Tribute to Spree Simon: Steel Drum Conductor Score & Parts
For a Minimum of Five Steel Drums, Plus Drumset, and Optional Bass Guitar
Composed by Aldwyn Roberts / arr. Aaron Ziegler
Item: 00-PK-0006349
$18.99
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Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Tribute to Spree Simon: Score | $8.00 | |
| Tribute to Spree Simon: 1st Percussion | $3.00 | |
| Tribute to Spree Simon: 2nd Percussion | $3.00 | |
| Tribute to Spree Simon: 3rd Percussion | $3.00 | |
| Tribute to Spree Simon: Cello | $3.00 | |
| Tribute to Spree Simon: 4th Percussion | $3.00 | |
| Tribute to Spree Simon: Electric Bass | $3.00 | |
| Tribute to Spree Simon: Drums | $3.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Aldwyn "Lord Kitchener" Roberts, an internationally famous calypsonian, often wrote music that was meant to be arranged for steel band, including the hit "Tribute to Spree Simon." The lyrics pay homage to Winston "Spree" Simon, widely credited as the inventor of the steel pan. This particular arrangement is written in a classic calypso style and makes a great addition to any concert. Instrumentation includes: lead, double tenor, double seconds, cello, bass pan, bass guitar (optional), and drumset.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Tribute to Spree Simon: Steel Drum Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred's Pop Steel Drum Ensemble Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
36
SKU:
00-PK-0006349
Instrumentation:
Steel Drum Ensemble
More about this title
About the Composer: Aldwyn Roberts
Aldwyn "Lord Kitchener" Roberts became a defining voice in calypso music throughout the 20th century, earning international recognition for his sharp wit, social commentary, and infectious melodies. His compositions were conceived with ensemble arrangement in mind, and "Tribute to Spree Simon" exemplifies his gift for honoring Caribbean musical history while creating material that translates brilliantly to steel band performance.
Roberts understood that calypso's rhythmic vitality and storytelling power could thrive in any instrumentation. His work for steel bands helped establish the genre as a concert staple beyond the Caribbean, proving that traditional calypso could command attention in formal educational and performance settings.
Why we love this
Steel drum ensembles rarely get repertoire that feels this authentic to the tradition while remaining immediately accessible to young players. Aaron Ziegler's arrangement honors Roberts's original calypso character without overcomplicated voicings, so your ensemble can focus on locking the groove and delivering the celebratory spirit the piece demands. Programming a direct tribute to the inventor of the steel pan itself gives your concert real cultural weight.
What to expect
Warm, celebratory, and purposeful. The calypso rhythm pulses with infectious energy while the arrangement breathes space for individual voices to shine. There's an undeniable spirit of homage running through the piece, making it feel less like a showcase and more like a collective tribute.
Who it's for
Steel drum ensembles at the high school and college level, as well as advanced middle school groups with solid pan technique. Directors seeking meaningful Caribbean repertoire that educates audiences about steel pan history while delivering genuine musical satisfaction will find this piece rewarding for both performers and listeners.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the groove pocket early in rehearsal. Lock the bass pan and drumset together first, then layer the tenor voices around that foundation so the piece feels propulsive rather than rushed.
- Emphasize the call-and-response elements between lead and supporting voices. These exchanges drive the calypso feel and keep the ensemble engaged across all 36 pages.
- Balance brightness in the double seconds and double tenors so neither overpowers the lead pan. Each voice should cut through the texture while honoring the lead's melodic narrative.
- Use the optional bass guitar strategically. If you include it, ensure it locks tightly with the bass pan and drumset to create a cohesive rhythmic foundation.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a mid-concert bridge between classical and contemporary steel drum repertoire, or as a closing number when you want to send audiences out energized. Pair it with other Caribbean-influenced pieces or use it as your anchor when programming around themes of musical invention and cultural legacy.
Skills your students will build
- Locking rhythmic ostinatos across ensemble sections
- Balancing independent melodic lines within a groove-based texture
- Reading and executing calypso rhythmic conventions
- Call-and-response ensemble coordination
- Dynamic control across sustained tenor and seconds passages