Ellie Mannette and WVU Symphony in Steel to appear in concert

Ellie Mannette and WVU "Symphony in Steel" to appear in concert Feb. 9, 2008 at WVU Parkersburg.

CONTACT: Dr. H.G. Young III, professor of music and coordinator of the Distinguished Performance Series, 304-424-8248.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ellie Mannette and West Virginia University's "Symphony in Steel" will appear in concert at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

The concert will be held in the college's multi-purpose room and is part of the college's Distinguished Performance Series. Tickets are available in the college's business office. Adult tickets are $10, student prices are $5, and WVU Parkersburg student tickets at $2 in advance.

Internationally known as the "father of the steel drum instrument," Mannette created his first musical instrument from a 55-gallon steel container as a youth in Trinidad, ushering in the modern steel band movement. For almost 40 years now, he has been at the forefront of the steel band movement in the United States.

During the late 1960s, there were only a few steel band programs among some of the larger cities on the east coast. When Mannette arrived in New York City in 1967, the instrument was little more than a novelty. As the years have progressed, Mannette traveled extensively building, tuning and promoting the art form. As a result, successful steel band programs can be found from New York to Washington state, the Dakotas to Texas.

In 1992, Mannette came to WVU as an artist in residence, developed a program in performance, construction, and tuning of steel drums, and founded Mannette Steel Drums, Ltd., in Morgantown, where he builds fine instruments for individuals and ensembles around the world. His instruments have been displayed at the Smithsonian and Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mannette has been recognized with a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship Award and inducted into the Percussive Arts Society's Hall of Fame.

Today, the versatility of the steel drum can be demonstrated in the classroom as well as the symphony hall. A growing number of influential university music departments view the study of steel band as an integral part of any well-rounded percussion degree. In addition, the instrument is gaining recognition in the highly competitive world of commercial music.

Regarded as a consummate master craftsman, Mannette revolutionized the tuning process early in the instrument's development by reversing the method of sinking - from convex to concave - and would go on to introduce a more scientific approach to the tuning process. He gives lectures and seminars on the construction, tuning and history of the instrument throughout the country. He will conduct a free workshop at 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9. Those interested in attending should contact H.G. Young, professor of music, at WVU Parkersburg, 424-8248.