Learning to play steel pan is unlike any other musical experience. From the very first notes, the warm, shimmering sound of the instrument instantly transports you to sunshine, celebration, and community. Whether you’ve heard steel pan at festivals, on the beach, or in concert, its joyful energy is impossible to resist.

This special five-week course gives participants the opportunity to learn and perform on their own steel pan in a fun, supportive group setting. Musicians will develop ensemble skills, explore the unique rhythms and sounds of steel pan music, and work toward a culminating group concert performance at the end of the program.

Because the course moves at a performance pace, participants should already be able to read music. Bring your enthusiasm, your musicianship, and your sense of adventure—and discover why steel pan music brings smiles wherever it’s heard.

About the Instructor

Jeff Martin is an active music educator, percussionist, and non-profit leader. Jeff is one of the only full-time steel band educators in the country, and has been the Director of Steel Bands at Clark Montessori High School (a Cincinnati Public School) since 2013, where he teaches 125 musicians in grades 7-12, focusing on field studies and community service-oriented performances. He began playing steel pan at Elder High School and continued through college as he was earning his B.M. in Music Education from Ohio Northern University with a M.M. in Music Education from Miami University to follow. Currently, Jeff keeps a busy schedule as QCFB Board President and percussionist, and as a member of the Cincy Steel Ensemble.

About the Queen City Freedom Band

The Queen City Freedom Band (QCFB) is the LGBTQ+ concert band in Cincinnati, OH. Open to woodwinds, brass, and percussion players of all abilities and orientations - including allies - QCFB places a high emphasis on community building through music. We are a member of the Pride Bands Alliance and the Association of Concert Bands. The band has performed concerts at Urban Artifact, Clark Montessori School, and Taft’s Brewporium. Past programs have included: House of Horrors, Singles Awareness Day, Good As Gold: A Celebration of 50 years of the LGBTQ rights movement, and Pride month concerts. Dr. Jon Noworyta is the music director and conductor

Jeff Martin's Steel Band QCFB Fundraiser

Learn to play Steel Pan