Jen Cohen

Steel Drum Camp

Jennifer (B.F.A. and M.Ed.) is a classically trained pianist. She has many years experience teaching private piano; teaching music in the public schools; directing summer music camps; and playing for community theater productions. In all of these activities her goal is to instill a lifelong appreciation for music in her students.

In 2006 Jennifer took a summer course to learn how to play the steel pan. She fell in love with the instrument, and eventually started a business called Calypso Connections, in which she offers steel pan workshops, lectures, retreats and residencies. She also directs a 12 person steel band, called the Panhandlers, which performs around Vermont and New Hampshire. She is passionate about creating opportunities for people to play pan and experience the joy of making music together.

Jennifer lives in Rutland, VT. In her spare time she and her husband Barry like to go on long bike rides, exploring the small villages of New England, and always on the lookout for waterfalls and maple creemies. She also likes to play tennis, attend summer music concerts, read, and make quilts.