The Harper Steel Bands

William Rainey Harper College is a community college located in Palatine, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago. The Harper College music program, established in 1967, has grown to include a respected transfer curriculum with options in performance, music education and piano pedagogy. The Steel Band program was begun in 1987 and presently includes steel bands for beginners as well as advanced players. Paul G. Ross has been directing the steel bands since the spring of 1998. Members of the Harper Steel Bands learn the latest playing techniques and contemporary repertoire including Trinidad's latest calypsos, and original works for steel band by Ross and composer Steve Flowers. They present concerts on campus every December and May in the new Performing Arts Center Theater, and several performances in communities of the northwest suburbs (Click here to see a map for directions to the theater). Harper is proud to own a set of ten steel pans made by world renowned pan craftsman, Cliff Alexis.

The Beginning Steel Band

Harper offers a class for those who want to learn to play the steel pan in a group setting. This ensemble meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters. Previous musical experience or music reading abilities are not required. Students learn the basics of playing and reading music in a relaxed setting. Class time is also spent listening to current steel pan recordings and discussing the history of this remarkable family of instruments.

Join the Band

We are always looking to share steel band music with new people. If you are interested in joining the beginning steel band, you will need to register by the start of the fall or spring semester. For more information on registering for classes at Harper College call (847) 925-6000 or visit the Harper College web site. If you have other questions concerning the Harper Steel Band you can contact directly.

The Advanced Steel Band

Harper's most experienced steel band includes several musicians who have graduated from music schools and some who began to play in the beginning band at Harper and moved to the advanced group. This band has performed at many festivals, school assemblies, and a wide variety of other events. Their repertoire consists of 20 -30 pieces of music in a wide variety of musical styles that include calypso, pop, bossa, reggae, cha cha, classical, and samba. Several players within the ensemble are featured as soloists.

Harper Steel Band Performances

In addition to the two annual concerts on the Harper College campus, the band is also available for performances in the northwest suburban area. The group plays school assemblies that range from 30 to 45 minute presentations which include plenty of music, instrument demonstrations, a description of the pan making process, and discussion of the origins of the steel band. We are available for festivals and concerts off campus as well. If you would like to hear us in concert please visit our calendar page to see the dates of our concerts in December and May. To hear the band click here. For booking information and availability you can contact .