For Booking
The Family Steel Drum Band
Rhythmical Steel

Sharon Martin, from Rhythmical Steel, "The Steel Drum Family", has been involved in every aspect of building, tuning, and performing on steel drum instruments since, "1985". Her husband Dennis was intrigued by the instrument while watching Sesame Street with their young daughter years ago. Dennis had Sharon watch the show later that afternoon, never to see that same clip again on Sesame Street. After a couple years of talking about what they had seen on that particular day, Sharon decided to make several telephone calls and ended up signing Dennis up for the first class ever held in the world on the construction of the steel drum instruments! The class was through Portland State University's "1984", Haystack Program. Ellie Mannette, the person who is noted for inventing the first steel drum instrument as a young man living in the Caribbean, was going to be teaching the class. Since that time Ellie has been a dear family friend and has played a major part in the Martin Family's lives, by teaching them how to build, and play the different types of steel drum instruments. Over the years the Martin Family has studied under several major steel drum professionals; Ellie Mannette, Andy Narell, Jeff Narell, Tom Miller, James Leyden, and Michael Bento. Sharon also worked in the La Center Music Department for 6 years. During 2 of those years at La Center, Sharon taught steel drum classes.

Sharon's Steel Drum Workshop: is a dynamic demonstration by Sharon herself, covering all areas about the construction and performing of the steel drum instruments! Sharon's workshops are designed especially for Kindergarten through 12th grade students.

During the Workshop: Sharon goes over some of the history related to the steel drum instruments or pans (another name for these unique instruments.) Sharon covers the techniques use to hand craft a 55 gallon oil barrel into a beautiful steel drum instrument. She brings all of her different sizes of hammers, punches, tools, work tables, and different drums that are used during the construction process.

To take part and experience Sharon's Steel Drum Workshop, will leave each student with a sense of pride. The workshop will leave them with the awareness of paying attention to the different sounds that surround them on a daily basis. Sharon also encourages students to make their own instruments at home using empty soup, coffee, or tuna cans. Students will receive a certificate showing they attended Sharon's Steel Drum Workshop at the end of class!

The Ideal Situation : Is to keep each class under 25 students at a time. This insures that each student gets to have a chance to try something exciting that Sharon has brought with her to the class.

What to expect from Sharon's Steel Drum Workshops : Sharon would come to your school and set up all of her equipment in the music room and would be working closely with your school's music teacher throughout the day. Sharon charges by the day, with it usually taking 2 days, sometimes 3 days, depending on the numbers of students attending your school.

The Perfect All Around Steel Drum Experience, for the student body, teachers, and staff is to have Rhythmical Steel, "The Steel Drum Family," return at a later date to perform at a school assembly! This is an awesome way to fulfill the steel drum experience! This is always a huge hit with everyone, including Rhythmical Steel, the family steel drum band!