Dutchy^s Pantastic Steel Orchestra, Inc. is a steel band for children in an after school mentor program in the South Florida area, teaching children ages 7 through 18 to play steel drum music from the Caribbean. The children are from various cultural backgrounds serving their community.

Project Description:

Dutchy^s Pantastic Steel Orchestra, Inc. is a non profit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Our mission is to provide youth with a safe and fun after school environment. The organization is a steel drum band for children in the South Miami, Florida area teaching youth ages 7 - 18 to play steel drum music of the Trinidad & Tobago. The youth are from various cultural backgrounds serving the community.

Children will meet regularly each week to learn about the steel drum, how to play the steel drum and of the Caribbean and Latin cultures. This not only keeps them off the streets (and away from risky behavior), but allows them to interact with peers from the varying backgrounds. Once our students have learned proper techniques, they will perform in various community concerts and events.

Our steel drum mentor program is open to all youth ages 7-18, regardless of cultural background. Practices are held 3 to 4 times a week for approximately 3 hours per session depending on the amount of new material to be covered. Practices are also be held on weekends and during summer breaks to keep our students fresh when school is not in session.

No matter what the focus is, the underlying goal of such programs is always the same to help students make a smooth transition from adolescence to young adulthood. At Dutchy^s Pantastic, we share the goal and believe that we can make a difference in our young people and in the community at large.