Maryland's Premier
Youth Steel
Orchestra
From a suburban basement in 1996 to the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian, and the Maryland Governor's Mansion — PVYSO brings the soul of Caribbean steelpan to stages across the nation.
Excellence
Fifteen Musicians.
Decades of Legacy.
The Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra (PVYSO) is CAFE's flagship performing ensemble. Founded in 1996 by Lorna Green, PVYSO began with 14 students in a suburban basement. Two weeks after its first rehearsal, the group performed the "Star-Spangled Banner" at the Olympic torch ceremony in Largo, Maryland.
Today, PVYSO is one of the most decorated youth steel orchestras in the Mid-Atlantic region. Its approximately 15 members, ages 11 to 18, study music theory, steelpan technique, and a diverse repertoire spanning calypso, soca, classical, and popular music — all through CAFE's Saturday Academy.
Over 500 young people have performed with PVYSO since its founding. CAFE was recognized as one of the best charities in the Greater Washington region by the Catalogue for Philanthropy. CAFE students enroll in college at a 99% rate.
National Stages. Championship Titles. World-Class Collaborations.
PVYSO has performed at the most prestigious venues in the country and earned titles that make them one of the most sought-after youth steel orchestras in America.
Three-Time PANfest Grand Champions
Virginia Beach International PANfest Grand Champions in 2006, 2007, and 2018 — the highest honor in U.S. youth steelpan competition.
America's Premier Venues
Performed at the Kennedy Center, Strathmore Music Center, the Smithsonian, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Maryland Governor's Mansion.
International Touring
PVYSO has taken Caribbean steelpan to the world, with performances in Trinidad and Tobago, Dakar, Senegal, and Ontario, Canada.
World-Class Collaborations
Performed alongside steelpan virtuosos Liam Teague and Robert Greenidge, saxophonist Arturo Tappin, and Grammy-nominated trumpeter Etienne Charles.
30 Years of Impact
Since 1996, PVYSO has given over 500 young people the experience of performing steelpan on national and international stages. CAFE students enroll in college at a 99% rate.
Recognized Excellence
CAFE was named one of the best charities of the Greater Washington region by the Catalogue for Philanthropy. PVYSO is the face of that mission on stage.
PVYSO in Action
Watch PVYSO Live
Experience the energy, skill, and cultural joy that makes PVYSO one of the most sought-after youth performing ensembles in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
Book PVYSO for Your Event
PVYSO is available for private receptions, corporate events, school assemblies, cultural festivals, and community gatherings throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia region. Complete the form below and we'll follow up within two business days.
Is Your Child Passionate About Music?
PVYSO accepts youth ages 11 to 18 through CAFE's Saturday Academy. Students study music theory, steelpan technique, and earn a place in one of the most celebrated youth ensembles in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Apply to Join PVYSO