Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesley Christmas.
Hi Lesley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey with the steelpan art form started at birth. The steelpan musical instrument is also known as the “steeldrum” and “pan”. It’s the only acoustic instrument that was created in the 20th century originating in Trinidad and Tobago. I was born into steelpan culture by inheritance, to Trinbagonian parents who brought it here. The culture of Trinidad and Tobago lived in our home in Florida and continued upon our move to Texas on a daily basis. My father, known to many as Mr. Christmas, made sure of that. In our home, learning the steelpan wasn’t optional, it was mandatory. Steelpan wasn’t a hobby; it was heritage, discipline, identity and service all wrapped into one instrument.
My dad started teaching me how to play pan at the age of seven. I had the opportunity to travel and perform at many types of events. At that age, most kids were still figuring out what they like, for me, the steelpan already began shaping who I was becoming. Growing up, the sound of steel drum – the hammering, the shaping, the tuning, the arranging – was the soundtrack of my childhood. I grew up not just playing pan. but observing my father make and tune countless steeldrum instruments and being sought out by others for his skillsets from all over.
My father was one of a handful of early pioneers who took the steelpan across borders from the Caribbean to the United States, to places that had never seen or heard a steelpan before. He built handcrafted steel drums, trained youth, and created community performance bands. He believed his mission was to use steelpan as a tool to inspire and uplift others especially with performing Faith-based steeldrum music. That’s the legacy I was raised on: purpose, service, culture and Faith.
As I got older, I understood that my role wasn’t just to play the instrument – it was to carry the legacy forward. What my father poured into me now flows into my children and into the young people I teach. Steelpan education isn’t just my passion; it is my responsibility. It is the story of my family and the soul of my community. I’m a firm believer that God gives gifts and music is the one He placed in my hands to share with the world – one note, one student, one moment at a time.
Today, I’m a professional steel pannist, a creative and arts advocate. The title that centers everything I do is best described as a cultural bridge. My work lives at the intersection of culture, education, youth empowerment and performance. The steelpan legacy in my family spans three generations, and I honor it as a cultural ambassador through innovation – expanding the art form into schools, festivals, corporate events, and spaces that may have never experienced this instrument before. As the founder and frontwoman of the Tropical Steelpan Orchestra, a Houston Metropolitan area steelband founded in 2013. Tropical Steelpan Orchestra can be found performing as a featured band at Rock the Row, Waterway Nights and Concerts in the Park hosted by The Woodlands Township throughout the year. They are also a featured band at numerous festivals including the Houston Steelpan Festival. I get to share the melodic, tropical rhythms of my heritage with audiences who fall in love with the sound the moment they hear the sweet sounds of the steelpan.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since 2020, securing budget friendly practice and teaching locations for our classes has been the biggest challenge. Also, securing funding for more instruments to expand teaching the youth throughout the community. Bands tend to face challenges that people rarely see. Members dedicate hours to rehearsals, arranging music, transporting instruments, and coordinating schedules which all contribute to a grand performance on performance day. People don’t always see the behind the scenes hard work and dedication of professional performers and the resources needed to operate efficiently.
We’ve been impressed with Tropical Steelpan Orchestra, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Tropical Steelpan Orchestra isn’t just a band – it’s a living tribute to culture, community, and the authentic sound of the Caribbean steelpan art form. We specialize in high-quality steelpan performances, hands-on music education, and youth-centered programming. Whether we’re performing on a festival stage, teaching a classroom of newcomers, or guiding a youth ensemble, our mission is the same: to make steelpan accessible, respected and celebrated while expanding its reach to new audiences. Grounded in the rich, authentic rhythms of Trinidad and Tobago, the orchestra brings the unique sound of the steelpan to local stages, schools, and neighborhoods, creating spaces where people of all ages can experience the joy and unity that this instrument brings.
What makes the Tropical Steelpan Orchestra stand out is its authenticity and commitment to people. Yes, the music is vibrant, trendy, and professional—but it’s the way the group serves the community that truly defines them. They show up with passion, they teach with patience, and they perform with purpose. Their work goes far beyond entertainment; it strengthens culture with steelpan awareness, opens doors for youth, and brings families together through shared experiences.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the trust we’ve built. Families, schools, and event organizers know that when they work with Tropical Steelpan Orchestra, they’re getting musicians who show up prepared, who teach with patience and joy, and who perform with both skill, heart and soul. Our brand represents cultural integrity, youth empowerment, and a standard of excellence that honors where steelpan comes from and where it’s going.
For readers who may not know them yet, Tropical Steelpan Orchestra offers a variety of programs designed to uplift and engage the community: performances for local events, school assemblies, hands-on workshops, after-school programs, youth training, cultural presentations, and immersive steelpan experiences. Regardless of the size of your event or special occasion, Tropical Steelpan Orchestra has a custom entertainment and service package that will fit your needs. Every offering is created with one goal in mind – to make steelpan culture accessible, meaningful, and inspiring.
Lesley’s work extends far beyond the stage. She is a certified educator who holds a master’s in educational leadership. She is the Artistic Director of the Houston Steelpan Festival, a local nonprofit and you’ll find her:
Teaching classes
Leading workshops
Performing at schools
Hosting assemblies
Partnering with community organizations
Delivering private and public shows
Giving young people their first experience touching a steelpan
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People, companies and organizations can work with us, collaborate with us, or support us simply by reaching out and being part of the journey, whether that means booking Tropical Steelpan Orchestra for an event, partnering on workshops or school programs, volunteering time or skills, donating instruments or resources, sponsoring activities, events or even just showing up, sharing our story, and helping us spread the sound and culture of sweet steel pan music throughout the community.
Pricing:
- We are always grateful for sponsorships from anyone who believes in our mission and want to help us grow, expand our programs and reach even more youth in the community. Any amount of support is welcomed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TropicalSteelpanOrchestra.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tropical_steelpan_orchestra_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteelpanLove
