Rochester To Antigua - 2005

Urban Steel - Newsletter - April 2005 <Click To View
Click to view Antigua trip picture gallery

Pan Partnership:
The Urban Steel Band is made up of John Marshall students in grades 8-12. We are "twinned" with the St. Joseph's Academy, a high school in Antigua, West Indies under the aegis of Partners of the Americas. Every April break we conduct an exchange. Even numbered years the Southern Partners come to Rochester. In odd numbered years we travel to Antigua. During the exchange, students work together on musical pieces, explore the local culture, visit each others schools and perform together for the community.

Urban Steel students perform 12 months a year to earn money toward their trip expenses. They also contribute monies to support the visit of the Antiguan students North. This cultural exchange has helped our students broaden their reach beyond their neighborhood and develop an appreciation for other cultures and customs. Our students become ambassadors for John Marshall in our local community and then for the United States as they meet with dignitaries and government officials in Antigua.

The "Pan Project" has succeeded beyond all expectation. Our students have formed real friendships and communicate through e-mail with their Antiguan counterparts. It is thrilling to see young people working together in peace and love.

Sponsor The Band:

Urban Steel is always looking for Sponsors. If you are an individual or represent a company that would like to help out either monetarily or with an in-kind trade of services please check out our Sponsorship page for more information.

Hire The Band:

Urban Steel is available for hire within the Rochester, NY region. The band puts on a tight professional show playing sets as long as an hour without repeats. At the New York State Fair they literally packed the tent and  stopped traffic. Click Here to Contact the Band