Music has always been a big part of my life. I played flute all throughout my elementary, middle and high school years. When I received my acceptance letter to Miami, literally, the first thing that I did was sign up to join the marching band. Two days into band camp I began learning to play the tuba, and I loved it! Then, during the Spring semester of my freshman year here at Miami, a few of my friends and I decided to go a step further and to audition for the steel band together.During our semester in Steel Band II, the beginner's course, I began learning to play the bass pans and I even had the privilege of working with Mr. Andy Narell, one of today's finest steel band musicians and composers. Then last semester, upon entering Steel Band I, for advanced players, I was introduced to so many talented players, some who had been involved with the band for years! Last semester's concert featured Mr. Tom Miller and a special guest, Mr. Tracy Thornton, who blew us away with their depth, their knowledge, and their enthusiasm.
To date, the steel band is working hard to prepare for our spring concert. The band will also be working hard to finish recording our new album this year, and I am so grateful to be a part of the process. No one knows for sure what the future holds for the Miami University Steel Band, but since the group was founded in 1994, the number of players has increased tenfold, and I can only imagine that the number will continue to grow. The Miami University Steel Band performs a wide variety of musical styles, too, and I feel that pretty soon the band will be recognized for one of the leading programs in exemplifying excellence in performance, and in expanding the repertory.
-Casie Gebhart, Sophomore