Steel Drum Band Symposium at Clark Atlanta University

Atlanta, Georgia - Steel drum bands will be the focus of several scholars, researchers, pan enthusiasts, steelband directors and students who will gather at the Thomas W. Cole, Jr., Research Center for Science and Technology, Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, April 17-19, 2008. “Emergent Business Enterprises: Steelbands in Educational, Religious and Community Institutions” is an interdisciplinary, international symposium on issues related to the growth of steelbands in schools, churches and among community organizations.

The symposium is organized by the Department of Economics and Decision Sciences, School of Business Administration, Clark Atlanta University, in conjunction with the Department of Music, Clark Atlanta University, and the University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music.

In addition to the presentation of scholarly papers, the symposium includes a Steelband Jamboree, featuring 12 invited steelbands, on the James P. Brawley Promenade, from 5-8:00 p.m., Friday, April 18 (free and open to the public). There will also be a Pan/Jazz concert with featured pan soloists Andy Narell, Earl Rodney and Nicholas Mohan, and Atlanta’s top jazz ensemble, the Rod Smith Quartet. The concert will be held in Davage Auditorium, Haven-Warren Hall, Clark Atlanta University, from 8-11:00 p.m., Saturday, April 19, and will be hosted by radio personality, Siman Baby. DJ Stephen is also included in the line-up.

Invented in Trinidad in the mid-1930s, the steel pan is an incredibly unique musical instrument. It is the only acoustical musical instrument invented in the 20th Century. Increasingly it is being incorporated into music and arts programs at colleges and universities and has been used in various genres of music, including jazz, classical and hip-hop. The symposium promises to provide a wealth of information to those in attendance. Further, music lovers can expect a treat at both the Steelband Jamboree and Pan/Jazz concert.
 

For more information:
Media Contact: Dr. Ajamu Nyomba
Department of Economics and Decision Sciences
Clark Atlanta University
404-880-6286