Steel pan music has been played at Northburn for 6 years. The original 6 pans were purchased on behalf of the school by the Parent Teacher Association. Over subsequent years, with the help of sponsorship and fundraising, we now have an ensemble of 17 instruments.
The Northburn bands support local events, charities and organisations and have represented the school in the local community on many occasions.
Northburn maintains musical links with North Tyneside Steel band and provides musical workshops, locally and further afield, to schools and community based organisations.
The Northburn bands Real Steel and Dynamite practise on Monday evenings in the school hall 3:30 to 5:30 pm.
The focus is very much on learning music in an informal and inclusive way. Children do not have to read music or have any musical experience.
Children from year 3 onward are eligible to join and school holds a waiting list if there aren't any spaces available.
Tuition is paid for in 10 week blocks and costs £40 per block. Steel pans follows the school policy of giving notice of one term should a child wish to stop tuition.
Tuition is delivered by Claire Falcus, Jenny Chan and Laura Hall.
Progression from Real Steel and Dynamite is to the Cramlington Caribbean Crew. The Crew is a community music project based at Northburn.
Children who wish to continue playing pans can do so with this band.
Places are subject to availability and tuition fees are as for the Northburn bands.
Practice for the Crew is Wednesday 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Any queries regarding steel pans at Northburn can be answered by Claire Falcus or Laura Hall at cramlingtoncaribbeancrew@outlook.com
Contacts at Northburn are
Mrs Davison: School Business Manager
Mrs Burt: waiting list and tuition fees
Sign up and follow the Cramlington Caribbean Crew Blog here or on Twitter @CramCaribbeanCrew