Founded by Leigh Solomon Pugliano in 2014, Barrels to Beethoven is dedicated to preservation of the steelpan through inspiring educational programs and innovative manufacturing techniques.
We provide engaging, entertaining, and interactive opportunities for the public, especially young people, to learn the history of the steelpan, the building and tuning process, music theory, performance skills, and playing technique.
OUR MISSION?
- Impactful arts education
- Accurate historical and cultural content
- Inspire a new generation of steelpan builders, tuners, players, and teachers!
What is a Steelpan? (By the way the instrument is not called steeldrums)
The steelpan is a handmade musical instrument built from a 55-gallon steel barrel. The steelpan has a family of musical instruments ranging from the tenor or lead steelpan (highest octaves) to the bass steelpan (lowest octaves).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join the Adult Steel Band Class!
Whether you’ve always wanted to play music but never had the chance, you’re looking to try something completely new, or just love the steelpan, our Monday Night Adult Steel Band class offers a rare opportunity to master, or try to, steelpan technique.
This is not your typical music class you’ll learn music, history, and culture and our fun, supportive band setting means you’ll learn together, laugh together, and perform together as you build real skills and community connections.
No prior musical experience needed, just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
Limited spots available. Session begins April 6th.
About the Instructor
Leigh Solomon Pugliano is an entrepreneur, researcher, musician, and educator. Her love and dedication to music was sparked by her father, Phil Solomon, a musician, composer, and pioneer of the steelpan instrument. Leigh grew up teaching, performing, and educating audiences across the United States about the steelpan. Her love for classical and jazz stems from the many hours dedicated to learning and perfecting these musical genres in her youth and deep study of these genres as an adult. In honor of her father, in 2014, Leigh founded Barrels to Beethoven, an organization dedicated to teaching accurate history of the steelpan and Afro-Caribbean culture, the intricate building and tuning process, and providing opportunities for the community, particularly youth, to learn about the instrument.
*Proceeds benefit our youth programs and scholarships!
PROGRAMS
We offer a broad range of learning opportunities for folks of all ages, including:
Instrumental Instruction: Individual, Group, Adult Band, and Youth Ensemble.
Steelpan in the Classroom: A curriculum developed specifically for ages 8-14 and brought into the school classroom. Sessions can be developed from six week to year-long courses.
Pan Camp: A week-long summer camp for youth ages 8-14. During the week children are introduced to the steelpan, taught steelpan technique, the history and culture of the instrument and performance skills. At the end of the week, the camp puts on a performance for family and friends!
Pan Builders Education: An in-depth course on building and tuning the steelpan that will help to develop a newly skilled generation of builders and tuners.
Let’s Play Pan: Adult workshops and team building programs.
Lecture: Explains the history of the steelpan and includes interactive demonstration
barrelstobeethoven.com 