RENEGADES YOUTH STEEL ORCHESTRA

bp Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra - 2025 Champions

RYSO Wins 2025 National Junior Panorama

The bp Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra has once again made history, capturing their 13th National Junior Panorama title and solidifying their status as the most decorated junior band in the competition’s history! The 2025 victory marks yet another milestone as they continue to dominate the junior steelpan scene.

With a flawless performance that captivated both judges and audiences, the reigning champions have proven their skill, discipline, and passion for the art form.

bp Renegades Youth Orchestra stands as the ultimate powerhouse of junior steelpan excellence.

bp Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra - 2025 Champions

RYSO - A Rich History

The BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra was established in 2000 as an extension of the renowned BP Renegades Steel Orchestra, with a mission to nurture young talent and uphold Trinidad and Tobago’s rich steelpan heritage. More than a musical ensemble, it was created as a catalyst for youth empowerment and community development, instilling discipline, teamwork, and artistic excellence in its members.

Guided by its first captain, Keol Newton, the orchestra quickly gained recognition, setting a strong foundation for future generations. Newton, who now serves as Chairman, was instrumental in shaping the orchestra’s early years, ensuring it not only provided high-quality musical training but also equipped young pannists with valuable life skills and opportunities for personal growth.

Throughout its history, the BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra has worked with some of the most distinguished arrangers in steelpan, including the late Dr. Jit Samaroo, Amrit Samaroo, Shelton Besson, Sheldon Peters, Jamal Gibbs and Shaquille Vincent. Today, under the musical direction of Andrew Charles, the orchestra continues to build on its legacy of excellence, inspiring the next generation of musicians and cultural ambassadors.

The BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra made its National Junior Panorama debut in 2002, marking the beginning of an era of dominance in youth steelpan competition. The orchestra has since captured an astounding thirteen (13) National Junior Panorama titles, a testament to its consistency and excellence.

This impressive track record cements BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra as one of the most successful and decorated youth steel bands in Trinidad and Tobago’s history.

A Championship Legacy

A Championship Legacy

2002

First Victory

2003

Back-to-Back Champions

2004

Hat-Trick Achievement

2008

Fourth Victory

2009

Second Consecutive Win

2010

Hat-Trick Achievement

2014

Seventh Victory

2015

Back-to-Back Champions

2016

Hat-Trick Achievement

2017

Historic Four-Peat Achievement

2018

Historic Five-Peat Achievement

2024

Twelfth Victory

2025

Back-to-Back Champions

Showcasing Trinidad and Tobago on the Global Stage

Beyond national competitions, the orchestra has taken its artistry to the world stage, serving as cultural ambassadors for Trinidad and Tobago. Their international tours have brought the vibrant sound of steelpan to audiences across Italy, Germany, France, Norway, and Venezuela. In 2008, the orchestra proudly represented the country at Carifesta in Suriname, further solidifying its reputation as a force in the global steelpan movement.

A Pillar for Youth and Community Development

From its inception, the BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra has been more than just a place to hone musical skills. It has served as a safe space for young people to learn, grow, and develop discipline and leadership skills through music. Many of its past members have gone on to achieve success in various fields, always carrying with them the lessons and values instilled through their time with the orchestra.

Through mentorship and guidance, the orchestra has continued to nurture new generations of talented pannists, providing them with opportunities for artistic expression and personal growth. With a strong foundation and an unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, the BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra remains a pillar of cultural preservation and community enrichment, ensuring that the steelpan tradition continues to thrive for years to come.

Interested in learning to play or joining RYSO?