Navajo kids play steel drums

Caribbean soul

Church Rock Academy steel drum band develops reputation for qualityMost of the 14 students in the Church Rock Academy steel drum band had never even picked up an instrument, let alone played one.

But that all changed when former college music instructor Randy Markham formed the band in late September. Now, after four to six hours a week practicing in the classroom, they are playing well beyond their age level, said Markham, the band director.

"They are already professionals," he said. "They continue to amaze me with how they work and how fast they learn."