Making music on the steel drums!

It's always good to learn an instrument, but even more fun to learn an unusual one!

Lauren is part of the steel drum band at her school, and in her report she tells us all about it.

"Since I was in nursery I have wanted to be in the band.

When I came to Year 5 I got a letter from the band saying that I could join - so I did!

Different kind of drum

At our school we have a set of steel pans.

The steel pan is an instrument which you put on to a stand. Some stands can be joined together.

There are four types of pans, called tenners, double guitars, base and seconds.

The notes are spread over one to four pans and are written in sections inside the drum.

Keeping in time

When playing steel pans it's really important to keep a steady rhythm and to keep together.

I think that they are quite hard to play because you have to be prepared to change notes in split seconds.

But I don't think that is a reason not to try though. It's really fun!

Performing to a crowd

Now I'm so excited because in the summer this year I am going to play at the Sage in Gateshead, a cool music venue.

We play all sorts of songs, from old pop songs like Da Do Ron Ron and the Pink Panther theme tune.

So much fun

We also have lots of other instruments in our school too.

Some times I have to play percussion with a tambourine.

I think it's worth learning to play an instrument because it's so much fun!"

Lauren, 10, County Durham

---

Why don't you write us a Press Pack report - and get it published on the site?!

It can be about anything that's happened in your local area - or your views on the news.

Click here to find out how to do it