The Steel Band Game Plan

Reviews / Votes

Dr. Tanner's text speaks to an audience of educators, but incorporates the vocabulary, nuance and unique spirit of pan. He gives us a thorough, user-friendly guide that will become the standard for aspiring steel band directors. The information is logically organized and covers every possible aspect of starting and maintaining your own pan program. Tanner hits the nail on the head in each chapter, covering the specific 'nuts and bolts' information that every steel band director needs to know. This book is like having your own steel pan program mentor and it will inspire educators to develop new pan programs or empower seasoned directors to take their group to the next level. Potential readers should take comfort in Tanner's proven record of excellence as an educator, performer, composer, producer, and now, author of this essential book. -- Phil Hawkins, recording artist and composer, San Francisco, CA The Steel Band Game Plan is a great resource for music educators diving into the sometimes murky waters of the Steel Band genre. The book presents proven methods that will not only get a beginning band up and running, but will improve and strengthen any Steel Band program. It is a much needed guide for the growing Steel Band community. -- Mat Britain, director, Vanderbilt University Steel Band Program Chris Tanner has written an important resource for the entire steel band community-whether you are a student, educator, or enthusiast. -- Dr. Ellie Mannette, founder, Mannette Steel Drums and The Mannette Foundation The Steel Band Game Plan is sure to be a vital resource to those starting new pan programs, and offers valuable advice and perspective to those who have existing ones. Dr. Tanner addresses the common hazards of starting a steel band in detail, and he gives many ideas to accelerate the progress of developing programs. This is a great 'how to' book for directors venturing into the steel band genre. -- Gary Gibson, SeaNote Productions The Steel Band Game Plan is an excellent resource for anyone starting a steel band, with a great deal of information on its history, key innovators, and practitioners. The suggestions for the development of pan playing technique, rehearsal strategies, and repertoire are informative and insightful. Tanner's obvious passion to promote the steel band as an artform and not just a simple novelty is most satisfying. -- Liam Teague, assistant professor of Steelpan studies and co-director of NIU Steel Band, Northern Illinois University