2008:
2008 saw the majority of members being those who graduated from the “pan classes”. The experienced players like Sade, Ashley, Antoinette, Kish and Carol continued for the majority of the year but eventually stopped to focus on their personal lives. This resulted in us not participating in some of the expected performances such as Pan Masters Jamboree, DC Caribbean Carnival Pan Jam and the Harbor View Festival. The time was spent developing the skills of these new members: Jordan, Ellan, Kamesha, Jamilla, Gregory, Marcus, Cordeaire, Arnette, Donell and Ayanna, who was the youngest of the experienced group that continued. As the year progressed Jaisyn, Marx and Jenna joined the group graduating from the then "pan classes” Under the guidance of Wentworth Richardson, musical arranger this group continued to grow and become skillful. With this growth taking place it was decided that we begin taking performances so that they will develop the experiences needed to be professional in what they do.
On February 7, 2008 we were invited to perform at the White House at the Helping America’s Youth Event organized by the chairperson for the program, Mrs. Laura Bush, the First Lady. This event was hosted by President George Bush and the first Lady in the Gold Room of the East Wing of the White House. STVYSO were represented by Ayanna Allyne, Elan Coleman, Sade Mc Farlane, Carol Fields, Antoinette Walters, Dalkish George, Jonathan Gomez, Gregory Lumpkins and Anthony and Anita Mc Farlane. After much security checks and verification of all concerned prior too and on the day off, we did our performance to outstanding applause and congratulations from the President and First Lady and all the invited press and guest from around the country. Photographs were taken with the president and first lady in the Blue Room. Each participant received copies of these photographs. After the performance the president and first lady joined us on stage hugging us as photos were taken.
With the arrival of new parents energy surged through the group and all looked forward to a great year ahead. We received the $1,500 from the Community Arts Grant provided by the Office of Promotion and the Arts together with the Mayor’s office. We were also approved for the Family League of Baltimore / ROOTS grant for $13,200. Two fundraisers came off, a bus trip to Atlantic City and a raffle. Both activities were okay but could have been more successful if all concerned gave more of themselves. Donations were received by some of our supporters throughout the year. The Board of Directors experienced some changes with Ori shabazz, Claudette Caldwell, and David Wyche (died during the year) no longer being with us. We had the pleasure of having the following persons join the board during the year: Vivian Walters, Trevor Allyne, Dalkish and Simonese George, Jill Warzer, Jerilyn Jeffers and Kamesha Norris.
Our performances at the Inner Harbor were not as strong as the years before but nevertheless we did perform occasionally. Our pan classes continued at 3907 Hamilton Ave. Our classes were not as large as previously. There is need for more promotion and marketing in this area. “Feeding the Homeles” program continues with great success. Anita Mc Farlane and Vivian Walters continue to lead the way. Much assistance comes from the Allyne family, Nika Smith family and ably supported by Risa and Adrienne other parents who make themselves available. 2008 saw us having insurance for the first time. Through the ROOTS grant we were able to join the Greater Insurance Co. who has insured the organization to the tune of $3,000,000. We also joined the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, an organization that promotes the arts and artists nationally.
The “panyard” has become a feature in the activities of the organization. On account of two individuals who live in close vicinity to the “panyard” we are forced to sound proof the building so that minimum sound does not travel outside. We continue to spend funds to ensure that this happens. It’s an on going process and special thanks must be expressed to the many individuals both from the organization and outside the organization that make themselves available to see this through. Our musical arranger, Wentworth Richardson continues to do a great job.
Preparation for our concert carded for December 7, 2008 was in full swing but had to be postponed to January, 2009 in order that more tickets could be sold. We look forward to July 2009 when we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary.
In general 2008 was a great year. Our performance at the White House was the highlight for the organization. The growth of the new members has provided the band with the potential to be the best ever. As we move forward into 2009 STVYSO will be at the helm of things again. The production of the DVD from the concert and possibly a CD during the year will be there to showcase our talents. Participation in Panmasters Jamboree, Washington DC pan jam, Harbor View Festival and the 1st Night in Williamsburg will indicate our return to supremacy.
