My name is Luke and I have been a member of TASSO since 2021. I’ve been playing steel pan since junior kindergarten and have always enjoyed music. In addition to playing with TASSO, I also play violin (and I’m working on guitar). My other interests include (but are not limited to), sailing, food, and travel. I love to explore new places and learn about different cultures. While I’m one of the newer members of the band, I can hardly wait to see what’s in store for me here!

Hi, my name is Emily. I love steelpan and sports. I love being active and have varied interests which include music. I started playing steelpan when I was in kindergarten and then had the opportunity to join TASSO. I love being in TASSO because it is a very fun environment with many personal challenges to strive for musical excellence. Since I have joined TASSO, I have made many friends and it’s a phenomenal community to be a member of. I am so happy I can be a part of all these amazing experiences and growth opportunities that TASSO provides. See you at my next performance!

Hi, my name is Arian. I am currently 12 years old and I have been learning Steelpan since I was 5. Mr. Cupid taught me throughout my time at Rosedale Public School and I have always loved it. Since I joined TASSO, I have had a great experience playing Steelpan and staying in touch with my friends. Outside of school, I play many sports, such as soccer and tennis, and I am also taking extracurricular French lessons. Although I am not sure what my future career might be, I am confident that it will include both science and math. I have really enjoyed playing with TASSO this year and am really excited about our Italy trip. Watch TASSO at its next performance to see what you’re missing!

Hi! My name is Sofia. I’m 13 years old and this is my fourth year in TASSO. I started playing steel pan when I was in grade one and have loved playing ever since. My favourite performance that I was a part of was when we played at the Raptors Parade in 2019. It was so exciting and definitely a day I will never forget. I’ve always had an interest in music and love listening to it, playing it (I’ve taught myself how to play the ukulele) and singing. Outside of school and steel pan, I enjoy soccer, dance, track, beach and indoor volleyball. My favourite fruit is strawberries and my favourite vegetable is edamame. I love travelling to hot places and spending time on the beach. I’m so happy to be a part of this band and can’t wait to experience the opportunities we’ll have together.

 Hi! My name is Bella. I’ve been doing steel pan since I was 12.  Steel pan has been an amazing experience for me. I love playing it with my friends and the TASSO community. Outside of steel pan I am interested in the performing arts and visual arts and sports such soccer. So far, I am thoroughly enjoying my time at TASSO, and I am really looking forward to the adventures ahead.’

Hi, my name is Lucy and I am currently 13 years old. I started playing Steelpan in 2021 and joined TASSO in 2022. Aside from the Steelpan, I play a little bit of everything but mostly guitar and piano. I enjoy anything animal-related from hiking with my dog to trail riding on horseback. Some of my hobbies include baking, playing various sports and show jumping. I also have a love for travelling and look forward to seeing more of the world with TASSO.

Hey! My name is Zoe Schaffer Wood, I am 14 years old and in grade 9. I have been in TASSO for 3 years, and I’ve learned Steelpan since kindergarten with Mr.Cupid. I play the piano, guitar, and sing. I study modern dance in high school and appreciate how we incorporate movement in our steel pan performances. Im excited to travel with the group and share our love of pan crowd pleasers with the world!

Hi,My name is Juliana! Originally I am from Germany and moved to Canada in 2018. I have two siblings and a dog. I enjoy crafting, biking, playing volleyball, playing piano, sailing and baking for my family on special occasions. I have been told that I am a very determined, athletic and fun person to be around. One of my laborite extracurriculars was track and field, but sadly I stopped when we moved here. I had been doing it since I was in grade 1 and hope to get back to it soon. I first started playing Steelpan in grade 3, which was also my first year attending Rosedale Junior Public School. I was so grateful when I got the opportunity to join TASSO, going into grade 7. Unfortunately, this will be the only year I’ll be a member of TASSO due to us moving back to Germany. I am really looking forward to our trip to Italy in July, and know it will be an unforgettable experience. I’m so thankful to Mr. Cupid for running the Steelpan program in Toronto and introducing me to this new instrument. Also, when TASSO has another performance in Europe, I will definitely be there. I wish the best for all of the TASSO members.

