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East of the River Police Boys and Girls Steelband |
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Steelpan Music Bridges Cultures |
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Since 1993, hundreds of young people from the District of Columbia have participated in the East of the River Police Boys and Girls Steelband, a program that seeks to enhance the lives of those most at risk of not becoming healthy, productive adults. One measure of the band's success is that some former members have maintained their appreciation and love for the steelpan. The steelpan originated in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and is the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the twentieth century. Two of the program's earliest participants, Bianca James, 12-years-old when she entered the program, and Gary Fisher, who was eight, are now Hampton University alumni who continue to play the steelpan. Gary recently completed a masters degree in performing music from the University of Mississippi. He has recently returned to "Ole Miss" to pursue a Ph.D. in music theory. Another shining example of the Steelband's long-term impact on its students can be found in the musical pursuits of Albert Strong, IV, who entered the program at 14. Albert received his undergraduate degree in performing music from North Carolina Central University and his master's degree in performing music from Northern Illinois University. He is currently on tour with Carnival Cruise Line. The East of the River Police Boys and Girls Steelband works with young people —11 to 18 years old – who have unique creative abilities and who live east of the Anacostia River. In addition to training most of the students in steelpan, the Steelband program offers tutoring, mentoring, Life Skills training and exposes students to educational and cultural activities. Founded 23 years ago by executive director Dr. Gladys Whitworth Bray as a substance abuse prevention program for at-risk youth, the Steelband has grown to be much more than just another program to keep young people off the streets of Washington’s inner-city neighborhoods. Artists, administrators and audiences – both at home and far from home – consider the East of the River Police Boys and Girls Steelband a minor miracle of a musical institution that continues its mission of enhancing young lives. The Steelband, a nonprofit program with free enrollment, operates from the Metropolitan Police Boys and Girls Club, at 4103 Benning Road, N.E. The staff includes an executive director, a program manager, a band manager and four teacher-artists. The program serves about 95 students through its after-school, summer and Saturday programs. |
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The Metropolitan Police Boys and Girls Club #14 4103 Benning Road N.E. Washington, D.C. 20019 Click here to view a PDF copy of the Steelband Brochure <ADOBE ACROBAT Reader is required to view the Brochure>
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