Mosaic Steel Orchestra Stage Side is based in Norfolk, VA. This regional group involves students from the cities of Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. By engaging youth and young adults in Caribbean steelpan ensembles we provide cultural arts studies and develop professional performance etiquette. Mosaic Steel Orchestra's assorted membership, demanding performance season, and free public performances demonstrate and instill the importance of diversity while developing professional work skills and cultivating community responsibility.
Since 2007, we have led the effort to provide high-quality arts exposure to underserved populations in Hampton Roads Virginia. Throughout the 7-Cities we have actively engaged youths and adults through community programs, summer camps, workshops and performances. Our program benefits are shown in an external assessment conducted by Old Dominion University graduate student, Jennifer Lynch. Ms. Lynch's report can be read by clicking here.
Our Vision is grounded in hope that our long term benefits to the community foster a greater respect and appreciation for the arts in communities where the humanities have been abandoned.
Mosaic Steel Orchestra Stage Side members are chosen through an application/audition process that involves the program director, prospective member and their parent or guardian. Individuals that qualify must be a resident of a Hampton Roads, VA community. The majority of orchestra members rise through the ranks from a Mosaic Steel Orchestra Junior Ensemble into Mosaic Steel Orchestra.
There are open tryouts. Auditions are held at various times of the year as determined by program capacity. Application/Auditions may be scheduled by contacting the program director. Regardless of age new members will be recommended for appropriate Mosaic Steel Orchestra ensemble based on individual skill level.