2010 Annual Report - Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands

RISING STARS YOUTH STEEL
ORCHESTRA
The Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra, now in
its 29th year of operation in the District of St. Thomas-St. John,
continues to be the one and only “school drop-out and juvenile
delinquency program” that utilizes the art of playing the steelpan.
This program continues to be unique in that it is the only
program of its kind in any judicial branch of government. This
one-of-a-kind program provides members between the ages of
ten (10) and eighteen (18) with a “home away from home” for
many students in the Virgin Islands community.
In addition to learning the art of playing the steelpan, members
are introduced to various academic opportunities through the
Program’s Tutorial and Enrichment Program, Rap Sessions,
College Matriculation and Career Workshops, Ambassadorial
duties (off-island trips) and various other educational activities.
The initial Summer Steelband Program began in 1980 as an
experimental program with a group of about thirty (30) students.
With its popularity in the community, the program began its year
round operation of Summer Recruitment/Camp, Christmas and
Carnival Season activities. As the years went by, various rules
were added and implemented for membership into the Program
- along with an oath of membership. Currently, the program’s
thrust continues to focus on improving member’s academic skills
and preparing them for post secondary education and the world
of work. After years of support from the community and its
overwhelming success, in 2005 the Superior Court extended this
Program in the District of St. Croix - under the guidance of then
Presiding Judge, the Honorable Maria M. Cabret.
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