At Amherst Regional High School (ARHS), students have the opportunity to explore the rhythmic and melodic world of steel drums, a program that has been offered for over 20 years. Currently led by Mr. Suzuki the steel drum class has become a beloved elective for many students.
The program, initially taught at the middle school, made its return to ARHS in the fall of 2022 when Mr. Suzuki began teaching the fall offering. Despite not having prior experience with steel drums, he embraced the challenge. Mr. Suzuki was instructed in the steel drums by his colleague Kara Bear, who has been teaching the spring offering.
Teaching steel drums presents unique challenges and rewards. Mr. Suzuki describes the unpredictability of his students’ musical backgrounds as both a hurdle and a joy. The most rewarding aspect for him is watching students, many of whom are completely new to the instrument, perform for the first time. “Seeing the look on their faces when they perform in front of others and are proud of themselves is priceless,” said Suzuki.
The class not only teaches students how to play an instrument but also fosters a sense of community and accomplishment. “It’s a confidence booster,” Mr. Suzuki explains. The ensemble nature of the class helps build social bonds as students work together to create music, boosting their self-esteem.
Mr. Suzuki emphasizes the broader benefits of learning steel drums beyond just musical skills. “Students develop fine motor skills and learn to achieve something beyond their comfort zone,” he explains. Performing in front of an audience gives students a sense of pride and accomplishment that extends beyond the classroom.
According to Mr. Suzuki, students respond positively to learning the steel drums. Even simple tunes like “Hot Cross Buns” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb” bring joy to the students. “So far, there has been no pushback or negative attitudes,” Mr. Suzuki says, adding that students often recommend the class to their peers as a fun and rewarding experience.
Mr. Suzuki has integrated the steel drum class into the larger music program at ARHS, collaborating with other electives like the Bomba drumming class and the ARHS Orchestra. Memorable performances, such as the collaboration on “Monster Mash” and the theme from “Mission Impossible,” have showcased the versatility of the steel drums.
Weekly performances provide students with regular opportunities to showcase what they’ve learned, and future collaborations with the ARHS Orchestra are in the works, including a Halloween concert featuring the theme from “Ghostbusters.”
While the steel drum program at ARHS has faced logistical challenges, Mr. Suzuki remains optimistic about the future. He hopes to make performances more accessible to the broader community, despite the challenges of moving the heavy instruments. “It really takes a village,” he says.
For Mr. Suzuki, the steel drum class is more than just a musical elective; it’s a space where students can grow, both musically and personally. “If students feel a sense of accomplishment and are part of the ensemble, then I feel like I’ve done my job,” he reflects. As the program continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a unique and cherished part of ARHS’s arts curriculum.