Northern Home for Children has formed its first Steel Drum Band, an innovative new program as part of our after school Partial Program. Band members all attend Philadelphia Schools where classrooms offer little or no music and art instruction. The benefits of participating in the band include building self confidence, cooperation and developing concentration.

Kevin Weber, Director of Recreation/Volunteer Coordinator, mentors the young men in the Partial Program every day. Kevin explains that practicing and performing a musical piece helps the students develop self pride and confidence. The group also utilizes musical skills as a way of teaching responsibility and team work.

–Playing a musical instrument develops leadership. They all play different parts and in order to play just a simple song they must practice and work as a team,” Kevin explains. In order to participate, the students demonstrate positive behavior and meet additional goals of the Partial Program.

–Practice is hard but I like that I am getting better at it and that makes me feel good.” Reports Taje, one of the band members. The Steel Drum band practices twice a week and visitors often come to listen. Their instructor Kristian Paradise, a professional musician, feels that teaching the group music has been a wonderful experience and everyday he sees improvement in both their musical proficiency and attitude. The band has recently grown from five to twelve members as its popularity continues to increase.

Practice pays off and people are usually surprised to learn that the group is less then a year old. The Steel Drum Band has played at three events along with an appearance on Fox 29. Their first performance was May 9th, 2007 at the Inaugural Partnerships for the Children Award Dinner honoring Mr. Howard Stoeckel, President and CEO of Wawa, Inc. –I like Caribbean music and I canêt believe the talent they have for kids their age,” remarked an audience member at the dinner.

Funds are currently being sought to support the bandês expansion and for the purchase of the steel drums. Interested individuals can contact Kevin Weber at kweber@northernhome.org to come for a visit or to book a gig!