Youth Ensemble (Touring)

Mosaic Steel Orchestra Teen Ensemble was founded in May 2007 by Dr. Anthony Hailey. Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, the ensemble has members from the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach, VA.    

By definition, Mosaic is the art of creating images by assembling small pieces of material. Mosaic Steel Orchestra applies this concept to create musical images and fulfilling experiences by assembling a diverse membership, performing a wide range of musical styles, and exposing members to several platforms of steel band performance.     

Since its establishment, Mosaic Steel Orchestra Teen Ensemble has been invited to perform extensively throughout Virginia at various festivals and events. On the national scene the Teen Ensemble performed in the 2009 New York Steel Band Panorama, the 2011 Miami University Pan Fest, the 2012 Dr. Ellie Mannette’s Festival of Steel, 2013 Pan Masters Steel Band Jamboree in Brentwood, MD and 2014 University of Delaware Steel Drum Festival.  

Internationally, in 2015 Mosaic Steel Orchestra Teen Ensemble traveled to Trinidad, W.I. (West Indies) to perform in the Inaugural International Conference and Panorama, which was a competition with steel bands from around the world.  

A very important piece that completes the Mosaic experience for members is the emphasis on higher education. The Teen Ensemble has performed on the campuses of Hampton University, Norfolk State University, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, The College of William & Mary, Elizabeth City State University, Miami University of Ohio and the University of Delaware; exposing Mosaic members to the dynamics of various college-life settings and instilling the importance of pursuing a college degree.  As the word continues to spread about this captivating ensemble you can expect many more local, regional, national and international performances.