If any instrument has been maligned within Western music, it is the steel pan. Most American music fans are introduced to the instrument via the laid-back sounds of Jimmy Buffet. That's usually where the relationship stops. But the UA Steel Band is trying to take the pans out of "Margaritaville" and back into the concert hall where they belong.
Trinidadian steel pan virtuoso Liam Teague will perform with the UA Steel Band Sunday. Though many music fans may be unfamiliar with Teague's work, he is considered something of a phenomenon by pan fans. His range of musical styles extends beyond traditional Trinidadian music to encompass classical music and jazz.
"He has an amazing level of technical virtuosity," said Gary Cook, professor of music and director of percussion studies. "The original compositions he will be playing are in the classical style with a heavy jazz influence. He's an incredible jazz musician. He has a great ability to improvise."
Teague's reputation is enough to intimidate even the most seasoned pan veteran. But Cook thinks his presence will bring out the best in the steel band.
"Basically, (the steel band) will function like a jazz band or orchestra bringing in a solo artist," Cook said. "A pro kind of boosts everybody. Everybody rises to the occasion."
Mike Sammons, a music graduate student and director of the steel band, is excited for the opportunity.
"Having Liam Teague here will be a real educational experience for (the steel band)," Sammons said. "This is just a great opportunity to play with a world-class musician."
The steel band doesn't often get an opportunity to play with a musician of Teague's fame. Founded by Cook in 1987, the group has always had to make-do without help from the UA.
"We're self-supported," said Sammons. "We raise funds on our own by putting on concerts, performing for the community and selling CDs."
Mostly, the steel band exists as a way for graduate students and undergraduates to engage in a mutually beneficial performance-and-instruction environment. Cook said the program has traditionally been run by graduate students, but that he serves mostly as a supervisor. The band is comprised almost exclusively of undergraduates.
"We like to bang," joked molecular and cellular biology and psychology freshman Courtney Smith. "Steel Band is a lot of fun. I played in high school for a semester and auditioned when I came to UA, so I'm new to the whole steel drum thing."
"(Steel Band) is the best part of my day," said undeclared freshman Robert Soliz. "It helps take away stress."
Though Soliz may find the sounds of the pan relaxing, there's no doubt Teague's performance with the UA Steel Band will be a far cry from Margaritaville.
Teague will perform with the steel band at 3 p.m. Sunday at Crowder Hall in the Music building. Tickets are $8 for general admission, $6 for UA employees and senior citizens, and $4 for students. There will be a free rehearsal with Teague on Saturday at 3 p.m. and a free master class on Monday, where Teague will discuss steel pan history, technique and solo repertoire possibilities.