What is S.T.E.E.L?

Success

Through

Effort &

Embracing

Learning

“Teaching life through drums”

- Terrell Ford

FAQS

How do you become STEEL?

Although our drumline is called South Side STEEL, joining the drumline and then being granted the title of STEEL is not quite as simple. You must undergo a process to be officially recognized as a STEEL member. Anyone can join the drumline, but not everyone can be made of STEEL.

what is the Oath of steel?

I challenge myself every day to be better than I was yesterday. My life is a reflection of my own decisions. I have a mind and body of steel meaning no one can break or bend my will. I become the company I keep around me; that’s why I need people around me to push me forward, and I will push them forward. One person alone is weak, but together, we’re as strong as STEEL.

What is the process to be officially recognized?

Our percussion instructor and founder of STEEL is big on “teaching life through drums.” To him, this means preparing your mind and body for life's hardships that they don’t teach inside schools. Understanding things like time management, responsibility, self-discipline, consistency, and having the right people around you are the minimum requirements to become STEEL. These concepts are taught through a series of events called “Forge Nights.”

What’s our motto?

Discipline is when I don't feel like doing it, but I know why I need to do it, so I do it.

Our mission statement

Manual High School’s South Side S.T.E.E.L is a percussive performance organization dedicated to developing percussionists and our future leaders through consistency and discipline. We can’t improve the world, but we can improve ourselves, and if everybody improves themselves, then we can improve the world.

What are forge nights?

Drumline members who believe they are ready to start the process of “growing up” and “maturing” will undergo a series of 20 forge nights where their work ethic, sense of self, skills in communication, leadership qualities, and increase through putting their mind and body to the test.

What do our colors stand for?

  • Black

    • Represents Work

  • White

    • Represents discipline

  • Orange

    • Represents our family

  • Steel

    • Represents my mind & body

Disclaimer!

This organization is in no way, shape, or form to be considered a “gang.” Although we have our own understandings through colors and phrases, we do not tolerate any gang activity. This program is about giving students a chance to learn what it means to work towards a goal through hard work and dedication so they may be able to take these principles and go on to change their community in life, whether it be a city, neighborhood, or within the walls of their future homes. High school is the last set of years before our precious children are released into the world, so in our program, the pride is watching kids complete our program and become young independent adults who are prepared to handle the world’s challenges.