In September 2002, the members of the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra

founded the “Eustace Manning Henry Steelpan Academy”. It provides volunteered tutoring in pan to students ranging from

ages five (5) years to seventy (70) and over. 

​​

Esther “Aunty Esther” Henry, a well-known Antiguan cultural icon & senior citizen, approached the band expressing her desire to learn to play the steelpan in 2003 . “Aunty Esther” further suggested that the orchestra institute a program for seniors. The Seniors program led the Seniors to name their group, “The Golden Gates”. 

​​

The leadership of the band, from practical experience, is fully aware that the steelpan art form when appropriately managed, has been a proven means to curve youth deviance.  It can also be utilized to promote capacity building and assists our youth to discover their full potentials in life and to see themselves, not only as achievers, but as catalysts to meaningful change.

​