A GROUP of Hampshire schoolchildren are appealing for help to raise a massive £25,000 to get them to the world's most prestigious steel band event this summer. Sounds of Steel, a much-acclaimed steel band based in Portchester, have been invited to take part in the World Steel Band Festival 2005.
They will join top bands from across the world in Madison Square Garden in New York in June. But they need to raise the full amount in just two months. Peter Beadell, musical director and head of music at the school, founded the steel band nine years ago.
Sounds of Steel is a self-funded community group made up of 50 players from 12 years of age up to adults - many of them pupils at Portchester Community School.
The group, which leads projects on behalf of charity The Soundzone, has toured in Spain, German, Italy, Barbados and Grenada, as well as performing at the Royal Albert Hall and The Royal Festival Hall.
Sounds of Steel has twice won the 'steel band on the road' competition at the Notting Hill Carnival and are set to take part in this year's International Festival of the Sea. They plan to perform two pieces at the world steel festival - Pan in a minor arranged by pan legend Earl Rodney and the orchestral overture from Die Fledermaus, arranged by Peter Beadell.
Anyone who can help should call Christine Murphy on 023 9236 4388 or Peter Beadell on 023 9236 4399.
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