Back in early 1992, Gina Sheridan, the Band Leader and Paula Gilford, an ex band member shared a dream; they both wanted to learn to play the steelpan. Being the determined individuals that they are, they both attended an adult education centre to learn how to "play pan".

By June 1992, the girls began to think seriously about forming their own band and following a series of small ads, attracted a number of like minded enthusiasts. And so, The Comets Steel Band, Gina and Paula's dream, became a reality. As time went on the band progressed further and further to the skilled and highly professional 8 piece band that we are today. Their repertoire ranges from the 'Classic Oldies' to 'Modern Pop'. From the traditional 'pan music' of Soca and Calypso to Classical pieces.

The band performs at a wide range of functions and venues on a regular basis. These include; weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, school fetes, corporate and private events etc. The band have also won competitions such as; CSSC Battle of the Bands competitions and the Croydon Music Festival, which led to them being kindly invited to guest play during the intervals in May 2001.

In late 2009, the Comets were invited to guest paly at the Music in the Park festival in croydon alongide the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. this invitation was warmly accepted and the band felt that this was a great experience and had a great day.

In May 2010, the band were also asked to play at a promotional for the very successful Levi Roots, who appeared in the BBC's 'Dragons Den'. The band were very honoured to have got this oppurtunity and had another successful gig and great day out!

Having been given the honour to tour the caribbean island of Barbados twice, in 1998 and 2000, they can truly say that they have sold coals to newcastle (or was that Calypso to the Caribbean?).

Since then, the band have established themselves in a new practice location and within this the Comets Community Project was born, which is a local venture which provides the facilities for the youths of today to learn the art of 'pan'. The project conduct classes once a week with ages ranging from 8 onwards.

The Comets released their first album in 2000 entitled, "Panache" which was warmly recieved by all audiences.

In the Decembers of 2007 and 2008, the Comets Steel Band alongside the Comets Community Project hosted an evening of music and dance featuring YELO Dance Company, JTS Academy Dance and Harris Academy @ South Norwood Choir.

Copyright © 2000 The Comets Steel Band.  All rights reserved
Revised: 12th June 2010

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