Ocala Steel Orchestra Receives Outreach Education Program Check from Liberty Middle School
Hello Sean,
I am reaching out on behalf of the Community Foundation and the Adam Hanson Youth Philanthropy In Action program (AHYPIA). This is an outreach education program where we teach middle school students about philanthropy and how, as students, they can get involved in our community. As a culminating project, the students research a nonprofit that matches their personal interests, they present a “case for support” with the mission to raise (an imaginary) $500 for that organization. The projects are voted on and in the final class, the students learn who their peers chose. They also learn that the “imaginary” $500 is a real grant that they have just won for their highlighted organization.
I am happy to announce that Liberty Middle School has chosen a project representing the Ocala Steel Orchestra! We would love to have someone from your organization present to accept the donation and say a few words to the students. Their announcement class is this Monday, March 9, 9:20 AM at Liberty Middle School, 4773 SW 95th Street, 34476. Please let me know if someone from the Ocala Steel Orchestra will be available to receive the donation. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!
Congratulations !
OCALA STEEL ORCHESTRA: Celebrating 3 Years of Impact During Black History Month!
On February 28th, we proudly mark three years as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to culture, community, and the arts. What better time to celebrate this milestone than during Black History Month, honoring the legacy and brilliance that inspire our mission.
Join us as we continue the celebration at our Ocala Steel Orchestra Fundraiser:
International Jazz, Art & Poetry Festival
A Tribute to Alice Coltrane & Dizzy Gillespie
đź“… Saturday, April 25th
đź“Ť Appleton Museum of Art
Experience an unforgettable evening of powerful jazz, vibrant art, and soul-stirring poetry — all in support of our continued growth and community impact.
✨ Tickets are available now! GET YOURS HERE!Â
Celebrate with us. Support the mission. Be part of the movement.
Ocala Steel Orchestra & St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Ocala Christmas performance Dec, 4th - 2025
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with a Caribbean flavor!
Join us on December 4th in Downtown Ocala at 6:00 pm for an uplifting evening filled with steelpan rhythms, joyful bells,
and spirited singing with family, friends, and our entire community.
Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas as vibrant melodies fill the air in a free, high-energy
holiday performance that’s sure to warm your heart and lift your spirits.
Bring your loved ones—and let’s celebrate the season together!
Ocala Steel Orchestra Partners with Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church to Expand Free Music Education in the Community
Ocala, FL — The Ocala Steel Orchestra (OSO), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing free music education through the art of steelpan, is proud to announce a new partnership with Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church, located at 3453 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in OSO’s mission to grow its orchestra and extend opportunities for youth and adults across Marion County.
Saint Matthew’s has graciously opened its doors to OSO, offering a new home for rehearsals and classes as the orchestra prepares for an exciting season of community performances and educational programs.
To celebrate this partnership, Ocala Steel Orchestra will perform at Saint Matthew’s Community Family Fun Day, Sunday, August 17·11:30am – 3:30pm. All are welcome to attend and enjoy the vibrant sounds of steelpan music.
OSO’s upcoming schedule includes:
Steelpan Innovation Workshop – Date & Time TBA
A Taste of Trini Carnival – Thursday, October 16th, 4:30-7:00pm at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County, 800 SW 12th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471 (a special cultural event designed for members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County, and open to the public)
Caribbean Christmas Experience – Sunday, December 14th, 1-4pm at Impact Island Cafe 1758 SE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL 34480
OSO’s free steelpan music classes are now open for enrollment:
Ages 7–12: Mondays & Thursdays, 6:00–6:30 PM
Ages 13–Adult: Mondays & Thursdays, 6:30–8:00 PM
All classes are held in Room 104 at Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church, located at 3453 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470.
For more information or to register, please call 646-836-8230 or email oso@ocalasteelorchestra.org.
Together, Ocala Steel Orchestra and Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church are building a stronger, more vibrant community through music, culture, and education.
