DRUMS of STEEL

Brian McAlpin likes to move to the rhythm of the steel drums. After hearing the instrument at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Fla., he was so inspired that he decided to learn to play the drums himself.

“My favorite thing about the steel drums is how they sound,” says the 14-year-old from Arbutus, Md. “It reminds me of tropical islands.”

Brian, who already plays the trumpet in the Catonsville High School Band, hopes the lessons he has been taking for the past few weeks help him become proficient on the steel drums as well.

Learning to play the steel drums requires an understanding of melody and harmony, but with patience and practice, beginners soon will be playing their own tune. The instrument also introduces musicians to the culture of Trinidad and Tobago.

Anyone can learn to play the steel drums, says Kevin Martin, owner of Rockcreek Steel Drums in Arnold, Md. Brian is a student of Mr. Martin’s.

Mr. Martin holds eight-week steel drum classes at Mill Creek Studios in Arnold on Monday and Tuesday nights for adults and families. Each session has a final performance with his band, the Geckos, at Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis.

The tuition is $200 per person, which includes a steel drum rental for the course. Mr. Martin also offers one-day workshops called the “Steel Drum Experience” for churches and corporate team building and builds steel drums for his students and other customers.

His students have varying abilities, he says.

“People who are good drummers are good at holding the mallets,” Mr. Martin says. “Piano and guitar players understand chord changes. People who are good singers understand the melody lines.”

The steel drums can be a good first instrument, says Laura Whittaker of Rockville. The registered nurse has been taking a course with Mr. Martin.

“I can’t read music,” Mrs. Whittaker says. “I just like being able to play an instrument. I thought about the piano, but I decided to play the steel drums. It’s fun.”

More experienced musicians will enjoy the textures of the steel drums, says Kevin Muhitch, 15, of Arnold. He also plays the guitar and bass and has recently been taking a class with Mr. Martin.

“It’s an easy instrument to pick up,” Kevin says. “I love Caribbean music and world music. I thought it would be fun to learn.”

One of the first things Mr. Martin teaches his students is to get a feel for holding the mallets. Because the steel drum pans are really strong, but also really sensitive, a player has to hit the pans so that they give the best ringing sound.

Sometimes, students try to hit the pans too hard, producing a dull sound, he says.

Story Continues →