MUSIC TRAINING
The Steelband provides instruction in steel pan music by master pannist Roger Greenidge. The music repertoire consists of Caribbean and calypso, rhythm and blues, jazz, hip hop, and gospel. The Steelband performs at a variety of events and venues throughout metropolitan Washington, DC.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
To complement music instruction, life skills sessions include academic reinforcement, health education, substance abuse prevention, etiquette, and social skills, and topics of interest and relevance to participants.
CULTURAL HERITAGE AND APPRECIATION
Infused in all activities is the history and culture of the African-diaspora, locally and globally. This is translated in additional arts activities, field trips, and workshop sessions.
With the vision of Dr. Gladys Whitworth Bray, the East of the River Steelband was founded in 1993 to bring this unique, cultural, and musical experience to youth living east of the Anacostia River. Over the years, the program has provided music training and arts and cultural education to hundreds of children and youth through its core steel pan and youth development programs.
In addition to music instruction, the steel pan family combats negative influences by reinforcing life skills, exposing youth to new experiences, fostering greater awareness of their historic and cultural heritage, and sharpening their performance skills.