The Franklinton Preparatory Academy’s (FPA) Steelband Project under the leadership of teacher, Sam McCoy, has quickly grown from 9 students to having more classes and over 30 students who have performed at The Ohio State Fair (1st Annual Steel Band Day), South Campus Gateway, King Arts Complex MLK Celebration and other events and venues in Ohio. The need for instrumental music is essential and this ensemble has become a point of pride at school events. The need in Franklinton is great. Their student poverty level is 100% and about 40% of their students are in deep poverty living on about half of the federal poverty rate. The steel pan is an instrument that was formed out of extreme poverty in Trinidad but is now changing the world. It is an example of turning trash into treasure. Steel Band is the ultimate in recycling and repurposing for the greater good.
FPA's Band and Ohio Avenue Steel Band at MLK Jr. Celebration.
Posted by Franklinton High School on Monday, January 18, 2016
