Thanks to funding from the
Brittonkill
Educational Foundation, Tamarac students have the opportunity to
learn a new musical instrument, steel drums.
The Foundation, which provides funding for innovative and creative programs at Tamarac schools, approved a $5,500 grant request for steel drums so the district can use them in music instruction and offer students an opportunity to join a new steel drum band club.
The steel drums will be available for students of all ages in the district, explained music teacher Kevin Barcomb, who applied for the grant funding. The steel drum band would also encourage students who may not otherwise have a musical background to join. The band would perform for students and the community.
“These activities will enhance the musical
appreciation and global awareness of all Tamarac students, while
providing those involved a unique
opportunity to work and perform musically outside traditional
school chorus and band settings,” Mr. Barcomb explained.
Two years ago, the Foundation sponsored a visit from a youth steel drum band that performed for the school and allowed students to try their hands at steel drums. Students were fascinated by the unique instruments and the Caribbean culture where the instruments originated. The event helped spark the idea for pursuing Tamarac’s own steel drum band.
Superintendent Lou McIntosh thanked the
Foundation for their dedication and continued support for
Tamarac schools.
“We can’t thank the Brittonkill Educational Foundation enough for all they do,” Mr. McIntosh said. “They provide our students with additional opportunities that certainly enhance the education in our schools.”
