to play in Panorama with bands such as Starlift, the Renegades, the Invaders, Phase II Pan Groove, and Potential Symphony.

One of the band's CDs, "Live at E.J. Thomas Hall," was nominated for a Grammy Award and features a great live recording of a concert with David Rudder, Pan Ramajay, Andy Narell, Cliff Alexis, and Ray Holman (The Dream Team).

The goal of the University of Akron Steel Drum Band has always been and always will be to preserve and promote the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago: PAN!