Co-Curricular Courses

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This curriculum offers basic instruction in the fundamentals of the steelpan to non-music majors. Individualized instruction allows for personal specialization, while providing a well-rounded foundation in all steelpan instruments. Students will be taught skills related to basic instrumental techniques - scales, triads and executive techniques relevant to the instrument. Students will also be exposed to some socio-cultural issues related to the steelband movement. 

The course is primarily practical and hands-on in nature, and students will be taught the various skills outlined in the learning outcomes, while preparing for their end of term assessment which will take the form of participating in an ensemble performance.  Guest presentations will also be made on the sociocultural significance of the steelpan, and students will be assessed on their understanding of the content through group presentations.  This co-curriculum programme is a joint effort with birdsong who has 45 years of steelband experience, and, more specifically, 15 years of pioneering youth music education under the auspices of birdsong Academy. 

Course Aims

Steelpan co-curriculum study seeks to develop competencies and knowledge that will contribute to individual proficiency on the instrument and cultural intelligence. The course seeks to develop basic knowledge of music and the steelpan through performance, creation, appraisal and analysis.  It will also contribute to the following UWI Graduate Outcomes:

• A Critical and Creative Thinker
• An Effective Communicator with Good Interpersonal Skills
• Globally Aware and Well-grounded in His/Her Regional Identity
• Socially, Culturally and Environmentally Responsible and Guided by Strong Ethical Values

Lecturer

Derrianne Dyett

E-mail: dyettderrianne@gmail.com