Dem Stars Inc. an intergenerational steel orchestra was established as far back as 1950 in the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The orchestra was comprised of members of an extended family whose passion was the making and -performance of steel pan music. During the 60's some members immigrated to the United States and the band languished. In 2000, Dem Stars reconstituted itself in Brooklyn - a hub of steel pan culture and home of the most famous West Indian Carnival, Dem Stars became a legally registered non-for-profit organization in 2001 Its mission is simply to serve the community. Through the music of the steel pan, Dem Star's goal is to develop and foster an awareness of the steel pan instrument as the only instrument invented in the 20th century and indigenous to the Caribbean.

Dem Stars functions year-round and practices at a rented `pan yard' - rehearsal space - located at 8520 Foster Avenue in Brooklyn. Approximately fifty (50) players, ranging in ages from 9 to 62 make up this unique intergenerational band. The advantage of this arrangement is that it allows the older members to (a) act as repositories of the culture and the craft of playing steel pan and (b) mentor the younger members. For the seniors, it provides the distinct advantage of engaging their creative abilities and retarding the aging process significantly. The orchestra is headed by a Board of Directors consisting of musicians, professionals and community residents. Honorary members include New York State Senator John Sampson, New York State Assemblyman Frank Seddio, and the late New York Councilman James E. Davis.

Since its inception in New York, Dem Stars has collaborated with many community based organizations: the 77th Precinct Community Council, Kings County Hospital, the Office of Equal Opportunity Employment, Office of New York State Assemblyman, Frank Seddio, DC 37 and the New York City Department of Corrections, to name a few.

This inter-generational band has performed in many locations and a variety of community events and functions:

1. Pathmark Culture Festival at Kings Plaza.
2. Vibrations in Steel at Wingate High School.
3. The West Indian American Day New York Panorama - West Indian American Day Carnival Day Association.
4. Syracuse Carnival 2003, Syracuse, New York.
5. Washington D.C. Annual Carnival Parade 2001, 2002.
6. Knights of Columbus, Bayridge - 4th of July Independence Day Parade.
7. The American Legion Memorial Day Parade - Canarsie.

Significant Highlights
In April, 2003 Dem Stars, in conjunction with various steel band organizations held the first ever' Pan Forum on the Art of Pan Tuning' in New York City The forum was conducted by Professor Ellie Mannette, PH.D of the University of west Virginia.

In conjunction with Ujamma Dance Company, recently cited for its contribution to culture in the community, Dem Stars sponsored a series of classes in Afro- Caribbean folk dances for children - 6 through 17.

In the fall of 2003, Dem Stars introduced an after-school program for children in the community. Here participants continued to master the craft of the steel pan, develop skills such as hand eye coordination, focus and team work/team building . In all these initiatives band members are taught the importance public service, stewardship and the art of the performance.

Program Elements
Our goal is to expand on our work within the community, reaching young people within the 5 boroughs and to maintain adequate financial stability to meet the future needs of the organization. Currently, Dem Stars relies on the financial contributions of family and friends in order to upkeep the operations and activities of the band.

Through performances and targeted programs, Dem Stars continues to demonstrate the significance of the. pan in the history and culture of the Caribbean disaspora, Dem Stars envisions that through its programs and activities, the organization will help to eliminate some of the youth problems in our communities.