Silver Steel Band

Jim

Meet Jim Royle... the man behind the studio, the engine, the motivator, our leader. Jim has owned the Jim Royle Drum Studio teaching percussion and based in Bridgeport for over 40 years. He is a beloved mentor to hundreds, if not thousands of kids and adults. In addition, Jim leads Silver Steel Band, Roylety Steel Pan Band, Jim Royle’s Caribbean Jazz Connection and often plays with Chris Coogan and John Mobilio all over Connecticut. Lastly, he is an avid NY Mets and Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Brian

Drum roll please... Meet Brian! best teacher on the planet, patience of a saint, talented percussionist and singer, awesome human and most modest soul...."I’ve been a part of Silver Steel since the beginning. I have seen it grow from a few parents who wanted to enjoy the same musical experiences that their children were having through our percussion program into what it is today…the hippest most happening  community steel band band in CT.  We bring love and joy to audiences everywhere we go because of the love and joy that we bring each other when we play.  As for things most people don’t know about me, I play board games.  Not Monopoly or Parcheesi but things like- Twilight Imperium, Spirit Island and Warhammer Underworlds.  I have participated in Extra Life, a board game fundraiser where you play board games for 24 hours in a marathon to raise money for CT Childrens Hospital.  I will be doing it again this November with some of my friends”.

Sharyn

Meet Sharyn who keeps us organized, prepared for rehearsals, is an amazing soloist, and more importantly, books our gigs! "I have had thrilling and memorable experiences – playing live in front of large crowds and standing ovations, knowing that I have nailed a solo perfectly, going to Trinidad and Tobago, and making wonderful and lasting friendships with my bandmates.I played drums for the band and orchestra in high school.  Often, our rehearsals were in the evening.  When I tell my mom I’m on my way to band practice on Monday nights, I feel like I’m back in high school…without the angst. I just love playing pan.”

Larry

Meet Larry the numbers guy on doubles. "While winding down a 38 year career as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry, I wanted to take on a new hobby. So 9.8 years ago, I started taking steel pan lessons. Then 5.2 months afterwards, I joined Silver Steel and as a result, have taken part in many adventures. Even after 384 rehearsals and 172 gigs, I still enjoy the thrill of learning new songs (97 so far) and performing to enthusiastic audiences. Furthermore, I treasure my friendships with my 14 fellow pannists and other band members." [Remember that 29% of statistics are made up!]

Sue

Meet Sue, awesome lead pan soloist! Susan is a lifelong drummer and percussionist and has been playing tenor pan with Silver Steel for over10 years. She has performed with music groups of many different styles but feels especially fortunate to be playing in a 17 piece steel orchestra. She enjoys the uplifting sounds of steel pan and the way they reach all kinds of people. "We can play for people dancing in a bar at midnight and for families with children at an ice cream stand the next day”.

Bob

Meet Bob. "When my son was taking lessons at the drum studio I decided to try also and joined the band, even bought my own double second steel drums. It is great fun playing live music when the audience dances and participates. And if you hear a siren at our shows, don’t worry, it’s Bob the secret siren cranker!"

Dorothy

Meet Dorothy, the trained musician. "I’m the relative newcomer on the block!  I am classically trained (Oberlin Conservatory) and my career thrust has been teaching piano.  When, a few years back, I chanced to hear the Silver Steel Band I was both intrigued and enamored. I fancied that this might be fun, and probably easy, so I pursued it.  Easy...NOT, the managing of three pans with two mallets (!) but the fun factor certainly turned out to be true. I was (am) not familiar with the majority of songs but my band mates (yes, occasional teasing) have been both tolerant and kind. I love the look of surprise when my classic piano colleagues are told that I now play in a steel drum band . The best part, aside from the joy of making music in ensemble, is the camaraderie within the group.  All are fun-loving, music-loving, and dedicated to the task.  Not only am I having a good time…I do appreciate the strong brain stimulation!"

Cathy

Then we have Cathy! My love for music comes from playing the oboe and the piano in high school. I began taking lessons on the steel pan in 2019. The first time I entered the Jim Royle Drum Studio I felt an immediate rush of excitement. The steel pan is such a cool instrument! It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to once again be a part of something so collectively energizing. I’m grateful to my amazing teacher Brian Ente, and to the band for welcoming me as a member and for encouraging me with humor and patience. How lucky I am to have met such a talented, fun and inspiring group of people.Things that I love: my family and friends, summer gigs and rehearsing with the band, travel, boating, live music, book group, my granddaughter, and sunshine!

Wendy

Meet Wendy - fashion stylist/choreographer for the band. “I am one of the founding members but NOT one of the strongest lead players. My son studied percussion at Jim Royle Drum Studio for several years, so when he was graduating I decided that it was my turn. I thought that since I had studied ballet and jazz dance my whole life that learning steel drum would be easy for me.... I was wrong, so on my 50th bday I bought myself a yellow drum from Trinidad and named her Soleil (French for sun); practicing her at home was a huge help as was taking lessons from the BEST teacher on the planet.....Brian Ente! I love the fun and energy of playing with my band family and the audience that we entertain... it’s a total high! The friends I have made are truly the reason I am still in the band. We all embrace the eclectic and quirky group that we are. Oh and when I lose my place on the music, I live by my life motto - WIDD-"when in doubt dance" ...there will be a rubber bracelet for that....fun fact- I was a coat check girl at Studio 54 while at college in NYC in the 80's…woohoo!

