POSITIVE VIBRATIONS
YOUTH STEEL ORCHESTRA - BIO

PVYSO has been sharing its melodies nationally and internationally since 1996. The orchestra was started in the suburban basement of founder Lorna Green with 14 students and some steelpans. At the end of two weeks the group had completed the “Star Spangled Banner” and performed the piece for the Olympic torch ceremony passing through Largo, MD. Within a year the group relocated to Hyattsville, MD and the rest is history.

This young energetic group of performers has had the opportunity to tour Dakar, Senegal, perform at the Zora Neale Hurston Festival, and the Virginia Beach Panorama Festival (grand champions 2006 and 2007) as well as countless other private and public performances. They have also been bestowed with the wonderful opportunity to perform with many world renowned musicians. These include steelpan virtuoso Liam Teague, Robert Greenidge, and saxophonist Arturo Tappin. The orchestra is comprised of 24 students, ranging in age from 8-18, who attend the Saturday Academy hosted by the Cultural Academy for Excellence. At the academy students study music theory and practical steelpan pieces, as well as learn a wide variety of music arranged by the academy’s highly credentialed instructors.

Over the years PVYSO has had the pleasure of having over 500 students grace its instruments. As one of the best steel orchestra’s in the Mid – Atlantic region, they also proudly state that their parent organization, CAFE is “one of the best charities of the Greater Washington region” – Catalogue for Philanthropy 2007-2008.

Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra - Participation
All CAFE students are eligible to participate in the rehearsals for Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra. Participation is based upon an audition and will be limited to students who demonstrate the ability to arrive prepared and remain focused during rehearsals and performances. The audition is open to all students and allows for a 1st pick, 2nd pick 3rd pick type assessment. This means that there may be a place in the band for the majority of the students who audition. In addition, an audition is required to assess the student’s musical competency.

Rehearsals for Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra (PVYSO) occur on Saturdays from 4 pm-6 pm, Tuesday and Friday evenings from 6:30-9:00pm. Any other rehearsals will be announced throughout the year.

Orchestra Only Program
This program is geared towards students outside the CAFE program. They will not be enrolled in the Saturday classes. These students perform in the engagements in which their attendance is requested, and are welcome to use CAFE’s instruments for rehearsals and performances.

Please see the fee schedule for an outline of fees for this option.
Participants may choose this option if:
They are 22 years and younger
They have a GPA of 3.25 and above (if enrolled in school).
During an audition, they demonstrate proficiency in music reading, aural and performance skills equivalent to grade 2 level