The sun was shining, the air was filled with the rhythmic beats of steel drums, and the atmosphere was electric.
High school students, donned in vibrant Hawaiian shirts, lined up with an infectious enthusiasm that was palpable. The setting was Bellaire, Michigan in the summer of 2023.
The Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band was about to breathe new life into an old classic.
The song they chose was none other than “Dueling Banjos.”
It’s a piece that has its roots deeply embedded in the annals of music history.
Originally penned and recorded in 1955 as “Feuding Banjos” by the Country star Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith, it gained significant traction in the mid-’60s, thanks to a rendition by The Dillards.
This version was what inspired its inclusion in the 1973 film “Deliverance,” where it underscored a memorable scene of a city guy from Atlanta engaging in a musical exchange with a young backwoods local.
The film’s version, performed by Eric Weissberg on the 5-string banjo and Steve Mandell on acoustic guitar, catapulted the song to fame.
Both Weissberg and Mandell hailed from New York City .
But their musical souls resonated with the Bluegrass sound of Appalachia.
This song, with its nostalgic undertones, reminded many of the golden days of folk music, evoking memories of artists like The Kingston Trio or Peter, Paul and Mary.
But back to Bellaire, where the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band was giving this iconic tune a fresh twist.
The steel drums elevated the song into a fusion of country and Caribbean vibes.
The students played with precision, their fingers dancing over the drums, producing sounds that were both harmonious and invigorating.
As the performance progressed, it was evident that this wasn’t just another school band rendition.
The dedication and passion of these young musicians were evident in every note.
Their director, undoubtedly, played a pivotal role in orchestrating this masterpiece, perhaps even tailoring this classic specifically for a steel drum ensemble.
The audience’s reactions were overwhelmingly positive.
One viewer, hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of the Steel pan, remarked, “You high school guys and girls sound great and your having fun. Nice to see how music has no boundaries of age nor culture 🎉.”
Another commented on the sheer talent and coordination required to play such a piece, especially on an instrument other than a banjo.
The legacy of the song and its composer, Mr. Arthur Smith, were also highlighted by a North Carolinian who shared his cherished memories of them.
“Mr. Arthur Smith would be so amazed and proud that his composition is still being played & enjoyed by people of all ages!! When I was a child we always watched his show on Saturday afternoons. He was very talented & always ended his show with a gospel song. Sweet memories! Y’all did a great job!! ❤❤❤”
That’s pretty darn high praise coming from an Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith die-hard.
The pride of the Petoskey community in their young musicians was evident.
As one local shared, “The steel drum band and Petoskey marching band have been state champions for many years. They have also performed several times at Disney World. We here in Petoskey are so proud of our kids we could bust! My wife and I chaperoned many band trips when our kids went through the program. The steel drum band have also performed at Mardi Gras in New Orleans.”
As the final notes of “Dueling Banjos” echoed in the air, it was clear that the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band had not only paid homage to a classic but had also added their unique chapter to its storied history.
Their rendition was a nod to the timeless nature of music and its ability to bridge generations, cultures, and geographies.
It was a day Bellaire would remember, a day when high schoolers in Hawaiian shirts reminded everyone of the joy and universality of music.
See these high schoolers elevate Dueling Banjos to new heights on steel drums below!
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