DAYTON-The Tri-City Steel Band entertained a crowd of music enthusiasts at its 9th annual concert at Faith Chapel in Dayton on Saturday, December 10. Twenty-seven members and their instructor Ben Leggett played upbeat music in the first set. After a brief intermission, the crowd enjoyed Christmas music ending with a four-song Christmas Carol mashup.

Attendees interested in learning about steel drumming were assisted by band members during the intermission to play the drums and ask questions. The smaller steel drums cost about $2,500 each. The larger drums are made from oil barrels. A set of three costs about $3,000. Other instruments played at the concert were conga and bongo drums, a tambourine, and wind chimes.

Leggett has been a music instructor in Richland, Wash., for twenty-six years. He is currently a music educator at White Bluffs Elementary School in Richland, Washington, where he teaches general music and directs The Limbo Fish steel band.

The high-school-aged members of the Bram Brata band practice twice a week at the Tri-City Steel Band Association (TCSBA) studio. Leggett also works with middle school students who play in the youth steel drum band OK*@*Botay, which means "okay to dance."

The Tri-City Steel Band invites all to enjoy Christmas music at their next family-friendly event. The 26th annual Christmas Concert will be held at the Bethel Church in Richland on December 17.  Both the Steel Bands, directed by Leggett, and two Marimba Bands under Walt Hampton, will perform. Tickets are available on the TCSBA website at http://www.tcsba.org.