Published on:
12
November 2012
The Ochil Steel Band is set to be formed at Lornshill Academy, with steel drums on their way from the Caribbean island of Trinidad.
The band is the brainchild of Lornshill Academy music teacher, Maureen Howitt, who managed to obtain the drums thanks to a lottery grant from "Awards for All."
Maureen, originally from Florida, has a Bachelors of Music in Music Education, graduating with a first-class honours degree from the University of Florida in Percussive Studies.
With four years experience performing in a professional steel drum ensemble and 20 years experience as a percussionist she will spearhead the steel band to assure that they reach the highest level of musicianship allowed, when the drums arrive next month.
She said: "Ever since leaving the US I have always dreamed of running a steel band. It was my favourite ensemble to perform with because of its relaxed atmosphere and lack of pressure when performing.
"The audience is relaxed as well which is unlike other more classical performances I was involved in. When I came to the UK the dream always remained in the back of my mind however the chances seemed to be getting more and more remote of ever coming to life.
"Since I moved to Scotland in 2005 I still thought about how I could fundraise to get the drums but with budgets tightening each year and the high expense of the drums it seemed likely to never get started.
But when she took up a teaching post at Lornshill Academy, her dream was set to become a reality.
Maureen went on: "I heard about "Awards for All" last May and when I looked on their web site I got hopeful that my idea might have a chance. I got the go ahead from my head teacher, Peter Allan, to proceed with the application."
Maureen put the application in at the end of August and was told of her success in September.
Maureen added: "I am so excited that Awards for All decided to give this project a chance because without this grant it would still be a dream.
She has sourced £10,000 worth of high quality drums from a provider "Steel Pan International" in Trinidad, who will be hand delivering them to Clackmannanshire next month.
And plans are already at an advanced state to form the Ochil Steel Band.
Maureen said: " I am going to start the project on 8th January with two bands, one after school on Tuesdays and the other on Wednesdays at 4pm. Participants can choose either group to experience the Caribbean drums. All ages are welcome and no experience is required. There will also be a group for Additional Support Needs pupils during the day."
The drums are due to arrive in December and the school are planning an assembly for all pupils currently enrolled in a music course to attend the arrival of the drums.
The Ochil Steel Drum project will provide an opportunity to bring the community together with the band available to play at local charity fundraising initiatives.
Maureen added: "Charity events help to bring a community together and Ochil Steel Band could be a part of that."
Welcoming the news of the grant and the formation of the steel band, Councillor Ellen Forson, Convenor of the Council's Education Committee said: "I believe that the Ochil Steel Band could play a powerful role in the regeneration of the community. I am excited about how far this programme could go. I wish them well and look forward to the arrival of the drums."