The West Union Steel Drum Band played a concert at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, May 23. The group made an audition CD and sent it to the hall of fame with the hopes of getting an invitation to perform. A group of 57 students and 39 adults made the spring time trip to Cleveland.

The trip began May 21 with a farewell concert at Moyer’s Winery. The band performed in the backyard with the patrons overlooking from the porch. The band appreciates Moyer’s for their support of the group. The restaurant collected donations from patrons and added their own donation to help make the trip possible.

The group left Friday on two school buses. They started the tour with a visit to Severance Hall to hear the world renowned Cleveland Symphony. The evening started with a pre-concert lecture about the music to be performed by the orchestra. The concert hall is know as one of the most beautiful in the world with the most amazing acoustics. The group was thoroughly entertained by the outstanding musicianship, as most in the group had never heard a live orchestra before. The concert was followed by a meet and greet by orchestra members with the students and adults. They were able to hear the musicians stories and ask questions about their profession and lifestyle with the orchestra.

The next morning the group headed for their performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group got a chance for photo opportunities in front of Lake Erie, which most had never seen before. The steel band set-up on the plaza with a backdrop of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They drew a large crowd as they performed their upbeat and lively music for which the group is known.

The group did a set from their award winning percussion program as it fit the theme with the hall of fame. In this set they played “September”, “Dust in the Wind”, and “Live and Let Die.” The comments from the crowd and the Hall of Fame were extremely complimentary and with an invitation by the Hall to come back and play again. The group then had the chance to tour the Hall of Fame. The students saw many of the groups and musicians they have studied for the past two years. The adults had the chance to relive many memories from their youth and share those experiences with the students.

The West Union Music Department appreciates the community for their generous support to help make this trip possible.

The trip was lead by directors Carl Schneider and Neil DeAtley.