Our story · Toronto All Stars Steel OrchestraStarted out of necessity. Built by kids.

TASSO is not an ordinary youth music program.

Founded in 2000, TASSO (Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra) is an exclusive, invitation only youth steel orchestra. Membership is not available through public online registration or walk in enrollment. Young musicians must receive an invitation to join.

Under Salmon's direction, TASSO has developed a distinctive musical culture built on commitment, discipline, teamwork, listening, and a shared pursuit of musical excellence.

Rather than relying on traditional sheet music, TASSO musicians learn primarily by listening, developing their musical memory, timing, interpretation, and ability to perform together as an ensemble.

The objective is not simply to teach young people to play an instrument. It is to develop musicians who understand their responsibilities, respect the collective sound, and strive to deliver outstanding performances.

At TASSO, you do not simply sign up. You receive an invitation to become part of something special.

When Salmon Cupid founded TASSO in 2000, he set out to build more than another steelband. He envisioned an organization with its own musical identity, high standards, and a lasting commitment to developing young talent.

As Founder and Musical Director, he guides the orchestra's musical direction, repertoire, arrangements, rehearsals, and artistic development. His leadership combines musical knowledge, charisma, determination, and the ability to bring young musicians together around a common purpose.

Building a successful orchestra requires more than talent. It demands consistency, patience, musical judgment, and the ability to inspire individuals to work as one.

Over the past 26 years, Salmon has continued to develop his original vision, creating opportunities for young musicians to perform, grow, and experience the rewards of belonging to a committed musical team.

His work reflects a belief that young people can achieve extraordinary things when they are challenged, encouraged, and given the opportunity to develop their potential.

He did not set out merely to create another steelband. He set out to build a legacy.

Salmon believes that steelpan deserves to be explored without musical limitations.

Under his direction, TASSO embraces a broad repertoire and challenges its musicians to interpret different musical styles through the distinctive sound of steelpan. The orchestra's approach combines attentive listening, detailed preparation, musical discipline, and the collective effort required to deliver compelling performances.

Salmon's ambition is to demonstrate that a youth steel orchestra can pursue the highest musical standards while providing young musicians with meaningful opportunities to develop their abilities.

TASSO's identity is built around this pursuit of excellence. Rather than simply following established expectations, the orchestra continually works to expand what its musicians can accomplish.

For Salmon, the future of steelpan belongs to those willing to explore its possibilities, challenge conventional thinking, and raise expectations.

For more than 36 years, Salmon Cupid has taught steelpan with the Toronto District School Board, sharing his knowledge of the instrument with generations of students.

His educational work reflects a deep understanding that learning steelpan involves much more than striking the correct notes. Students must develop their listening skills, musical memory, timing, coordination, and ability to recognize musical patterns.

His approach encourages students to learn through listening and practical experience, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the music they perform.

Through his work in schools, Salmon has helped introduce young people to steelpan and provided opportunities for them to explore music through an instrument with a distinctive cultural and musical identity.

His commitment to education also extends beyond the classroom through the development of technology designed to help musicians learn, practise, and improve independently.

For Salmon, teaching and innovation share the same purpose: making it possible for more people to understand, appreciate, and develop their abilities with steelpan.

Salmon's work as an inventor is an important part of his contribution to the steelpan world. Through NAPE Inc., he has pursued decades of research and development, creating electronic musical technology and practical innovations designed to expand the instrument's possibilities.

His work includes the E Pan, Steelpan App Pro, and the Mona Lisa collapsible angle panstand, alongside patented technology associated with his electronic instrument development.