Ekklipse Steel Band
The Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland is pleased to announce the reintroduction of The Ekklipse® Steel Band and its new Director, Mr. Jahlani Roberts, Teacher Artist. The Ekklipse Steelband in collaboration with the Spring Valley Community Enhancement Unit-Youth Police Initiative (YPI) under the direction of Officer Andre Riobe will honor the traditions of the popular Trinidadian steel bands. The Ekklipse® Steel Band is a highly respected ensemble for young people who reside in and near Rockland County. Mr. Jahlani Roberts, steelpan musician, will help these young people to master the art of playing new and classic calypso and soca music as well as other styles of music like reggae, R&B, salsa/meringue, pop, classical and jazz.
The instrumentation of Ekklipse® has a variety of pans including, tenor pans, double tenors, double seconds, guitar pans, cello pans, tenor bass pans and six bass pans. The “engine room” will comprise of a drum set, bongos, brake drum, cowbell, maracas and other percussion instruments. Some song selections will also have vocalists as well as brass, woodwind and string instruments. This band is committed to enabling young people to experience the joy that comes from being in a superb ensemble while they simultaneously gain lifelong skills.