Island Sounds Steel Pan Concert is a unique performance-based event dedicated to the promotion and love of steel pan and the steel pan band. We invite any size groups, from any organized entity, to join us in the hope of sustaining an annual event in the North Texas area. The original iteration began in 2022 at Prosper High School in Prosper, TX with the intent of sharing festival hosting opportunities among steel pan program hubs in North Texas and beyond. Plano Senior High School hosted in 2023. In 2024, the University of North Texas will serve as host.

Currently, there is no system of band classification, so please feel free to enroll your group, regardless of its size or number of pans used within an ensemble. In addition, no registration fee is currently required nor is an admission charge. As a community we will decide future financial structure in order to help sustainability, performance and educational opportunities, and legitimacy of our festival’s intent. Let’s celebrate the sweet sounds of pan!

What to expect

Rather than programming each band to play a set, we will rotate, one song at a time, between all performers. The number of songs will be determined by participating group directors, emphasizing equity, pacing, and an enjoyable experience for all patrons. The evening will end with a mass band performance.

Performance venue will be dependent on the hosting site. Whenever possible, an outdoor venue will be utilized with an inclement weather site planned and ready to use. If outside venue is not possible, a viable indoor facility will be used.

The festival will clearly communicate all details to participants, their communities, and pan enthusiasts, near and far. If this sounds interesting and doable, please register your group. If you wish to enjoy the sweet sounds of pan without being involved in or with a group, then plan to join us as a cheering audience member.

Questions, Comments, or Concerns?

Michael Huestis - mshuestis@prosper-isd.net

Michael A. Hernandez - michael.hernandez@pisd.edu