`Jamaican Rumba', `Hallelujah Chorus', `What's New Pussy Cat?', `Praise Ye The Lord' and `Wade in the Water' were amongst the 16 songs the Bermuda Institute Steel Band performed last Sunday evening under the direction of William Linthwaite.

The high school steel band formed in 1984 when then-music teacher Leonard Cann decided to introduce a new type of instrument to the students.

The instruments were created from used 55-gallon steel drums and fashioned by Wilfred Harris. There are 21 drums that range from high pitched tenors with 27 notes to six basses which have 18 notes.

Mr. Harris, who is a native of Grenada, made the drums in Bermuda and now tunes them twice a year.

Three years after the band's birth, 15 years ago, Mr. Linthwaite took over directing the band.

He said: "Together these instruments are capable of a surprising range of musical expression, especially when one considers their humble origin as 55-gallon oil drums."

As the steel band's name began to spread, so did their wings. Over the last ten years, they have performed before Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh during a display of the performing arts, played twice at the annual Premier's concert and joined the West End Development Company in its welcoming of the cruise ship Meridian to Dockyard and in celebrating Kiwi airline's first trip to Bermuda.

In 1993 the band held its own "Concert In The Park".

Mr. Linthwaite said: "It has been a most enjoyable part of my work at Bermuda Institute because it has been so upbeat and happy."

All together, the band has ten members, six of whom are Senior band members and four others who are Junior steel band members.

They are Sharai Brunson, Whitney Butterfield, Lorine Holder, Newton McClean, Christina Ratteray, Marilyn Simmons, Serena Simons, Delmont Williams, Jevon Williams, and Shammah Williams.

"I'm so proud of them, they've practised every night and they are hard working and their accomplishments are great," Mr. Linthwaite said.

Despite many of the students wanting to be a part of the band, few actually make it.

"Students are very eager to be in the band. It's one of the most popular. I've even had a waiting list but things are different now because it takes a lot of commitment and children are not wanting to spend extra time and commitment," he said.

The students practise twice a week, or as often as possible after school and sometimes during their lunch breaks.

Mr. Linthwaite said he held last Sunday's concert for three reasons: "To get junior members more involved because they will betaking over next year, to raise money for a new set of chrome steel drums and to honour and involve alumni steel band members."

The songs that were performed ranged from classical and sacred to popular and Island flavoured. The concert was held in the school's auditorium and was recorded by Steve Easton of Just Platinum Studios.

Anyone wishing to donate to Bermuda Institute's Steel Band can call the office at (238-1566.