The year 2007 is dedicated to having new members in the band. With the majority of the members in college, and or working, it has become imperative that we seek new members to continue the wonderful tradition that the members of St. Veronicas Youth Steel Orchestra have developed over the years. We are presently holding classes at the Carmelo Anthony Youth Development Center, 1100 E. Fayette Street every Wednesday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. All interested parties are invited to come and be part of the best playing steel drum orchestra in Baltimore. Amidst all this activity we continue to perform at the Inner Harbor, and the numerous invitations to perform at cook outs, weddings, church activities, block parties, birthday parties, to name a few.
After participating in the Virginia Arts Festival for the fifth consecutive year, being named the champion band for two consecutive years, and awarded gold on each occassion, we believe the time has reached where we have to look ahead to other festivals. Participation in this festival has become very costly with no financial returns to compensate the cost. This opportunity is also taken to say "Thank you" to the Rotary Club of Columbia who contributed $900.00 towards our expenses for this year's participation. Over the years we have developed a large following, some of these fans come to the Virginia Panorama Arts Festival only because of our participation. We do apologise for this decision and is very sorry that all our fans and supporters would not be hearing us at this festival within the near future. If the organization is interested in having us as a guest band maybe we will appear on stage again.
We participated in the Harbor View Festival in July, defending our championship title which we won for the last two years. There were nine bands participating this year. From Baltimore, Harbor Knights Youth Steel Orchestra and St. Veronicas Youth Steel Orchestra, from Washington DC Pan masters Steel Orchestra, and Panjammers Steel Orchestra, from Philadelphia, Philadelphia All Stars, and from New York, Higher Levin steel Orchestra, Utopia Pan Soul, Hearts of Steel, and Women in Steel. Philadelphia All Stars came first and St. Veronicas Youth steel Orchestra third.
Our "Feeding the Homeless" program continues. Two other areas have been added to our normal Central Ave visit, they are Fayette Street, near the post office, and the corner of Falls Way and Gay Street which was eventually closed. Special thanks to the Walters family, the Allyne family, and Ms. Charmaine Gomez for their continued support in this venture. Special thanks goes out to kitty Caplan and Ellen Morris from the Cardiology Department of John Hopkins Hospital who continously contribute to the "Feeding the Homeless" program. Their generosity is deeply appreciated.This project is spearheaded by Anita Mc Farlane and Vivian Walters, their support has been overwhelming.
The year saw many changes in our usual program and in our membership. We did not participate in as many performances as we had done in the past. Our new music was limited because of not having a permanent arranger. The Bess family migrated to Texas and Andromeda Bacchus went on tour with a performing company. Tenika Prawl and Khandeya Shepherd tendered their resignation, we wish them all the best in the future. We lost some board members and gained some new board members. We did not participate in the Pan Masters pan jamboree but took part in the Washington DC pan jam. We did not perform at the First Night in Williamsburg in December as we have done in the past two years.
In December we graduated 8 new players from the pan classes that were held at the Carmelo Anthony Youth Development Center. These graduates were all invited to be part of the St. Veronicas Youth Steel Orchestra. The success of the pan classes has been mainly contributed to the teaching of Ashley Brown, ably supported by Ayana Allyne, Amamda Campbell, Frances Oglesby, Antoinette Walters, and Sade Mc Farlane. Special appreciation must be expressed to those members who are attending college and are also working but still make themselves available to be there for the band when needed.
The City Arts Grant of $1000 was received from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the Mayors Office. The Family League of Baltimore awarded us a grant of $12,000 for the 2007 - 2008 period. Our thanks goes out to Dr. Thomas Trail of the Cardiology Department of John Hopkins Hospital, an ardent supporter, for his continued financial contributions to the organization. We also want to say "Thank You" to John and linda Rieman, strangers to the organization, for making a financial contribution. Not much fundraising was done during the year except the raffle which was a success. We look forward to obtaining as much assistance as possible for our areas of greatest concern being transport of the equipment and the members, and our facilities where we practice. There is need for us to obtain a 12 foot cargo van that could hold the equipment and at least a 15 seat passenger van to transport the members. Our largest expenditure is transportation. Practicing in a 16 foot by 16 foot garage with no fixed heat is not the best way of encouraging and motivating these young people. We will continue to do what we do best, be there to support these young people, provide sweet music, feed the homeless, and be role models to each and everyone as much as possible.
SEE YOU IN 2008. GREAT THINGS LIE AHEAD. THATS MY BAND