Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra

Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra is recognized as a dynamic musical force in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. A component of the Cultural Academy for Excellence, Incorporated (CAFÉ), the group has performed nationally and internationally.

Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra, whose members are 10-18 years old, is part of CAFE’s mission to enhance the academic, social and leadership skills of youth and to provide an alternative to negative behaviors through the performing arts. CAFÉ seeks to prepare students to examine their world critically and respond to its challenges with creativity. Students are encouraged to assume leadership; to value the opportunity for service; and, to accept, understand and appreciate the diversity of their community and the world.

Positive Vibrations was featured at the Italian Piccolo Spoleto Festival held in Charleston, SC, in June 2002. In July 2002, the U.S. Department of State awarded 21 scholarships to members of Positive Vibrations to travel, perform, and teach music workshops in Senegal Africa. As a result, CAFÉ is working collaboratively to develop an arts-in-education program for Senegalese youth.