Web Posted - Sunday May 23, 2021
cbs8.com

Southwest’s Island Steel Drum Band to perform final concert after 22 years

The steel drum band program is being cut

San Diego, California, USA - The Island Steel Drum Band comprised of students from Southwest Middle School and Southwest High School in South Bay San Diego will perform together for the last time Monday [May 24].  After 22 years, the steel drum band program is being cut, according to band director Keith Ballard.

Ballard said in a press release that neither he nor students or parents were spoken to about the decision to cut the program for the upcoming school year.

“Mr. Ballard only found out when a tiny spreadsheet was emailed to him last week with his classes for the 2021-22 school year, and the steel drum band class did not appear,” the press release read in part. “The music class was deemed expendable.”