Members of Felsted Prep School's steel band visited Magna Carta Primary Academy in Stansted Mountfitchet to teach Year 5 and 6 pupils how to play.

The steel band members - aged 11 to 13 - brought a selection of their steel pans to deliver a workshop for the younger children, who then performed to the whole school for an assembly.

Rachel Clarke, assistant director of music at Felsted, said: "We are lucky to be able to celebrate the traditional music of Trinidad and Tobago at Felsted and enjoy sharing this with the wider community.

"This was a great opportunity for our pupils to show leadership and the confidence to step outside of their comfort zone and into the role of teacher.

Dunmow Broadcast: Year 8 Felsted pupil Thomas enjoyed teaching the drums to younger childrenYear 8 Felsted pupil Thomas enjoyed teaching the drums to younger children (Image: Felsted Prep School)

"They were able to guide the younger children in learning a new skill with care and patience."

Year 8 Felsted steel band member Thomas said that he "really enjoyed" the experience.

He said: "Over the course of the day we taught three groups and learnt about the history of the steel drums.

"I really enjoyed teaching the younger year groups and hope that they learnt a lot from our day with them."

Felsted pupils from Year 7 through to Sixth Form have the opportunity to join the steel band, and there is also a parents' band which plays regularly at local events.

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The Felsted parents' steel band recently visited Polly's Field retirement home in Braintree to play for their residents.

Mrs Clarke - who has more than 25 years' experience in teaching steel drums - said: "It was a pleasure to see the residents and band members derive so much joy from the shared experience.

"I enjoy giving as many people as possible the chance to learn this unique instrument."

Every pupil at Felsted starts off playing an instrument, and the school currently has a partnership with Junior Guildhall for talented musicians.

Prep school head Miranda Norris said: "To have such outgoing performers within the school who are confident to go into the community to share their skills is a great way to inspire others to get involved in music."