Austin, Texas -
The 12th annual Inside Out Steelband Festival featured
Leon “Foster” Thomas performing his original music last
week at the One World Theatre in Austin, Texas.
This event showcased steelbands from McCallum High
School, Covington Middle School, and Bowie High School
alongside a world-renowned steel drum performer.
Previous years have featured Ray Holman, Liam Teague,
Tom Miller, Ras Iginga, and Andy Narell.
Leon “Foster” Thomas was chosen as the featured artist
for 2009 for his virtuosic ability and strong jazz
sensibility. He spent several days in Austin coaching
the participating ensembles in preparation for the
concert, and sharing with them his experiences as a
performer in Trinidad and abroad.
In addition to Foster’s original compositions, last
week’s concert featured new music from Austin’s own pool
of talent: CJ Menge- founder of the Inside Out Steel Pan
Project, Matt Ehlers- director of the McCallum High
School “Knights of Steel”, Emily Lemmerman and Darren Dyke-
both steel drum craftsmen, and Josh Lumsden- member of the Covington Middle School
steelband. The program also reflected Trinidadian
tradition by including two Panorama pieces and a
classical arrangement.
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One World with Leon Foster |
The Inside Out Steel Pan Project is the unifying
steelband organization in central Texas, and is
dedicated to the advocacy and advancement of steel drums
in the community. As a result of its efforts, at least
fifteen curricular steelbands exist in Austin schools,
four large community bands rehearse weekly, and an
annual summer camp is available for children ages 10-18. Because of Inside Out and its associated programs,
Austin has become established as a thriving community
and center of contemporary steelband activity.
About Emily Lemmerman |
Emily Lemmerman is a steel drum builder and tuner
from Ellie Mannette’s school, and is the owner of
the company Barracuda Steel Drums (www.barracudasteeldrums.com).
Ms. Lemmerman is also active
as a clinician. She traveled to Trinidad this past
panorama season
with Matt Ehlers, the director of McCallum High
School’s steelband. The duo performed with Silver Stars
Steel Orchestra - the eventual winners of
Trinidad & Tobago’s national Panorama - on
final night!
The Inside Out program honors and performs
traditional Caribbean style music, and the
curriculum reflects that. The personnel of Inside
Out are also very dedicated
to promoting original compositions and arrangements.
CJ Menge, Matt
Ehlers and Emily
Lemmerman put together a steelband camp every
summer for elementary through high school students.
At camp, new music is performed exclusively. Several
of these pieces were featured in their One World
Concert, along with the original music of Leon
“Foster” Thomas. |
For more information on the Inside Out Steel Pan
Project, visit:
www.insideoutsteelband.com
or
Facebook
www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/pages/Inside-Out-Steelband/61117633457
Contact Emily Lemmerman at
emlem1@yahoo.com
To learn more about Leon “Foster” Thomas see his website
www.leonfosterthomas.com
Steel drum craftsmen in Austin can be found at
www.barracudasteeldrums.com
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