Looking for a melodic way to beat the dreary winter doldrums? The tropical lure of Elgin Community College’s Steel Band might be the escape you’re seeking.
“The ECC Steel Band began in the fall of 1987. I was involved in the program as a student from 1998 through 2004,” said Scott McConnell, who became the instructor in January 2024.
He first spotted the steelpan instruments in the ECC percussion room when he was taking private lessons from Paul Ross, he said.
“My family asked more about the instruments, and we got involved from there,” McConnell said of what would become a pursuit his parents also got hooked on. “During college I would come home to see my parents perform and would join the band for their concerts.”
Ross founded ECC’s Steel Band program, which he and colleague Clark Chaffee raised the funds for by reaching out to local businesses for help. One major supporter was David Ziegler, of the Ziegler Ace Hardware family, who helped purchase the first six steelpan instruments in time for classes to start in 1987 and then contributed enough in 1992 to add six more.
These days, McConnell lives on Chicago’s Southwest Side and teaches and performs steelpan music with schools and ensembles throughout the metro region.
“The steelpan has been an integral part of my musical journey, and I love being able to give back and share my experiences with students of all ages,” he said. “Community is truly at the heart of all steel bands. It’s inspiring to see people from all different backgrounds and ages come together to have fun, connect and create music.”
East Dundee resident Ruth Cleveland has been part of the ECC Steel Band program pretty much from the get-go.
“I first heard steel drums while my daughter was watching ‘Sesame Street.’ I loved the sound,” Cleveland said.
She saw her first live performance when Northern Illinois University’s Steel Band performed at a fundraiser for Elgin’s St. Edward Central Catholic High School in the 1980s. She heard the NIU band again when they performed at a festival in Rockford.
“I was hoping to go to Northern and learn to play — not too easy since I had three young children and had a part-time job,” Cleveland said. “Then The Courier-News ran an article about ECC starting a steel band. What luck. I worked out all the details and I was able to join.”
Also among the ECC veteran players are Tom Becvar and Michele Machowicz, an Elgin couple who have been married for 50 years. Becvar joined in 2000 and Machowicz followed suit in 2010.
“After Tom joined, I became an unofficial ‘roadie’ for the group,” Machowicz said. “After quite a few years, the band director Steve Butters asked when I would start playing. I told him I didn’t even know how to read music, and he said learn.”
So she took private lessons from Butters and joined the group.
“It’s fun, it’s different, (it’s) great that I can choose from five types of pans to play, and I learn and play all sorts of styles of music,” Becvar said of what he likes about being in the band.
“The steelpan is an incredibly versatile instrument that can cover a wide range of musical styles, including classical, pop, calypso, rock and more,” McConnell said. “This gives us access to a broad selection of styles when picking music.”
So that students gain an understanding of the instruments’ history and culture, McConnell includes music in their repertoire from Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of the steelpan. He’s visited Trinidad four times for steel band competitions and conferences, he said.
“The music is highly syncopated and complex, which adds both a challenge and an element of fun to the experience,” he said. “Additionally, I incorporate traditional Trinidadian and Caribbean rhythms into other musical styles, blending them together to create something unique.”
But the two bands in the program — one for less-experienced members and the others for those who are more proficient — also have tackled tunes from such groups as Radiohead, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles and Earth, Wind & Fire, among others.
McConnell said he welcomes all new students regardless of experience levels. Prospective students should reach out to him directly at smcconnell@elgin.edu so he can ensure they are placed in the ensemble that best fits their needs and to confirm there is an instrument available for them to use.
“Since many students have no prior experience playing the steelpan, I offer them the chance to attend the first class. This allows them to see and experience the instrument firsthand before officially registering,” he said.
A Wednesday evening class is for intermediate band members and serves as more of an introductory ensemble. The Monday evening class is for advanced players who can take their skills to a higher level, performing longer and more technical pieces, McConnell said.
Sessions for the spring term start the week of Jan. 13. The classes are for one credit hour and cost $135 per semester for people living within the ECC district and $297 for nonresidents.
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
