Chris Everett, Head of Music at Cape Cornwall School, St Just, near Land’s End, founded the band in 1993 as a result of a workshop given at the school. Chris had previously worked in the Caribbean for four years before moving to Cornwall. Hammered Steel orchestra was set up at Cape Cornwall as a community project to encourage school leavers and other interested members of the community to get involved in the world of pan, if they so desired. One of the original aims of the band was to promote multicultural ideals within its remote and rural community. 

After numerous brainstorming sessions with puns around the word ‘ pan’ to develop a name for the orchestra, the name ‘Hammered Steel’ was adopted.  The name seemed to represent what it was all about i.e. the fashioning of the instruments through hammering steel and then ‘ beating pan’ to make the music come to life.  From the outset, Hammered Steel proved very popular with audiences and soon gained a reputation for high quality performance as well as reliability.  Over the years they have endeavoured to learn more about the instrument, develop their technique and strive to attain a higher standard of playing.  Even though Hammered Steel is located ‘out in the sticks’, it is regarded as a top youth steel orchestra.

In 1995, a second band called ‘Panic Attack’ was formed to cater for anyone in the community who wanted to have a go at playing the steelpan. A year later a school band known as ‘Warriors of Steel’ originated from the Cape Cornwall School. Many of the present players in Hammered Steel have graduated from ‘Warriors of Steel’.

In the summer of 1998, Hammered Steel orchestra represented Cornwall at the Royal Show in Stoneliegh. They have appeared on radio and TV (BBC local, Westcountry, ITV and Channel 4) and have produced three albums, ‘The Hammer’, ‘Carnival Time’ and  ‘Christmas Time’ with another entitled ‘Jump for Joy’ to be released soon. They have participated in the Notting Hill Carnival for the past two years and have found the experience to be both inspirational and educational. Hammered Steel attained charitable status in 1998 which has enabled them to pursue their aims of broadening cultural horizons and extending opportunities to those in the community who are less fortunate.

Toussaint Clarke of the Rainbow Steel Orchestra has assisted Hammered Steel by teaching; arranging and helping them prepare for the Notting Hill Carnival. Toussaint was also responsible for introducing the renowned pan musician from Trinidad & Tobago, Earl Rodney, who has also completed similar duties for them.  Hammered Steel are planning a working relationship with Earl for the future. Leo Everett, the captain of Hammered Steel has developed under the mentorship of Toussaint Clarke to become an excellent tuner. Through Leo Everett Steelband Supplies, Bosula, Trewoofe, Lamora, Penzance in Cornwall he provides instruments, equipment and workshops to many schools and businesses in the South West of England and beyond. In so doing he is helping to spread the gospel according to pan. 

Hammered Steel’s repertoire includes pop, ballads, jazz, standards and classical music but the main influence is Caribbean with calypso/soca at its centre. Their musical director is Chris Everett, Captain – Leo Everett, Tuner- Tony Charles, Arrangers- Toussaint Clarke, Leo Everett, Chris Everett with occasional help from Earl Rodney. The future looks bright for Hammered Steel, they were well booked throughout 1999 and 2000 appears to be no different. They are now looking to extend their performing operations to possible foreign tours.  For further information on this aspiring steel orchestra contact Chris Everett at Cape Cornwall School, St Just, Nr Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 7JX on telephone number 01736 810683 or email hammeredsteel@panpodium.com or visit their website at www. hammered –steel.co.uk