THOMASTON — Watts Hall Community Arts announces a new partnership with Pen Bay Pan, formerly known as Steelin' Thunder, a local community steel pan band that has been bringing vibrant Caribbean sounds to the Midcoast for over 20 years. Known for their energetic performances at Rockland's Lobster Festival, Thomaston's 4th of July Celebration, and their summer residency at The Landings Restaurant, Pen Bay Pan now has a new home at Watts Hall Community Arts.

As part of this new partnership, Watts Hall Community Arts and Pen Bay Pan are launching a Teen Steel Pan Band program. This program is designed for students in grades 7-12 and is open to all levels of musical experience and ability.

“Whether you’ve been playing music for years or have never picked up an instrument before, this program is for you,” said Community Art, in a news release.

Program Details:

Practice Schedule: Mondays, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM, from October 7 to December 2 (No practice on November 25)
Location: Watts Hall Community Arts, 174 Main Street, Thomaston
Performance: December 9
Cost: Free of charge
 

“We believe that making music with others is an important human experience that everyone, regardless of musical training, should have access to,” said Kyle von Neumann, director of Pen Bay Pan. “Through our classes and performing ensembles, Pen Bay Pan seeks to provide a group music making experience that is culturally edifying, engaging for all musical skill levels, and just plain old knock-your-socks-off fun." 

The Teen Steel Pan Band program is free, and all are welcome to join. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Register online via Google form: https://tinyurl.com/TeenSteelPanBand2024.

If you would like to support Pen Bay Pan and their community programming, contributions can be made at https://venmo.com/u/PenBayPan. Please note that financial contributions are not required to participate.

For more information, please contact Kendray Rodriguez, managing director of Watts Hall Community Arts, at wattshallcommunityarts@gmail.com.

Watts Hall Community Arts is dedicated to fostering creativity and community through the arts. Located in the heart of Thomaston, Maine, Watts Hall serves as a cultural hub, offering a variety of programs and events for people of all ages.