Jamaica Me Happy is a percussion band that is a part of the UTM Music Department.
The steel drum band performs traditional calypso and soca tunes from Trinidad and Tobago, the country from which the steel drum originated.
The band also plays popular American hits, such as “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley.
Jacob Hargrove is the student leader of Jamaica Me Happy and says their band resembles a rock band or a string quartet.
The band performs at UTM, the Tennessee Soybean Festival and other venues or events in the region.
Jamaica Me Happy has recorded an album and has merchandise available for purchase at performances. Jamaica Me Happy is also available for performances at parties, weddings and fundraisers.
The band recently performed at the UT School System President’s Council, a constituency formed by alumni and advocates of UT, as well as an event for the UT Alliance of Women Philanthropists, a group that aims to educate, empower and inspire women to be philanthropic leaders.
The typical instrumentation for the band is comprised of two lead tenor pans, one double seconds pan player, one cello pan player, electric bass guitar and drum set.
One of the lead tenor pans serves as the soprano voice and carries the melody of the tune.
The double seconds pan player has two pans that serve as the alto voice, which sometimes plays the harmony and the melody or countermelody. The cello pan serves as the tenor voice and also plays the harmony, while the electric bass guitar serves as the bass voice.
“Jamaica Me Happy has given me a chance to work on my performing and leadership skills,” Hargrove said. “Having the opportunity to play real gigs at real events has been so beneficial for my professional development.”
Current members of the steel pan band are Hargrove, Mary Emmons, Emily Sanford, David Fieser, Rob Skoglund, Andre Espinoza and Hohner Porter.
Jamaica Me Happy has several upcoming events and performances on campus: March 29 at 1 p.m., the band will be at the Chamber Fest Percussion Event and the World Bazaar at 6:30 p.m.
April 2, they will perform the Steel Band Concert at 7:30 p.m., April 6 at Jonathan Tyree’s senior recital at 7:30 p.m. and April 14 at the Percussion Ensemble Concert beginning at 3 p.m.
For more information on upcoming performances, audio and video clips as well as booking information, view www.utm.edu/departments/percussion/jamaicamehappy.
