R.I.P.E. (Revelation Institute for Performing Education) Steel Orchestra

R.I.P.E. is a registered not-for-profit youth organization in its third year of existence, having been formed in October 2013, as a means of developing children into well-rounded and  useful citizens and  leaders, through the  Performing Arts and Academics.

Its current membership exceeds 50 young persons, accepted from  the age of five. Members attend Steel Pan practice regularly at the Tunapuna Boys' R.C. School, Picton Street, Tunapuna.

Children are also given the  opportunity to prepare for the  Royal School of Music's Theoretical Exam (ABRSM Exams)  and  the  University of the West Indies' Pan Practical exam, at no additional cost, to support the vision of all members being assessed, within four years.

A key element of our  philosophy is to create opportunities for our  Members to perform.

To date the organization has:

•  Competed in Junior Panorama in the Non-Schools Category, placing 4th (tie) in 2014, 2nd in 2015 and 3rd (tie) in 2016.
•  Competed Music Festival 2016
• Hosted Youth Steelband festivals in July 2014, 2015 and 2016, with guest appearances by other youth Steel Orchestras.
•  Completed a tour with performances in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Toronto, Canada.
•   Hosted Christmas Thanksgiving, for Children's Homes situated in the Tunapuna area in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Maureen Clement serves as Musical Director, assisted by Dante Pantin, with Desmond Waithe acting as Musical Grandmaster. Chairman Richard Gordon is supported by an Executive with many years' involvement with Youth, Music and the Steel Pan movement. The band continues to develop organically, relying on the efforts of parents and donations from interested parties.