Steel Pan
Shining Stars Steel Pan Orchestra, Westchester United Methodist Church, Tremont, Bronx. Photo: Darilyn Carnes/A Journey through NYC religions

Five years ago, we visited a Sunday concert by the Shining Stars Steel Orchestra, one of the youth ministries of the Westchester United Methodist Church in the Morris Park section of the Bronx. Enjoy this joyous encore presentation of the band!

Comprised of players ranging from 14 to 20 years old, they performed steel pan arrangements of traditional hymns such as I surrender All and Blessed Assurance. This orchestra held regular concerts every second and fourth Sunday as well as holidays and events at the church.

But the band was certainly not confined to the Bronx. One summer, they performed at Martha’s Vineyard in the Union Chapel. They also appeared at the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem, a fitting location considering the rich history of steelpan instruments.

On Saturday, the younger band, Rising Stars, also added their joy!

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