Mitcham's first steel band left with no instruments (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Mitcham's first steel band left with no instruments

9:00am Sunday 15th March 2009 in News By Ben Thompson

Mitcham has formed its first steel band but there’s just one problem facing the musicians - none of them have any instruments.

A plethora of bespoke steel drums and pans are on order from Trinidad and Tobago yet it will be up to six months until they arrive at the New Horizon Centre in Pollards Hill.

With more than 70 people aged between six and 60 ready to join the group, its leader Jason Butcher has launched an appeal for local schools to loan some instruments.

He said: “People have been saying that there are steel instruments that just aren’t being used so that’s why we’re launching this appeal.

“This is something new to the area and we’ve already had a fantastic response from people who want to try something different. They’re all just desperate for us to get started.”

Jason, a professional steel music arranger, set up the new group called Panash UK after the community band in Croydon he mentored begun charging others for lessons and practice sessions.

Mitcham’s new group will instead be totally free, relying on external funding and donations.

Band members are due to represent the borough at the Notting Hill carnival in August but need to learn how to play now if they are to have any chance of being ready in time.

The group will not only play traditional Caribbean music but all genres from classical to jazz and even contemporary dance tunes.

Jason added: “This is really exciting and will make a difference by giving people a focus and getting them off the streets. From my own experience of more than 20 years I know that music can change a lot of people.”

To find out more about the band or to help the appeal contact Jason through the website panash-uk.com