Jamma founded the BSP in May 2003.The inspiration came from my son Jamani, as a soloist his performances would attract a lot of young children to the pan. In their neighbourhood there are a lot of children. Any time his children were practicing all the other children would gravitate to their back garden wanting to play, after practice he allowed them to have a go, before long he had 17 kids in the garden all practicing. Being keen they would come to practice as they came from school. On week ends and school holidays they would be knocking from as early as 8.30a.m, wanting to take the pans out. Many of the parents were very keen on what was taking place, but it was not long before Jamma got a letter from the council complaining about the noise. After that he stopped for a while. The youngsters were gutted. Angela, his wife, encouraged him to continue for the children’s sake. So he started looking round for a studio to rent that gave him 24 hours access and proximity to their neighbourhood to afford players accessibility. He knew with this vibe it would create a real pan yard situation. A room at ‘The Multi Cultural Village’ was found just three minutes walking distance from their neighbourhood with recording studios, After informing parents of the new venue for rehearsals they had their first practice session then Jamma realised he needed a bigger room and a full set of pans.  So he contacted Toussaint Clarke and Yohan Poppewell to acquire some from Trinidad. He was in luck; Toussaint had some beautiful pans made by Lincoln Noel and some that he made himself that sounded so good Jamma took them immediately. Yohan confirmed that he could get some pans made by Butch Kelman. BSP could not resist this offer so had the extra instruments shipped over. When Jamma, an accomplished musician heard the instruments playing together for the first time he knew they had a unique sound. Some of the older guys aged between16 to 22 were so dedicated that he empowered them to manage rehearsals and the studio. Rhion Weeks, the captain and some of the older boys showed dedication through this responsibility and were practicing scales, chords and songs in the early hours of the morning so Jamma rented a bigger room and gave them gigs. Dudley Nesbitt also arranges for them and this allows them the opportunity to work with a different arranger. A lot of the band’s success is due to 98% of them being born in the Caribbean. The band has lots of siblings and parents are very keen to help. This help has led to the teaching of a younger group from as young as six. The school’s teaching is based on the roots of pan, members are taught its history so it is meaningful.  All genres of music, as well as showmanship and JAMMING are taught.  This has encouraged lots more people to get involved with a current membership of 35 full time members.      The BSP has enjoyed Radio and TV Coverage, recent performances include Symphony Hall, ICC Birmingham, BBC Radio West Midlands Easter Music Concert, the Daily Telegraph Holiday Show at the NEC, Birmingham Carnival and Channel Four Viv Richards documentary. BSP will be under some vigorous training, over the next few years in preparation for our appearance at the National Panorama competition. Birmingham School is the leading steelpan organisation in Birmingham, England ; teaching the true art of playing the steelpan. Instruments were made by  Lincoln Noel, Butch Kellman, & Mappo, giving students  a chance to learn and produce  great sounds. The School of Pan offers workshops and performances. They are based at  the Music Village, 55 Great Hampton Street, Hockley, Birmingham, England, B18 6EL.  Check out the website: http://www.bsp.originationinsite.com/ Contact them at bsp@panpodium.com or on 0121 358 4525 / mobile 07799442277