Cliff Alexis first came to the U.S. in 1964 as a member of the National Steel Band of Trinidad and Tobago.  He has since performed all over the world with his group and as a leader of his own groups. 

For 12 years he served as steel band director for the St. Paul, Minnesota public schools, twice receiving the prestigious Minneapolis/St.Paul “Outstanding Black Musician” award. 

Alexis was commissioned by the Percussive Arts Society to compose and arrange all the music for the massed steel band concert organized for the 1987 International Convention in St. Louis. 

In 1985 he joined the staff of the Northern Illinois University School of Music, where he co-directs the NIU Steel Band.  He is in great demand as a builder, tuner, clinician, composer, and arranger.

Difficulty: Medium (great for high school and college steel band programs)

This sweet R&B Ballad was inspired by some friends of mine who would always be saying, “ I Luv It.” This tune is a great....

Difficulty: Medium (great for high school and college steel bands)

The minute I heard this tune, I immediately fell in love with it. This tune is from the 2002 Calypso Compilation and I decided to arrange......

Difficulty: Medium to Hard (great for advanced high school to college steel bands)

This classic calypso from the 1960s is about the panman and his troubles with society.  Once shunned by nearly everyone, the steelbands are now a part of Trinidad's national identity.

Difficulty: Hard (great for advanced college steel bands)

I listened to the 2005 Socas and I liked this tune. It was not one of the more popular tunes played for Trinidad Panorama 2005....

Difficulty: Medium (great for high school and college steel bands)

This is another calypso tune that is medium difficulty, and not too lengthy either. This sweet tune was out in 2003....

Difficulty: Hard (great for advanced college steel bands)

The Original Defosto himself wrote this exciting Panorama tune. This is the tune Exodus....