Cindi

Meet Cindi aka “Squid” “I am always up for an adventure...so when Jim Royle pitched the idea of an adult steel drum band 10 years ago, I jumped right in!
“Learning to play steel pan music with such a fun, talented and eclectic group has been a blast! We have played at some really cool venues, however the most amazing was when we played in a traditional “pan yard” in Trinidad & Tobago - the birthplace of the steel drum.“
When she is not playing her “Trips” she can be found hiking, biking, kayaking or being dragged around her neighborhood by her 2 black labs!

Bonnie

Heeere's Bonnie! I found the band because I’m a neighbor of Jim’s. I saw them play a few simple songs and knew that I wanted to be part of the fun. I play the tenor bass, so there are notes on each of the four drums which allows me to move around quite a bit. I love being a part of the Silver Steel family, which is the way I look at it.  
I play in a handbells choir at my church and play the hammered dulcimer in my spare time.

John

Meet John - the happy bassist. See John. See John grin from ear to ear. See John lay down the bottom end of the band while riding high on the groove of the drums and the steel pan. John became part of Silver Steel back in 2015 through his professional gigging with Jim Royle. John is blown away by the enthusiasm and joy which radiates from all the players in Silver Steel. He has happily relinquished the lead vocals to Brian Ente and is content singing harmony while cranking out some ‘phat’ bass lines alongside Bonnie, Cindi and Dorothy. “I am in awe of the commitment that comes from this group. This ‘mas’ band of steel pans and percussion gets everyone dancing and in the party mood - no matter where we perform”. John  readily takes on the duty as ‘master sound mixer’ for the group along with the capable crew of Larry and Bob. John is grateful to be part of the Silver Steel family. Yay Silver Steel!!!

Tina

I’m originally from Los Angeles, CA, but have lived in six cities across the US.  In 2019 my husband and I moved to CT where we happened upon a Silver Steel concert!   I was hooked by the joyous music and soon began studying Pan with Brian. I’m now in my third year, and am grateful to Jim, Brian and this talented group of musicians/friends for all the good times!  Pre- Silver Steel I’ve enjoyed a long career as a dancer/actor/singer in Broadway tours, regional theatre and film.  I later focused on choreographing/teaching jazz, tap and theatre at academies/colleges.  I  live in Stratford with my husband where I continue to teach dance to adults/seniors. We love exploring CT, seeing theatre, traveling, and visiting family in NYC.

Amy

Meet Amy the cool chick on doubles! “I was taking drum set lessons at the studio for a few years so when the idea about a steel pan adult band came about I joined on as one of the founding members. In my spare time I love to garden, and bake the best cookies that satisfy mind, body & soul. Silver Steel has been an awesome ride with the best band family.  Peace and Love -Amy" 

Tim

Tim first discovered Silver Steel when his son Eric went through Jim Royle’s program 11 years back, but it wasn’t until he heard them at the Sherman Green in Fairfield a few years later that he joined up on bass and has been gigging with the band ever since! When he’s not holding down the low end for Silver Steel, he is an avid photographer and proud grandfather!

Peter

My journey with the steel pan began at Wesleyan University, where I earned both an M.A. in World Music and a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology. Amidst my academic studies, I found a musical home in Wesleyan’s steel band, Pandemonium. I was immediately drawn to the resonant timbre of the instrument, eventually "holding down the low end" on both bass pans and bass guitar.

My path crossed with Silver Steel in a quintessentially musical way: a chance encounter during Fairfield’s Make Music Day in 2022. After the opening gong ceremony, I met Jim leading a high-energy bucket drum circle in the town gazebo. That conversation led to an invitation to join Silver Steel’s roster of bass players, where I’ve been performing ever since—blending a deep respect for global music traditions with the pure joy of the groove.

Corinne

I'm Corinne and the newest member in the Silver Steel Band. My journey began as a fan in the audience, where I fell head-over-heels for the band’s high-energy music and infectious vibes. After a season as a dedicated "groupie," I decided to trade my applause for a pair of mallets. Following steel pan lessons, I am now officially honored to be part of the camaraderie and talent that makes this group so special.
While the steel pan is my latest passion, strings are my roots; I also play the guitar and mandolin and previously performed with the Irish/Bluegrass quartet, The Rigadoos.
Beyond the music when I’m not finding my rhythm with the band, you can find me dancing at various Square Dance clubs in Connecticut. 

Being a part of this talented group is a dream come true. Silver Steel has been one of my life’s greatest joys, and I’m thrilled to share that joy with all of you!

Kevin

Meet Kevin … a former student of both Jim and Brian, Kevin is one of our lead soloists. Since starting at the studio when he was in 7th grade, Kevin has been trying to improve his playing & teaching ability to the fullest. Kevin is actively teaching and performing drums and steelpan around the CT area.