5th Oracle, undated

The records of Oberlin Steel contain four decades of music, photographs, letters, and other printed materials that span from 1985 to 2023. The records reflect the history of the tight-knit, entirely student-run ensemble, including correspondence related to discussions about steel drum music generally and potential musical arrangements for future performances. There are many letters which highlight the community outreach that has always been a part of Oberlin Steel, as well as letters regarding the cultural place that playing the steel drum has for non-Trinidadian players, something that has been discussed throughout the existence of the group. A few financial records document the cost of the steel drums and provide an overview of the other instruments used in the band. Printed material within the collection includes clippings from the Oberlin Review and posters for shows around campus, reinforcing Oberlin Steel’s strong campus presence since the early eighties. There are also documents that show the itinerary for various tours, demonstrating the variety of locations the organization at which Oberlin Steel has performed. The records also include CDs and cassettes of Oberlin Steel’s recorded albums, as well as miscellaneous steel drum music and other performances by the group and the ExCo. Lastly, there are many photographs over the course of the group’s existence that display the sense of community within Oberlin Steel and the many performances they have put on over the years.