The Vanderbilt Commodore Steel Band program was formed in Fall 2004 and is under the direction of Mat Britain.  They bring musical styles such as Calypso and Soca from the Caribbean, with emphasis on music and history from the island of Trinidad, birthplace of the Steel Pan.  The Steel Drum, or Steel Pan as it’s more commonly known in Trinidad, was not born overnight but was developed out of necessity and the burning desire to create rhythm and music.  In the last 70 years the Steel Band movement has spread from Alaska to Zimbabwe and all points in between. From grade school through college the Steel Band is becoming a popular part of many music education curriculums.  Join us as we discuss the history, diverse and expanding musical experience offered through the Blair School of Music.