Brent youngsters showed that they do have talent after taking part in a grand performance showcasing the very best of classical music–all played on steel drums.

Members of the St Michaels and All Angels Steel Band comprising of youths from all over the borough, took part in a musical extravaganza held at the St Michael & All Angels C Of E Church in Hillside, Stonebridge,

Into its fifth year, the annual event is the brainchild of Alfred Totesaut, affectionately known as Freddie by his family and friends, who has a rich musical background- once performing in front of Princess Margaret in Trinidad in the 1960s.

He has been working with the St Michael’s Youth Project for more than 16 years - dedicating his time helping young people to fine tune their musical talents in practice sessions.

Instead of teaching youngsters Calypso music the steel drums are famed for, the father-of-five, who also teaches music at Crest Girl’s Academy, in Neasden, trains them to play melodies composed by classic music greats, including Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky.

The band is now gearing up to compete in the Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday (August 24) and Monday (August 25).

He said: “The program helps to keep the youth off our streets, especially during the school holiday period.”

He continued: “The key to good music is discipline. Our sessions help to instil good discipline among the young people and allow them to mix with people they not necessarily associate with.”