Festival Octavia Presents: Del Rosa SDA Steel Orchestra

Last Saturday the Del Rosa Seventh-day Adventist Steel Orchestra, under the direction of Gary Olton, performed during the Festival Octavia sabbath performance at Loma Linda University Church. For nearly 15 years, the gospel steel drum band has spread and proclaimed the word of Christ through music and using the most recently invented instrument of the 20th century: the steel drum. The group are regular performers throughout California and have had the opportunity to perform at churches throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. The orchestra's music has been used in church crusades and worship services, among other church functions. The group was even featured on a PBS broadcast titled "Christian Experience — Heal Through Steel," whose motto is "to make God real through the sounds of steel." The 17 pannists utilize 42 steel drums to create their music — and a repertoire that includes a variety of traditional gospel songs arranged and composed in classical, jazz and Caribbean rhythm styles. Saturday's performance at the Loma Linda University Church also featured performances by special guests, "Focus." The performance was assisted by pastoral host Marvin Ponder, Philip Binkley, Robert Skoretz and Doug Herrmann of Loma Linda Academy. The evening's free will offering benefits the Ardyce Koobs Loma Linda Academy String Endowment Fund.