Bainbridge was treated to a unique experience on Thursday evening when the Unity Christian Steel Drum Band entertained a Willis Park crowd. Many from the crowd joined in the conga line and, though not as many, the limbo.
Bill King, who has been in Georgia music education for 35 years, directs the band. He explained the beginnings of the steel drum in Trinidad evolved after the beating of African skin drums on the streets of Trinidad was banned. Mr King is a former student of Dr. Ed Mobley of Bainbridge.
Dr. Ellie Mannette, widely regarded as the Father of the Modern Steel Drum, years ago helped Mr King create steel drums at his home. Made from 55 gallon drums, hammers are used to create and tune the metal to play specific notes. The length of the drum creates the amount of base of each drum.
Mr King told the crowd about 80% of the small Unity Christian School of Rome, GA participates in the band. The concert was part of the 2008 Riverside Artsfest events.
The Unity Christian Steel Drum Band may be back in the near future, and if they are, plan to be there.