Hi, my name is Yaseen, and I graduated from Rosedale Public School in June 2022. I joined the Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra (TASSO) in September 2022. I started playing Steelpan in kindergarten. Some of my interests include traveling, watching movies, playing squash, and of course Steelpan! I am so excited about all the amazing experiences TASSO holds in store for the future. I am so grateful for all the opportunities that I have been able to experience throughout my life, and I hope to continue with TASSO, as well. I look forward to spending time playing Steelpan from practices, to concerts, to going on tour. One reason that I enjoy TASSO is because of the helpful and amazing community at TASSO making sure everyone has a great time. Regardless of what happens this year, I am sure TASSO will be just as amazing as it has always been for me. 

My name is Gwen and I started playing Steelpan in grade 6, I didn’t do it in grade 7 because I was doing online school but I am now continuing in grade 8. Honestly, I am not a very musical person, other than Steelpan I have only played ukulele for one year in grade 4. I like to be in every sports activity that I can possibly be in even if I have never played it before. I mostly enjoy playing volleyball. The only thing that I can think of being when I grow up is some kind of teacher.

Hi, my name is Maddy and I recently joined TASSO. I started playing steelpan in late 2021 and it has been so fun. Outside of steelpan, I am part of a REP soccer team and I love playing other sports too. I also learned how to play the ukulele in grade 4 and enjoy singing. I am so happy that I could get this opportunity to play in this band with so many talented people.

Hello my name is Abyar. I joined TASSO when I was in grade 6. I am 13 years old and I enjoy playing steel pan. I like to play lots of sports, but my favorite sports are soccer and volleyball. My favorite subject are math, science, art, and history. When I grow up I want to be a doctor and an astronaut. I really like TASSO and I am grateful for the people in it.

Hello! My Name is Retaj, I am 15 years old and in grade 9. I have been in TASSO for about three years now, but I have been playing steel pan with Mr. Cupid since grade five. I had always enjoyed playing among my classmates and friends. I love to play sports, especially soccer and volleyball. I also play piano and guitar. I am super excited to perform and travel with the group and have some fun experiences as well as long-lasting memories.

Hello! My name is Victoria and I am currently 13 years old in 2022. I’ve only started playing the steel pan very recently; around April I believe, and joined TASSO in September. Although I have little to no experience whatsoever, I thoroughly enjoy playing the steel pan and hope to make lots of improvement! My hobbies mainly revolve around the arts, such as singing, playing the piano and guitar, and occasionally writing a song or two. My favourite subject is not music, however. As my heart lies in mathematics. (Love you, math.) I am so thrilled to be part of this wonderful group and hope for the best to come!

Hello, My name is Gabriella and I joined TASSO at the beginning of 2022. I really enjoy being a part of the great experience of playing steelpan with my friends. I am very excited to travel the world with this amazing band. Outside of TASSO I like to play the piano and make arts and crafts or act. I also go to Bulgarian school. I am extremely thrilled that I was selected to learn new songs to play for friends and family!

Hi! My name is Kabir, I am 12 years old and I just joined TASSO in early 2022. I have loved Steel Pan since Junior Kindergarten which is when I first started and have been taught by Mr. Cupid since. Along with the Steelpan, I am also learning the Violin (Which I am not very good at). Outside of school and Steel Pan I enjoy the Arts (Drawing, Painting, Sculpting etc.), travelling and ANYTHING involving animals. My first performance with TASSO was quite nerve-racking but fun, I am looking forward to our trips and other performances!

Hi, my name is Jordan. I’ve been playing steel pan with Mr. Cupid since grade 5. I’ve been involved in TASSO since October 2021. My first performance with TASSO was at the 2021 Santa Claus parade – which was amazing! I’ve really enjoyed my time with the band so far. Some of my interests include spending time outside, walking, playing tennis, and swimming. I’m really looking forward to going on a trip with TASSO.

Hi, my name is Emily. I am currently 13 years old and in grade 8. I started playing Steelpan and joined TASSO in 2022. I also play piano and guitar. My hobbies are swimming, playing badminton, and biking. I look forward to travelling and performing with the band.

