FMEA Steel Band Festival

March 28, 2026
The Blankner School, Orlando,
with clinician Liam Teague (Northern Illinois University)

April 11, 2026
The Pine School, Hobe Sound,
with clinician Michael Kernahan (Pan Tuner/Builder in Miami)

April 18, 2026
Raa Middle School, Tallahassee,
with clinician Dr. Jeff Grant (Lowndes High School)

The purpose of the Steel Band Festival is to provide steel band students and directors a positive performance outlet and motivating goal, to share ensemble literature among teachers, to create an event that allows teachers to become more knowledgeable in their craft through clinician contact time, all to ultimately advance the experience of steel band students throughout the State of Florida.

Overview: The focus of this event will be on the performance of steelpan ensembles. Every performance will receive a supportive clinic from this year’s clinician.

Teacher Qualifications: Each director should be a current member of the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) by March 1.

Student Qualifications: Steel band members must be a part of an elementary or secondary school curriculum either during school or extracurricular.

Performance Time: Each entry will have 20 minutes of performance and a 20-minute clinic. 

Performance Subdivision: Each steel band entry can divide the performance time into smaller ensembles if desired. For example, an entry of 20 can play one song utilizing all 20 students, followed by one song for 10 students, followed by the other 10. 

Music selection criteria: Due to the variance in curriculum and class structure, directors should select music that is appropriate and challenging to the students in their classroom. If the music being performed is published, the director must bring the original score for the clinician. This is to assist the clinician in providing useful comments and also to discourage unlawful photocopying. Directors are, of course, able to perform their own unpublished arrangements.

Directors are encouraged to program at least one selection that includes a traditional soca or calypso style, including typical engine room instruments.

Equipment: Music stands will be provided for each performing group. Performing groups must provide all instruments and instrument stands used in performance, including drum set and engine room. There will be access to electrical outlets.

Entry Fee: $10 per student. Checks are to be made payable to “FMEA,” 402 Office Plaza, Tallahassee, FL 32301-2757. The entry form, generated by the online entry application below, must be printed and signed by the principal and director and mailed along with the check. 

Entry Deadline: The online application must be completed by March 1, and the signed paperwork and check for payment should be postmarked by March 1.

Questions: Fill out the Contact Us page, and you will receive a reply from Jared Allen, Festival Coordinator

Registration Will Be Available Soon