What interests you about the steelband art form? If you like, go ahead and tell your fellow WST Ning members about yourself here
Absolutely. Since this is meant to introduce HAVOC STEEL ORCH to the world, I’d make it more than a recruitment notice. It should establish who HAVOC is, what the orchestra represents, your role as founder/owner/leader, and the kind of musicians you’re looking for.
HAVOC STEEL ORCH
A New Generation of Steel. A Legacy That Lives On.
HAVOC STEEL ORCH is a steelpan orchestra founded and led by Edwin J. Applewhite, a lifelong steelpan musician whose journey began in San Diego, California, under the guidance of his late father, Rudy “Sonny” Applewhite.
Built on a foundation of Trinidadian steelpan tradition, family, musicianship and community, HAVOC STEEL ORCH represents the continuing evolution of the steel orchestra — bringing the powerful, vibrant and unmistakable sound of steelpan to audiences through performances, competitions, cultural events and community engagements.
Our Story
For Edwin J. Applewhite, steelpan is more than music. It is heritage.
His father, Rudy “Sonny” Applewhite, came from Trinidad to New York in 1972 and was an accomplished steelpan musician who performed with bands including Ebonites, Serenaders, Hueloy and Tripoli. His musical journey eventually took him to San Diego, California, where he formed the San Diego Applewhite Trinidad Steel Band.
It was in San Diego that Rudy passed his knowledge of the steelpan to his son.
Edwin was born in San Diego in 1976 and grew up learning the instrument from his father. Those early lessons became the foundation of a musical journey that would eventually take Edwin to the Panorama stage and into the wider steelpan community.
After competing in National Panorama in 1993, 1994 and 1995, Edwin continued his journey through steelpan, including performing in New York with Hueloy and traveling with Tripoli. He later formed and performed with his own band alongside his brothers Stanley and Mervyn Applewhite and other musicians.
Today, Edwin brings those experiences, traditions and lessons into HAVOC STEEL ORCH.
Who We Are
HAVOC STEEL ORCH is about bringing people together through the steelpan.
We believe in the power of a full steel orchestra — the bass, cello, tenor, double tenor, double second, guitar, percussion and every voice that contributes to the overall sound.
Our goal is to build an orchestra that respects the traditions from which steelpan came while embracing new ideas, new musicians and new opportunities to introduce the instrument to wider audiences.
Whether performing on a concert stage, at a cultural celebration, in competition or at a community event, HAVOC STEEL ORCH is committed to delivering an energetic and memorable steelpan experience.
Led by Edwin J. Applewhite
As Founder, Owner and Musical Leader, Edwin brings decades of experience, history and passion to HAVOC STEEL ORCH.
His connection to steelpan spans generations — from the lessons of his father in San Diego to his own Panorama experiences and years of involvement in the steelpan community.
HAVOC is therefore not simply a band carrying a name.
It is an extension of a lifelong journey with the instrument.
A continuation of what his father started.
And a platform for the next generation of steelpan musicians.
We're Looking for Musicians
HAVOC STEEL ORCH is growing, and we are looking for dedicated steelpan musicians and percussionists who want to be part of something exciting.
We welcome musicians who are:
Passionate about steelpan and Caribbean music
Committed to rehearsals and performances
Serious about improving their musicianship
Comfortable working as part of an orchestra
Willing to learn, contribute and grow with the group
Experienced players as well as developing musicians looking for an opportunity to grow
Most importantly, we're looking for people who understand that an orchestra is bigger than any individual player.
Bring your talent. Bring your passion. Bring your commitment.
We'll bring the steel.
Join HAVOC
If you have the talent, dedication and love for steelpan, HAVOC STEEL ORCH wants to hear from you.
We are building more than a group of musicians.
We are building an orchestra.
We are building a community.
We are building a legacy.
And we're inviting musicians who want to be part of the journey.
HAVOC STEEL ORCH
Founded & Led by Edwin J. Applewhite
Steelpan. Culture. Family. Legacy.
The next chapter starts now.
Havoc Steelband (Facebook Page)
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