Hi, my name is Ben and I am 16 years old. I have been playing with TASSO since grade 4, but I’ve been playing with Mr. Cupid since kindergarten, almost my whole life! I go to St. Michael’s College school and I am currently in grade 11. Including steel pan, I like to play many other instruments such as piano, guitar, French horn, and trumpet. I also like to play sports at school and am on teams such as varsity cross country, alpine skiing, and track and field. Outside of school, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, watching sports, and doing extracurriculars like hockey. Through TASSO, I’ve had many amazing experiences like no other. Going to Australia and playing in the infamous Sydney Opera house was unforgettable and winning the competition made it even sweeter! I will also forever remember playing in the Toronto Raptors championship parade, which we can hopefully get to be in again when the Raptors win this year. I look forward to continuing TASSO as long as I can and going on many more trips with my TASSO family.

I’m Max and I started playing in TASSO while I was in Grade 6. My first year, 2019, was a really great year to join because I not only got to be part of TASSO’s performance at the wildly exciting Toronto Raptors championship parade, but I also got to play in TASSO concerts in Spain. I’m 14 years old and I’m in grade 9 at Toronto Prep school this year. I like most sports and especially like playing hockey and flag football. The last couple of years haven’t measured up to my first one but I’m looking forward to more great times playing with TASSO.

Hi, my name is Evangeline and I have been playing the steel pan since I was 4 years old. I am now 11 and joined TASSO in 2021. On weekends I play hockey and cheer. I enjoy music and am always singing at home. I love performing and can’t wait to find out what’s next for TASSO.

My name is Moriah. I am 18 years old and a proud member of the Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra. I have been playing pan with TASSO for as long as I can remember. During practices and performances, I typically play the Tenor Steelpan, the instrument that generally carries the melody of the orchestra’s pieces. Over the past few years, I have diversified my playing skills by learning new songs added to our repertoire on the other instruments utilized in the band. Aside from playing the Steelpan, I enjoy reading, listening to contemporary classical music, playing badminton and volunteering in my community. I always have to be active. Whether through volunteering, academics, or physical activity, you name it, being involved within my community is very important to me. Over the years, I have volunteered with various organizations that have incited several initiatives ranging from improving the environment to educating and empowering youth to vote. Through TASSO, I have combined the three things I enjoy most; giving back to the community, building long-lasting connections, and creating music.

Hi! I’m Daniel and I was born and have lived my whole life in Toronto, an amazing city! I am 13 years old and in my 2nd year with TASSO. I’ve been playing steel pan with Salmon since Kindergarten and I am happy to be a member of this band. Most people think of me as a funny, athletic, and smart kid. In my spare time, I love to read and play video games. My favourite sports are soccer, basketball, football, and track. I am very excited to travel to Spain this summer as it will be a hugely fun trip!

Hi! My name is Virginia and I first started playing steel pan in middle school. I joined TASSO in 2022 and so far it’s been a lot of fun and I’ve learned so much. As well as steel pan, I play guitar and piano. I play many sports with soccer and hockey taking up most of my time. I also love baking, reading, sleepovers and exploring the city. I can’t wait for what’s ahead with TASSO!

My name is Thomas, I am 17 years old and have been playing steel pan with Mr. Cupid since kindergarten. I am currently in grade 11 at Toronto Prep School, outside of school and TASSO, I enjoy playing hockey and hanging out with friends. When it came time to join TASSO around 4 years ago, I became part of the TASSO family and as a result, I have had some amazing experiences and met so many great people. Some of my favorite memories come from our trip around Spain and performing in the Toronto Raptors championship parade in 2019. I will never forget the memories I have made with TASSO and I hope I can make many more.

Hi, my name is Tess. This is my first year in TASSO and I have been playing the steel pan for two years. I also play guitar and ukulele. I enjoy playing soccer, baking, going camping, and travelling. I’m very excited to be a part of TASSO and am looking forward to all the amazing trips and performances.