The Steelpan Community Mourns the Loss of Emelda “Mama Moods” Thomas, Beloved Founder of Moods Steel Orchestra!
Curepe, Trinidad & Tobago – The steelpan community is deeply saddened by the passing of Emelda Thomas, affectionately known as “Mama Moods,” a cherished founder and pillar of the Moods Steel Orchestra. Emelda’s funeral service will be held on Friday, March 14th, at 2:30 PM at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, located at 30 Bushe Street, Curepe, Trinidad & Tobago.
Emelda Thomas was a cornerstone of her community, dedicating her life to the arts, culture, and service. Her contributions to the Moods Steel Orchestra were immeasurable, ranging from preparing uniforms and cooking meals for the ensemble to playing six bass steelpans and the tambourine. Beyond her musical talents, Emelda was a beloved figure known for her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support for all who crossed her path. She was a trusted confidante, always ready to lend an ear, share words of encouragement, and offer a lovingly prepared meal.
A devoted member of the Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church choir, Emelda’s faith and commitment to her community were evident in every aspect of her life. She played a pivotal role in preserving the legacy of her late husband, Leroy Thomas, the founder and leader of the Moods Steel Orchestra. Today, their children—eldest son Roger Thomas, daughters Joanne, Janelle, and Josanne, and son Sean Thomas, who leads the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Ocala Steel Orchestra in the United States—continue to honor their parents’ vision and dedication to the steelpan art form.
The Moods Steel Orchestra remains a vibrant force in the Curepe community, based at the Curepe Community Center. The ensemble continues to inspire audiences, most recently performing at the 2025 National Panorama Semi-Finals with their rendition of “Nah Do That” by Iwer George, arranged by Arddin Herbert. To experience the magic of Moods Steel Orchestra’s performance, click HERE.
Emelda “Mama Moods” Thomas will be remembered not only for her contributions to music and culture but also for her boundless love, generosity, and ability to bring people together. Her legacy lives on through her family, the Moods Steel Orchestra, and the countless lives she touched.
From "Eviction to Salvation" on New Year's Day!
The Ocala Steel Orchestra (OSO) is humbled and deeply grateful to announce a new chapter in our journey. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Dr. Kathryn J. Crowell-Grate, we have been blessed with a new home to continue our free music programs for all. Dr. Crowell-Grate, daughter of the legendary Dr. Deborah D. Brown—founder of the Greater Apostolic Outreach Holy Church of God, Deliverance Refuge Center, and Dr. D.D. Brown Christian Academy of Hope—has opened her arms and the doors of the Deliverance Refuge Center to OSO.
Dr. Kat as she is known is now serving as the Director of the Refuge Center. She decided to move away from the Six day a week of feeding the less fortunate started by her mother and serve the youth throughout Marion County. She will focus on tutoring, teaching social skills and other services, while giving OSO the oppotunity to teach music and discipline using the steel drums.
The new address of Ocala Steel Orchestra will now be at 920 SW 3rd Street, Ocala, FL, at the Deliverance Refuge Center, currently operated by Dr. Kathryn J. Crowell-Grate, PH.D, D.D.. She is honored to continue the outreach of her mother who now in retirement.
Stay tuned for video highlights showcasing the arrival of our instruments and an inspiring look at the incredible partnership between OSO and Dr. Crowell-Grate. This is more than a new home—it’s the beginning of an enduring collaboration and a shared mission to uplift our community through music.
Gratitude for a Successful Partnership with Impact Island Café!
A huge thank you from Ocala Steel Orchestra to Impact Island CafĂ© for their generous $500 donation after the success of our first annual “Caribbean Christmas Experience”! Your support made this vibrant celebration possible, and we’re excited for more collaborations in the future! ❤️🎶
As we wrap up the holiday season, support the Ocala Steel Orchestra and help us keep the music alive! 🎶🎄 Your donation makes a difference.
Click here to Donate today!
