Ocean Bay Middle School offers steel drum and taiko class

MYRTLE BEACH, SC- Students at Ocean Bay Middle School can now take a class on steel drum and taiko. The class was previously only offered at Carolina Forest Elementary, but Dr. Tim Peterman wanted to give students the chance to keep playing as they grow older.

While the instruments are unique, Dr. Peterman said they’re well received by students.

“You get to hit something, that’s the main thing,” said Dr. Peterman.

Eighth grader Tony Mastroberti started playing at the elementary school and picked it back up this year.

“You could play tropical music, classical music, jazz music, anything,” said Mastroberti.

According to Dr. Peterman, the class currently has 73 students enrolled.

“It gives kids an outlet to do something other than just academics,” he said.

Aside from teaching students how to play an instrument, Dr. Peterman said the class teaches life skills.

“You get to work with not only his techniques but also his or her discipline and responsibility.”

However, the class comes at a cost. Ocean Bay Middle School borrows all of the instruments from Carolina Forest Elementary. Dr. Peterman estimates the price of buying their own is $38,000.

“Unfortunately, many places are cutting out the art programs,” he said.

Principal Connie Huddle said that won’t be the case.

“I’m actually looking at writing some grants and then also we will do some fundraising.”