A CASE STUDY ON THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF THE DESERT WINDS STEELPAN PROGRAMS

Abstract

” This study describes the steel band program at Desert Winds Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona. The steel band program began in 1978, and the study documents the development of the program from its first year through 2008. During the first thirty years of its existence, the program included a student ensemble, introduction to steel pans in general music classes, and two adult community ensembles—one that existed from 1984 to 1988, and one that existed from 1997 until the time of this study. Descriptive chapters portray the development of the program at Desert Winds Elementary School, the pedagogy developed by the director, and the history of the adult community ensembles. The director, Jerry Lopatin, his background in steelpan traditions, his use of aural-oral transmission models with self-designed modified lead and chord charts, and his pedagogical expertise contributed to the success of the ensembles. Participants in both the student and adult ensembles noted the importance of socialization and teamwork, quick musical success through effective pedagogy, the therapeutic effects of the ensembles, and the leadership qualities of the director. These themes are used to provide curricular and pedagogical recommendations to the field of music education and the steel band community. ” Summarized Quotes from ‘Abstract’ of the Full Text.