My name is Sophia and I started learning music with TASSO when I was six years old (what can I say, I was an ambitious first grader). I’m sixteen now and mostly play the Six Bass. My favourite hobbies are reading, playing sports and playing music. I have two sisters, a twin named Christa and an older sister named Moriah and they’re also in the band! My favourite songs to play with TASSO are in the Mood and Phantom of the Opera. I love performing with the band because it’s a great way to bring a community together and the music is a perfect and consistent mood-booster. I look forward to many more years performing, travelling, and growing with TASSO and teaching new generations of members why I love it so much.

Hi, I’m Christa and I’ve been playing Steelpan with TASSO since I was six years old. The band has a wide variety of instruments, but I usually play the Double Seconds. A few hobbies that I enjoy are sports and reading. While TASSO has a very diverse repertoire, my favourite songs to play are ‘Viva La Vida’ and ‘I’m alive’. I enjoy playing the Steelpan because it’s such a lively instrument that brings people joy no matter where we perform. I’m excited to continue playing Steelpan with TASSO and can’t wait to see where we’ll go from here!

My name is Ben.  I’m 22 years old and I have been a part of TASSO for the past six years.  I’m currently working in Food Services at Trinity College, at The University of Toronto and I’m really enjoying it.  Besides food, I’m extremely passionate about music and playing the steel pan.  I was so fortunate to be able to play in the Toronto Raptor’s Championship Parade, several of Toronto’s Annual Santa Claus Parades as well as many community events throughout the City of Toronto.  I have really enjoyed travelling with TASSO on incredible trips to Australia and Spain and being part of the TASSO family!

Ummm…. Let’s see, well for starters, my name is Max or Maximo. Some of my close friends call me Mystic. I am an avid music fan, and I have very high energy. Some words friends would describe me as are: “funny”, “cool”, “great at doing things that he’s passionate about” and “just all in all a very chill guy”, XD. I have been involved with TASSO now since 2017 and I’ve honestly enjoyed the memories and moments I’ve created with the group so far. The thing I’m looking forward to becoming is the Canadian Gordon Ramsay because I love food and cooking, and the stories and visuals you can put on a plate. I hope to have my own restaurant one day! Finally, I live by one Motto “Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.”

Hello! I’m Isadora and I am 19 years old. When I am not playing steelpan, I am studying disaster and emergency management at York University. I have been in Tasso for the last decade and I have been playing steelpan since I was in junior kindergarten with Mr. Cupid. With the band, I have had many unforgettable experiences such as travelling internationally to places like Australia and Spain and performing in the Raptor’s championship parade. I am so excited for the future of the band and what we will accomplish! Hello! I’m Isadora and I am 19 years old. When I am not playing steelpan, I am studying disaster and emergency management at York University. I have been in Tasso for the last decade and I have been playing steelpan since I was in junior kindergarten with Mr. Cupid. With the band, I have had many unforgettable experiences such as travelling internationally to places like Australia and Spain and performing in the Raptor’s championship parade. I am so excited for the future of the band and what we will accomplish!

Hello, my name is Vladimir and I began playing steel pan since the age of 4. I was a student at Rosedale Public School from 2003 to 2011, where I played pan each year in class until I graduated in grade 6, and I joined TASSO. I have been a part of TASSO ever since, and I have brought my love for steel pan with me to York University where I play the steel pan and piano as my main instruments. I have been lucky to travel with the band to Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Scotland, Australia, and Spain where we participated in fesitvals and competitions with other international music groups. I am now in my 4th year of university, going to teacher’s college next year, and for the  past few years, I have continued to help Salmon teach pan to the students each Friday, as my role went from student to teaching assistant. It has and always will be my favourite extra-curricular activity that I have been able to do in my life.

Hi, my name is Irene, I am 20 years old, I’ve been playing Steelpan since kindergarten and a part of TASSO for 9 years. I am in my third year at the University of Toronto and as you can imagine, I’m always swamped with work. Whenever I can sleep, I sleep and that’s not an exaggeration. Things come and go but Steelpan has always stuck and I’m glad it has. I’ve been on three band trips and I’m excited for the next one that will hopefully happen very soon. My experience with the band has been nothing but spectacular and I am so grateful to be a member.

