Tri-Cities Steel Band Association

Tri-Cities Steel Band Association TCSBA is comprised of two marimba bands and two steel drum bands. Do you want one of the bands to come play for you? Please contact us at tcsba.org!

The Tri-Cities Steel Band Association (TCSBA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in West Richland, Washington. We promote world music in the Mid-Columbia region through education and music performance. The organization currently sponsors four performance bands: two steeldrum bands (OK2Botay and Bram Bratá) and two marimba bands (‘Bahuru and ‘Baduku).TCSBA conducts instructional classes o

n steel drum and marimba year round, including intensive summer classes geared for students of varying abilities. The association began as an idea of a few parents of Kid Calypso (a steel band at Tapteal Elementary School) players in the spring of 1996 when the school district was resistant to the idea of opening a steel band program at the middle and high school levels. Seeing that their children would soon have no opportunity to continue developing their steel drum skills as they moved o­n from elementary school, this handful of persistent parents decided to sponsor a community-based steel drum band, Bram Bratá. A second steeldrum band, OK2Botay, was added in 1998. In 2008 we expanded into Zimbabwean marimba music, adding the ‘Bahuru performing marimba band, and in 2011, we added a middle school-aged marimba band, ‘Baduku. Our bands routinely perform throughout the Pacific Northwest and have played in Hawaii, Disneyland, Sea World and other venues.

There's still time (but not much)! Summer classes begin on Monday, and we'd LOVE to see you in the studio! Grab your spa...
06/14/2026

There's still time (but not much)! Summer classes begin on Monday, and we'd LOVE to see you in the studio! Grab your space today at www.tcsba.org and we'll have mallets in your hands Monday morning!

'Bahuru is doing a great job entertaining the crowd down here at Richland Public Library
06/13/2026

'Bahuru is doing a great job entertaining the crowd down here at Richland Public Library

'Baduku is opening the celebration here at Richland Public Library for the Summer Reading Jam. Come down and join us, ' ...
06/13/2026

'Baduku is opening the celebration here at Richland Public Library for the Summer Reading Jam. Come down and join us, ' Bahuru will be playing at 1:30.

06/12/2026

OK2Botay and Bram Brata are at the Richland Farmers until noon
Come and join us for some good tunes and excellent produce!

Let's get ready for the hot weather coming and head over to Chills tomorrow, best part a portion of sales comes back to ...
06/12/2026

Let's get ready for the hot weather coming and head over to Chills tomorrow, best part a portion of sales comes back to TCSBA marimba!

School is officially OUT! (How many times have you heard, "I'm bored" already?) Give your kiddos something to look forwa...
06/11/2026

School is officially OUT! (How many times have you heard, "I'm bored" already?) Give your kiddos something to look forward to and grab one of the remaining spots in our steel drum or marimba classes beginning Monday! Our classes are fast-paced, high energy, and guaranteed to put a smile on their face. The best part? NO HOMEWORK! Visit www.tcsba.org for more details, and to get registered!

Summer classes begin next week...eeek! We're so excited to see your smiling faces back in the studio! There's still time...
06/08/2026

Summer classes begin next week...eeek! We're so excited to see your smiling faces back in the studio! There's still time to join us, so be sure to check out www.tcsba.org for all the details and to get registered!

CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS: “The surest way to make your dreams come true is to live them.” - Roy T. BennettA huge thank yo...
06/07/2026

CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS:

“The surest way to make your dreams come true is to live them.” - Roy T. Bennett

A huge thank you to our graduating band seniors! Thank you for the countless hours of rehearsals and the unforgettable performances. Your dedication, leadership, and passion have left their mark in the best way possible. Every single one of you will be greatly missed next season. We wish you all the best as you begin this exciting next chapter of your lives. Thank you for the music!

CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS:“Be the best of whatever you are.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.Cameron Smith began his steel drum c...
06/01/2026

CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS:

“Be the best of whatever you are.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

Cameron Smith began his steel drum career in 4th grade as a member of Tapteal Elementary’s Kid Calypso. Cameron began at TCSBA with classes He auditioned for Ok2Botay, made it, and then the world shut down for COVID. When the world reopened, he was beyond thrilled to join Bram Brata as an 8th grade student. He enjoys challenging himself during performances. If you watch him closely, you can see him playing a the bass drums “one-armed” or behind his back during his favorite songs.
After graduation from Hanford High School, Cameron will be attending Columbia Basin College in the fall to begin his AA degree. His current plan is to transfer to Central Washington University in Ellensburg after his associates degree to pursue a degree in Secondary Education.

Do you have questions about our organization? Need a book and want to support a good cause? Stop by Barnes & Noble in Ke...
05/29/2026

Do you have questions about our organization? Need a book and want to support a good cause? Stop by Barnes & Noble in Kennewick tomorrow anytime between 10am and 8pm and chat with some marimba band members! We'll have an instrument you can take a look at, and will be happy to answer all your questions regarding our upcoming classes, our audition bands, and the exciting tour we have planned for this summer. Grab a book (or five) while you're there, mention TCSBA at the register, and Barnes & Noble will donate a portion of your purchase back to TCSBA. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it goes a long way to help support our fabulous musicians! See you tomorrow!

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1857 Terminal Drive
Richland, WA
99354

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