Meet the Steel Bands: Contrast

Meet Contrast Steel Band, a Leicester-based ensemble with a range of musical talents.

Contrast Steel Band

Contrast Steel Band are based in Leicester, West Midlands. They have performed countrywide and overseas playing a wide repertoire ranging from Jazz to Reggae, to Pop, Ballads, Gospel and Traditional Calypso.

Contrast Steel BandNotting Hill Carnival

How was Contrast founded?

Contrast Steel Band was established in 1974 through the creative vision of George Fisher, with a set of pans worth £265 and a steel pan tutor named Cyprian ‘Cy’ Jean-Jacques

Cyprian 'Cy' Jean-JacquesNotting Hill Carnival

Cyprian 'Cy' Jean-Jaques

Cy, also known as Mr. Jacques, became the manager of Contrast Steel Band and he led the band until 2002. 

Contrast Steel BandNotting Hill Carnival

Contrast's Management Committee

Management of the band was then handed down to the current band manager Pat Munroe

Pat MunroeNotting Hill Carnival

Alongside Pat, the management committee also includes the Band Captain and Leader Donna Munroe and Treasurer Thelma Davis-Simon

Contrast Youth BandNotting Hill Carnival

Contrast's Development and Aims

Contrast has a growing youth side and works hard to pass down the love for the instrument to the next generation. One of Contrasts’ many aims is to raise awareness of pan across the East Midlands region.

Contrast Steel Band at Home (2020)

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Contrast has continued to entertain us, coming together (virtually) to perform a beautiful rendition of Rose Royce's 1977 hit 'Wishing on a Star', arranged by band member Serena Haye.

Contrast Steel Band (2017/2017)Notting Hill Carnival

Contrast Steel Band

If you've enjoyed getting to know Contrast, be sure to follow them on their socials:

Instagram: @contraststeelband
Twitter: @ContrastPan
Facebook: @Contraststeelband

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