Felsted Steel Pan musicians bring the sound of the Caribbean to primary pupils

Toe-tapping Trinidadian rhythms filled the air at Terling Primary School recently as students from Felsted School led a workshop on the history and culture of Steel Pan music. 

Years 5 and 6 pupils were fascinated as musical students in Years 10 to 13 at the independent co-educational boarding and day school in north Essex explained the origins of the distinctive style of music and then showed them how to play the Steel Pans themselves. The highlight of the day was a vibrant whole-school Steel Pan performance, in which every pupil joined in the fun, dancing and clapping along to the infectious rhythms.

‘It was wonderful to see the older pupils inspiring and motivating the younger ones and introducing them to a new musical experience,’ said Rachel Clarke, Assistant Director of Music at Felsted Prep School. ‘The session encouraged patience, leadership and teamwork and the Terling Primary pupils responded enthusiastically, proving to be excellent young musicians.’

The Steel Pan workshop was part of an ongoing partnership between Felsted School and Terling Primary. This collaboration has already enabled Felsted pupils to learn from Terling’s staff and students about their thoughtfully designed playground, which strategically and sustainably enhances high-quality playtime opportunities.

Further initiatives are in progress, including the exchange of ideas on curriculum development and future co-curricular experiences between both schools. Felsted’s Assistant Head (Academic) and Partnerships Lead, Christina Bury commented; ‘We are incredibly fortunate to have cultivated such a collaborative and supportive partnership, where students and staff from both schools are working together to share valuable learning experiences’.

‘At Felsted, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are passionate and dedicated,’ commented Felsted Head Chris Townsend. ‘The Steel Pan workshop at Terling Primary is a perfect example of our students using their knowledge and skills to inspire and make a positive difference in the lives of others. This partnership with Terling Primary highlights the collaborative spirit and mutual benefit of our community engagement. Our pupils should be incredibly proud of their efforts and the fun that they brought through this workshop’.

Felsted has five thriving steel bands – including one made up of Felsted parents – which are in demand at country shows and events across East Anglia. Two-thirds of students at Felsted learn an instrument, ranging from the bassoon to the ukulele. They are taught by an inspiring, extremely talented and fun team of music teachers and peripatetic staff and benefit from a strong tie with Junior Guildhall, which brings international standard tuition to Felsted students in the atmospheric former original 16th century schoolhouse and a state-of-the-art music school and auditorium. As well as the full orchestra, strings, jazz, steel and woodwind ensembles and a choice of choirs, there are many informal student-led musical groups.