Hi my name is Sebastian and I’m 19 years old. I am a 3rd year student at the University of Guelph. Outside of Steelpan you can find me training for MMA and spending time with family and friends. I am very excited to travel to Italy to play Steelpan and am looking forward to all the memories and fun experiences that we will have.

My name is Aleyah, I am 16 and I have been playing the steel drums for almost 13 years now. My early exposure to aspects from various cultures, like food, music, and art, has invoked a passion for different sounds, flavours, linguistics and more from all around the world. Salmon and TASSO have created a truly unique and amazing outlet for people like me to express themselves and learn outside of usual classroom curriculum, and being able to take this community of creativity and passion outside of a classroom and across the world is such an astounding opportunity. Summer of 2019 our band is going to Spain, and for my first trip with the band, and to Europe, I couldn’t be more excited.

Hey, my name Julian, I’m 18 years old and this is my 3rd year as a member of the Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra (TASSO). The 2019 Spain tour will be my second trip with the band following our 2016 award winning tour in Sydney, Australia. For the last 3 years, Steelpan has always been a constant in my life, through both good and bad periods. Steelpan has always been something I have looked forward to and appreciate every week. During my first trip to Australia, the surprise and excitement of this instrument among the faces of the crowds have resonated with me. The opportunity to internationally introduce and demonstrate the capability of this unique instrument is extraordinary. During our 2019 tour of Spain, I am thrilled to see what our band can accomplish. It is sad to think about this as my last year with TASSO but the life lessons and experiences it has provided me are invaluable. Come June of 2019 I will graduate from RH king Academy perusing medical sciences with ambitions of one becoming a healthcare professional. Outside of TASSO I have played competitive soccer for the majority of my life and certified as a lifeguard with hopes of a part-time job this summer following our trip. I am thankful for Salmon Cupid, our band, and my family for this rare opportunity that has changed me for the better.

My name is Justin and I have been a part of the Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra (TASSO) since September 2013 and enjoy it very much. I hope to remain a part of TASSO even after I’m finished high school. The greatest satisfaction for me is probably that I get to show my parents through my playing because my mom is from Trinidad (the official birthplace of the steelpan) and my dad is from Jamaica. Playing the steelpan allows me to show off my Caribbean roots. Outside of steel pan I enjoy playing soccer, basketball, and football. I recently received the certification to become a soccer referee; now all I need is some actual games to ref. I like ketchup but not tomatoes, and grapes but not raisins, and every morning I have to eat or drink something orange…..just because. A few words I would use to describe myself are athletic, a risk-taker, honest, and entertaining. My favourite foods are pizza, burgers, fries and chicken. Did I say fries already? Well, I suppose a second time doesn’t hurt…and fries.

My name is Jason, and I am now a senior in the band.  I went from being one of the youngest to practically one of the oldest. What a journey it has been. I have enjoyed every minute of it, even to the point of missing soccer to go to practice.  For those who don’t know me, that is a BIG deal. I played varsity soccer for UCC, and outside of school, I play at a very competitive level. However, due to COVID-19, many of the opportunities I had in soccer were taken away from me.  When I am not at school or soccer, I love to watch movies and TV shows. I am very thankful for the 9 years I have been at Steelpan and will never forget it. I have had so many opportunities to travel internationally because of playing Steelpan. I have been on 3-4 trips with the band, with my favorite being Australia. This is because in 2007 TASSO competed and was awarded gold at Sydney Opera House. Ten years later, in 2017, my group of TASSO musicians returned to participate in the same competition winning gold the same way. It was such a great experience. I have gained so much life experience from all my trips and made so many good memories I will never forget.  To many more!

Hi, my name is Sevan. I’m 14 years old, born in 2007. I love playing sports like hockey and baseball. I also enjoy cooking and baking. Some things I like to cook and bake are cookies, burgers, pizza, and steak. I’ve been playing the steel pan since kindergarten and joined TASSO in grade 6. I’ve enjoyed playing the steel pan and the opportunity to play in TASSO.

