Steel Band Offers Music, Performance Opportunities

Courtesy of Juan Diego Catholic High School

+ Enlarge

At 7 a.m. the halls at Juan Diego Catholic High School instantly transport you to a tropical paradise as sweet island sounds from the Juan Diego Steel Band fill the air.

Under the direction of the school’s percussion instructor, Jed Blodgett, the JD Steel Band is one of the largest, most celebrated steel bands in the state of Utah. It performs regularly for events and organizations like Wells Fargo, McDonald’s, Inc., and Draper City.

“One of the missions of the group is to not only educate students, but to share what we know and love with the community,” says Mr. Blodgett.

As hosts of the annual Utah Steel Band Festival, the band has been blessed to share the stage with legends Andy Narell, Tom Miller, Liam Teague and Jonathan Scales. The band also was one of two high school ensembles selected to perform at the Utah Music Educators Association Annual Conference in Saint George this February. The group was given the honor of playing the opening ceremonies for the conference alongside keynote speaker Denese Odegaard, president of the National Association for Music Education. They’ll also participate in a clinic for Utah music teachers discussing emerging music ensembles in schools today.

“I saw the steel band performances at school last year and it was so fascinating to watch because of how difficult it is to play, so I decided to sign up for it. I had the best experience,” says new member Tina Huynh.

The JD Steel Band is one of two on campus, as each spring 7th- and 8th-grade students from Saint John the Baptist Middle School form their own steel band to perform at school and city events.

“Being in Steel Band is a fun and unique. It can challenge experienced musicians, and is a great learning experience for beginners,” says junior Austin Nguyen.

Courtesy of Juan Diego Catholic High School