The Miami University Steel Band was founded in 1994. Under the leadership of founder and director Chris Tanner, the program has grown to encompass two separate ensembles with a combined enrollment of over sixty members, and twenty-five university-owned instruments. The ensemble is very active, performing in a number of settings including on-campus concerts, summer park venues and in-school outreach programs. The goal of the Miami University Steel Band is to present excellent performances of quality literature in the steel band idiom, with a special emphasis on original music by contemporary composers.

The Miami University Steel Band has produced five recordings since 2001, the latest being 20 (2014), produced in celebration of the group’s twentieth anniversary. Music is available through Pan Ramajay Productions, and through online services including the iTunes Music Store. As the art form of pan grows in the 21st century, the Miami University Steel Band aspires to be one of the leading programs in exemplifying excellence in performance, and in expanding the repertory for this unique ensemble.

The Steel Band comprises two sections, a preparatory, beginner section (section B) for those with no experience on steel pans, and an advanced section (section A).

How to Join

An information session for the beginner’s section is held each semester on the first Tuesday of classes at 6:30 P.M. in room PRS 007. All interested students are welcome to attend. No previous steel band experience is required, and no materials need to be prepared in advance.

For more information please contact Chris Tanner, director, tannerc@miamioh.edu