My name is Jordan and I am a proud member of the Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra. I began my journey into the world of music at 4 years old when my parents signed me up for piano lessons. From then I have played different instruments, but the most memorable one by far is the steelpan. Through playing the steelpan I have learned more about music and have been given the amazing opportunity to travel around the globe playing the only instrument invented in the 20th century. Being in this group and playing the steelpan has opened my eyes to the world and given me a true sense of what it means to be a musician. The other instruments I play include the piano, saxophone, and guitar. Aside from music I also enjoy playing sports and my favorite one is soccer. Some of my other pastimes are listening to music and reading. I am currently pursuing my NLS certification in the hope of becoming a lifeguard and/or a swim instructor with the ultimate goal of getting a part-time job.

Hello there, my name is Ian, I’m in grade 8, and I have been in TASSO since October 2021.  I have been playing steel pan for about four years now, and I also play the piano.  I have a reasonable amount of other non-musical interests like food, writing, and watching sports.  Within those specific interests, my favourite cuisine is Indian, my favourite writing style is satire, and at the moment my favourite sports to watch are football and hurling.  I am looking forward to going places with the band in the future.  And that’s a bit about me!

My name is CHÉ pronounced (Ch-ay). I am 12 years old and I am new to TASSO. I excel at Math, French, and Sports such as Basketball. I have been involved in Tae-Kwon-Do for 9 years and I have earned a 2nd-degree black belt. During the summer I participate in a basketball league that has tournaments at home and in the USA, and I also enjoy travelling and spending quality time with my family. My hobbies are drawing, watching anime, and playing basketball. I started steel pan when I was 6 but stopped to focus on sports and now that I have time again I chose to play steel pan once again. In the future, I aspire to be a digital artist with a focus on architecture. My dad is Jamaican and my mom is Trinidadian; I enjoy the food, music and culture from both islands. I hope to keep learning pan from Mr. Cupid!

I am 15 years old, and I joined TASSO four and a half years ago. I started playing the steel pan when I was 3 as part of our school music program. Before I left the school, I got the opportunity to join TASSO. I like traveling with the band and getting to play in festivals across the world. Aside from the steel pan, I enjoy playing soccer and curling. I have been on my current soccer team for almost seven years.

My name is Maeve and I’m in my second year of TASSO, but I’ve been playing the steel pan since kindergarten. I also play piano and guitar and have two dogs named Roxy and Poppy. I like biking and badminton and when I’m older I want to be an author.

My name is Adam, and for some strange reason I have an aversion to, apples, snakes, and girls named Eve. I’m in Grade 8 and I’ve liked to play soccer since I was six years old. I really enjoy the outdoors and I love going camping. I even camped outside in the frigid winter with my Scouts troupe one weekend. I also like to run, and participate in school track and field every year, and I plan to join a track team outside of school. I specifically like to run the 1500 meter, and 100 meter races. This year I was on  my school’s 4×100 relay team, and we placed 3rd in Toronto. In grades 5, 6, and 7, I placed 6th in toronto for the 1500 meter. I plan to continue track into high school and make it into the Ontario Finals.

Hi, My name is Simon. I joined TASSO in grade 7 when I was 12 years old, having played Steelpan at Rosedale Public School from Grade 2 to 6 with Salmon Cupid as our steel pan teacher. I loved music because of the instrument I played. I’ve often played Six Bass, but like to play other pans. I also found out that steel pan was played at my middle school (for a time, I genuinely had thought that steel pan was only played in Toronto at schools where Salmon taught!). Now I’m in Grade 8 I also play the tenor saxophone and do lots of athletics like short track speed skating, soccer, football, volleyball and rowing, while trying to be a good all-round student. I’m looking forward to the trip to Spain and what possibilities the world offers after.

Hey I’m Spencer and here are some things you might want to know about me. One big thing in my life is my love for playing the steelpan in the TASSO orchestra. The experience I get from having the opportunity to play such a unique instrument with such talented band members and band leader is priceless. Outside of pan I enjoy playing sports such as soccer, football, basketball and swimming. I also work as a lifeguard and a swim instructor and being able to teach a child the skill of being able to swim Is very rewarding. I enjoy socializing with people and i am always down for a good time and laugh.

