01 · Live steelpan
Hear and see the instrument up close through live performance, interactive rhythm and call-and-response.
For schools · K–8 · 60-minute assembly
Rhythms of
Innovation.
The Story of
the Steelpan
Live music. Cultural history. The science of sound. One unforgettable way to explore creativity and resilience.
Led by Dejehan “Luckystickz” Hamilton, this interactive assembly follows the steelpan’s journey from an everyday steel drum to a world-recognized musical instrument.
Audience
Kindergarten–Grade 8
Language, examples and participation are adapted to the age of the audience.
Format
60 minutes · In person
A whole-school assembly with live performance, storytelling and student participation.
Standard fee
$1,500 + HST
A subsidized school rate of $500 + HST may be available when funding permits. Ask about current availability.
What students experience
Hear it. Explore it.
Be part of it.
02 · A cultural journey
Explore Trinidad and Tobago and the African and Caribbean roots connected to the steelpan.
03 · The science of sound
Discover how vibration, pitch, shape and tuning turn steel into music.
04 · Resilience in action
Connect the instrument’s development to persistence, problem-solving and learning through challenge.
Learning connections
One instrument.
Many ways to learn.
The arts & cultural expression
Rhythm, pitch, timbre, performance and music as storytelling.
Science & technology
Vibration, shape, tension and tuning; experimentation that transforms everyday materials.
Social studies & culture
Trinidad and Tobago, African and Caribbean influences, identity and community creativity.
Social-emotional learning
Practice, feedback, persistence and problem-solving as tools for growth.
The 60-minute experience
From steel to sound.
1 · Opening
Live performance and an introduction to the steelpan.
2 · Origins
Trinidad and Tobago, cultural history and the instrument’s development.
3 · How it’s made
Cutting, sinking, heating and tuning with a hard plastic hammer.
4 · Science
Vibration, pitch and the instrument’s different note areas.
5 · Participation
Rhythm, call-and-response, questions and demonstrations.
6 · Takeaway
Creativity, resilience and continuing to grow through challenges.
See the school experience
Music that brings
a room together.
Watch Tune In’s arts-integrated assembly at Castlebridge Public School.
This video shows previous school programming.
Watch on YouTube →Planning your assembly
A clear setup. A shared experience.
Luckystickz supplies
- Steelpan and instruments
- Sound system and microphone
- Audio and performance equipment
Your school supplies
- An assembly space and access for setup
- A projector
- A screen or suitable projection surface
- A strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal
Good to know
School booking questions.
Is this suitable for our students?
The assembly is designed for K–8, with language, examples and participation adapted to the audience. Share your grades and any access needs when requesting dates.
How does subsidized pricing work?
The standard fee is $1,500 + HST. When funding is available, the subsidized school rate is $500 + HST. Funding and availability must be confirmed with the booking team; a subsidy is not guaranteed.
What school themes does it connect with?
Arts and culture, Black History Month and Black Excellence, STEAM and the science of sound, equity and belonging, character, leadership and resilience.
What should we include in our inquiry?
Your school name and location, grades, approximate audience size, preferred dates, equipment availability, access needs and whether you would like to ask about funding-supported pricing.
Bring the experience to your school
Let’s find
your school dates.
Contact Jasmine Francis, Booking Agent, to discuss dates and your school’s needs.
$1,500 + HST
Subsidized rate: $500 + HST when funding is available.
Opens your email app. You can also email booking@luckystickz.com or use the Tune In contact form. An inquiry does not confirm a booking.