Saint Vincent
The LEAF Elite Steel Orchestra was established 16 years ago by Kesslon Wilson, born from a strong desire to keep steel pan drumming alive on the mainland of St. Vincent while giving youth a positive cultural outlet to call their own.
Inspired by steel pan drumming himself as a youth, Kesslon went on to master every instrument used in a traditional Caribbean steel pan orchestra. His passion for music is matched only by his passion for youth — a commitment reflected in his more than 28 years as a teacher. Inspired by the preservation methods of LEAF, a partnership was created to preserve the traditions of Caribbean culture through the steel pan drum.
Founded in 2020| Located in Kingstown | 55+ Youth Served Weekly
Meet The Culture Keeper
Kesslon Wilson, a well-known Steel Pan musician, and teacher, joined LEAF International | Kids on Pans in 2014 as the new Teaching Artist. Both leading the program forward as well as meeting the growing interest of Bequia youth in Steel Pans. Kesslon has now moved on to create his own LEAF International program on the mainland of St Vincent & the Grenadines. He is a valuable addition to the Bequia program.
Kesslon first began to learn the steel pan tradition when he was just twelve years old and has held a passion for music ever since. Inspired by his community’s steel orchestra growing up, Kesslon has proficiently learned every instrument used in a traditional, Caribbean steel orchestra. His passion for music matches his love for kids, as he has been a teacher for the past 30 years, teaching steelpan for the past 19.
Kesslon
“This program has allowed me to find a home on the Steel pan. I love now to have an opportunity to teach the young kids and see them finding the same joy I had when beginning on my pan. I’m excited for the future of the program.”