My name is Eleni, I’m 18 years old and I’ve been in this band for the past 7 years. I love tomatoes but hate ketchup, I take my sugar with coffee, and I can’t have cereal with milk without a glass of water. Ever. On a more serious note, my hobbies include playing competitive volleyball at a national and provincial level as my team has ranked 10th in Canada and 3rd in Ontario. I also very much enjoy taking on leadership roles both in and outside of the school. Whether it be on student council or helping with charities, I’m always the first to volunteer to help organize. I’m an extremely adventurous but calm and collected girl which is why opportunities like those spark my interest! Being 18 comes with many once in a life time experiences. My life so far has consisted of LOTS travelling with not only the band all over the world, but more specifically to Greece as that’s where I’m from! As I grow older I plan to continue travelling the world and exploring new places because being on a plane honestly just comes naturally to me. For example, I LIVE for the turbulence – it’s like a mini roller coaster to me… From the experiences and opportunities I’ve been given over the years, I have developed many skills and have grown as individual. My personality has developed into a mature but silly, enthusiastic, driven girl, but by being 18, I think it’s safe to say that there are many more to come and I plan on cherishing each and every one of them!!

My name is Marcus and I am a graduate of Lyndon Institute High School in Vermont, USA. I am from Savannah which is a small city in Georgia but have spent my years growing up in Washington D.C., Ottawa, but mostly Toronto. I started playing steel pan with TASSO in elementary school and all the way through high school. I have devoted my time to football since the age of 7 and it’s pretty much been the other half of my life. I have won gatorade player of the game, NEK player of the game, and set the record for my high school in most rushing touch downs in a half. I will be attending Mississippi Valley State University to continue my football career and academic career where I will be studying PRE business, sports management, and physical education. In my spare time when I am not training or doing school work I love to hang out with my friends, drive around, play Xbox, and hang out in the city because as of late I have been away and haven’t had many chances to do that. This summer I plan on working for the Canadian Football League (CFL) with their head office in Toronto later on this summer. I love eating steak, pizza, and maynard gummies.

My name is Zindzi, I have been in Salmon’s TASSO for many years now and it has honestly been the best time of my life. Besides spending my Fridays jamming out to Steel Pan I have also been a competitive dancer, played rugby, and been captain on my schools soccer team. When not participating in those activities I write short stories and poetry which I have preformed at various events. I’ve also been a devout vegan since I was 7. Being Trinidadian I’ve always had a love and appreciation for Caribbean music. Playing with TASSO has given me the opportunity to play amazing music and travel the world with my closest friends and family. TASSO has helped me with becoming the confident leader I am today. I was very excited to have the opportunity to compete in the Sydney Opera House when the band travelled to Australia.

My name is Emily. I have been part of TASSO for many years and have traveled to Germany, Scotland and Australia on tour with the band. I have always had a great time traveling and playing all around the world. Some of my hobbies include swimming, being a lifeguard, going on walks, hanging out with friends, and watching Netflix. I also love helping out and getting involved in the community. I do tons of volunteering and always love giving a helping hand. I have had many amazing experiences in my life and I can’t wait to add playing with the band in Spain to them.

Nigisti My name is Nigisti, I have been in Salmon Cupid’s amazing steel pan orchestra, Toronto All Stars, since I was in grade seven. I graduated from post secondary school with a welding and cosmetology certificate. I am a makeup artist, and an artistic director. I love the concept of enhancing and highlighting ones beauty through paint and makeup. In my free time I enjoy dancing, painting and writing poetry. As someone who grew up in a Rastafarian home, Ive been raised to eat vegan my entire life. Since I don’t eat animals, many of my peers assume that I don’t know what “good food” is. When I say both my parents are vegan chefs, and I cook one of my “gisti specials”, I always show them another side of food, the vegan side with a Caribbean twist! Alongside Caribbean food I also love Caribbean music. Every Friday I get to be apart of creating music that cateres to everyone. We mesh songs together that are old classics and fresh hits! Attending practices  gets me excited to see what Salmon Cupid  and my band members create together. As a graduating member of the Toronto All Stars, I wish all the best to my pan family. I know they will continue to shine and amaze people with their talents. I will always have a passionate love for the Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra, it’s been in my life for many years. Once a part of the  TASSO family, always a part of the TASSO family.