Thank You
Spark Good Local Community Grant
Thanks to the Walmart Spark Good Local Community Grant, the Ocala Steel Orchestra was able to purchase its first set of steelpan instruments from Trinidad & Tobago, which we received in October. The instruments include 2 double seconds and 1 low C tenor. We are still awaiting 2 additional low C tenors, along with all the stands and mallets, which we expect to receive by November.
We are incredibly grateful to Walmart and its Spark Good Local Grant Program for selecting Ocala Steel Orchestra 501(c)(3) as a recent grant recipient!
The community’s support empowers our mission to provide free steelpan and percussion music education, fostering creativity and community building for individuals, regardless of socioeconomic background or ethnicity.
Warm regards,
OSO Board of Directors
Thank You
Spark Good Local Community Grant
Ocala Steel Orchestra’s CEO, Sean Thomas, has already raised $12,800 in 2024’s first quarter!
Our goal for the year is $50,000. With your help, we can hit $37,200 more. Donate now to support our free steelpan & percussion for all mission!
We are incredibly grateful to Walmart and its Spark Good Local Grant Program for selecting Ocala Steel Orchestra 501(c)(3) as a recent grant recipient! OSO received a generous $10,000Â
Thank you to the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission! OSO received a generous $2,500 towards our second annual, International Jazz, Art & Poetry Festival Ocala-A Tribute to Barry Harris.
Thank you to Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille for their continued support towards our second annual, International Jazz, Art & Poetry Festival Ocala-A Tribute to Barry Harris. Â OSO received sponsorship in the amount of $300. Â The community support empowers our mission to provide free steel pan and percussion music education, fostering creativity and community building for individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background or ethnicity. Warm regards,
OSO Board of Directors
Thank You
Spark Good Local Community Grant
We are incredibly grateful to Walmart and itsÂ
Spark Good Local Grant Program for selectingÂ
Ocala Steel Orchestra 501(c)(3) as a recent grant recipient!Â
OSO received a generous $800 grant fromÂ
Walmart Store #2843 in Ocala, FL. Special thanks to Rob for recognizing the OSO.
Walmart’s support empowers our mission to provide free steel pan and percussion music education, fostering creativity and community building for individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background or ethnicity. Warm regards,
OSO Board of Directors
Thank You
Dear Lowe’s Team,
On behalf of the Ocala Steel Orchestra (OSO) Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your generous sponsorship of materials to build stands for our steelpan instruments. Your support significantly enhances our musical performances and educational endeavors, enabling us to better serve our community. Your partnership exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and community engagement that drives our organization. Thank you for your commitment to enriching the lives of our members and supporters.
Warm regards,
OSO Board of Directors
Thank You
Local Community Grant
We are incredibly grateful to Walmart and its Local Community Grant Program for selecting Ocala Steel Orchestra 501(c)(3) as a recent grant recipient! OSO received a generous $750 grant from Walmart Store #4434 in Ocala, FL.
Special thanks to Josh for recognizing the OSO.
Walmart’s support empowers our mission to provide free steel pan and percussion music education, fostering creativity and community building for individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background or ethnicity.
Thank You
Local Community Grant
We are incredibly grateful to Walmart and its Local Community Grant Program for selecting Ocala Steel Orchestra 501(c)(3) as a recent grant recipient! OSO received a generous $500 grant from Walmart Store #4368 in Ocala, FL.
Special thanks to Jimmy for recognizing the OSO.
Walmart’s support empowers our mission to provide free steel pan and percussion music education, fostering creativity and community building for individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background or ethnicity.
Thank You
Local Community Grant
We are incredibly grateful to Walmart and its Local Community Grant Program for selecting Ocala Steel Orchestra 501(c)(3) as a recent grant recipient! OSO received a generous $500 grant from Walmart Store #4565 in Ocala, FL.
Special thanks to Conor for recognizing the OSO.
Walmart’s support empowers our mission to provide free steel pan and percussion music education, fostering creativity and community building for individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background or ethnicity.
