Visual and Performing Arts

The Steel Band

Dr. Dawn K. Batson, Director

The Florida Memorial University Steel Band Program was started in the Fall of 1996 by past Music Arts Coordinator, Dr. Alfred Pinkston and present Visual & Performing Arts Chair, Dr. Dawn K. Batson. The program allows music students to use the various instruments of the steel band as their major instrument. The program also supports a Steel ensemble that has performed nationally, internationally and has appeared on television and radio in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean. In 1998, the band toured Holland and played for the opening of the World Hockey Championships. Additionally, the band was the first non-Trinidadian ensemble to win or tie for first place in the World Steel Band Festival, held biennially in Trinidad in October. The steel band won its honor playing Dr. Batson’s original work, “Black Holes Do Exist.” Three of the band’s members were sent by the University to the 2002 World Steelband Festival in Trinidad. The members placed in the top ten with Alfred Harris III placing second and Leon “Foster” Thomas placing 1st. At the 2004 Festival the duo entrants of Leon “Foster” Thomas and Alea Nicholson, placed 1st. From 2004 to the present, the band has upheld its reputation for excellence, performing at the Annual UNCF National Convention in New York; Bowling Green University in Ohio, Claflin University in South Carolina; the BET Awards Show in Miami with the artist Ludacris and in Bahia, Brazil. All band members create arrangements for the ensemble. Graduates of the program are now involved in the international Steelband movement and many are now enrolled in graduate programs in the United States and overseas.