My name is Joshua, I live in Canada.  I have three siblings and two dogs. My favourite hobbies are reading, writing and hanging out with my family. I have been involved in music since the age of 7.  I love travelling, and have so far been to various parts of North America, the Caribbean and  Europe.  In the future I hope to have a career that not only makes me money, but also gives me a sense of fulfillment.

Hello my name is Jeremy, I am a Jamaican-Canadian hip hop dancer and photographer from Toronto, Ontario. I love the summer, going on adventures and drinking water. I have been playing steel pan for many years and I love it. I even made one a few years ago. Playing steelpan is a great way for me to connect with my Caribbean heritage. I am a mixed media artist, currently working with photography, plants and cement. Some of my artwork has been featured on Afropunk and Further Magazine. I continue to learn and express myself and my African heritage through different mediums. My intentions are to make art for black kids, black kids who feel like they cannot be excellent and express their creativity. A lot of black youth feel afraid to step into their creative side without judgment or if they do so they are not considered black. With my passion for design I want to be an interior designer when I’m older as well as a DJ and photographer.

Hello, I am Rhianne and I have been a part of TASSO for 6 years now. It’s my last year with the band and I’ve loved being in this ensemble. I’ve travelled with TASSO to Scotland and Australia, and can’t wait to go out with a bang on our trip to Spain. I enjoy travelling and bringing my many passions to others around the world. From international environmental science competitions to world music festivals, I’ve been many places and can’t wait for the adventures ahead of me as I move on into university.

My name is Emma. When I’m not doing steel pan you can find me horseback riding or playing guitar. My horseback riding career started at the age of nine when I began riding with my heart set on showing. Now I ride for fun and I’m enjoying that a lot more than training to show. I’ve been playing guitar for many years and I absolutely love it, ever since I was a child I’ve listened to old rock like Pink Floyd, Queen, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Guns N’ Roses to name a few. At school you could always find me in the band room. I major in advanced band were I play the flute. Advanced band is a big responsibility that takes up almost all of my time, advanced band means I play a year up. I want to get into U of T for criminal psychology or neurosciences. I’m very interested in how the brain works and I would one day like to work with convicted killers to see how their brains work. I am a very down to earth person and outgoing once I get to know the people around me. I love performing at high levels as I can focus when it comes crunch time. TASSO is great and I’m very happy with my decision to join the band. I’m very thankful to Mr. Cupid for giving me the opportunity to learn and play with the band.

My name is Morgan and I am 13 years old. I have been playing steelpan from Kindergarten. I enjoy going on the internet and playing around with the computerize steelpan in my free time. I am always busy playing different sports such as squash, badminton, ping pong, tennis, tae kwon do and the track and field sport shot put.  My favorite sport is volleyball. My mom had me try curling and that the sport I don’t like the most. I like to play games also on the computer. I am a quiet person most of the time but sometimes I enjoy speaking.

My name is Alexus and I am a third year member of the Toronto All Stars Steelpan Orchestra (TASSO). I have a passion for the arts and studied dramatic arts at the Young People’s Theatre(YPT) and Art Starts in Toronto. I also enjoy playing the drums, clarinet and socializing with friends. My future aspiration is to be a Judge in the Court of Law!

My name is Josh and I don’t know what to write for my bio. I’m not going to put too much information on here because I would much rather people get to know me by talking to me in person. Anyways, I’ve been playing steel pan since i was 5 under Salmon Cupid AKA the E-pan Man, Face of Trinidad, and God of the steel drum. I was extremely excited to be in Australia and to perform at the Sydney Opera House and mostly to see the different wildlife and species that live here; I’m bringing a book on Darwinism and everything. the interest is real! Come socialize with the TASSO band at anytime. We range from the age of 12-20 and are definitely the best people to meet. I mean, our instructor’s name is Salmon Cupid and we’re Canadians, come on now.