Tucson High Magnet School junior Eric Gee, left, 17, handles the bass drums during the "Field of Steel" mass steel band concert at Catalina Foothills High School.

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Sounds of the Caribbean filled the air last Tuesday as more than 140 students from four Tucson schools and the University of Arizona participated in the "Field of Steel" steel band concert in the stadium at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive.

Each of the bands performed its own series of songs, ranging from traditional soca, calypso, reggae and samba to modern rock.

A statewide mass steel band that performs every other year was the inspiration for Tina Walton, Catalina Foothills director of steel bands, to put something together in the off years.

"I thought it would be nice to have a Tucson-based one," she said. "Unless the groups play private parties or other events, they don't really get a chance to play together."

Student bands from Desert Sky Middle School, Empire High School, Catalina Foothills High School and Tucson High Magnet School joined UA Steel for the two-hour performance.

"I think the students are attracted to the steel drums because of the high energy displayed," Walton said. "Plus, you don't have to be a musician to get started. You don't have to have any experience. That's not to say it's easy, though, because it's not."

Walton plans on having another mass concert next year around the same time. In the meantime, schools will be finishing out the year with individual concerts in the coming days.