The MHS eNewsletter and web site are reader-supported, so if you value our reviews and other services,
please consider a gift to help sustain our operations. Thank you.
Donate Today

Become our MySpace friend! myspace.com/myrtlehartsociety 

Missed a month? MHS eNewsletter archives

Blind Tom: Pianist. Pioneer.

Friends,

Many people lament the fact that Black History Month is ascribed to the shortest month of the calendar year... I, on the other hand, think it appropriate that we celebrate the legacy of peoples of African descent the very same month we celebrate love for one another.

Although St. Valentine has little or nothing to do with Black history, the collective celebrations give us a unique opportunity to appreciate how we uplift and continue to enlighten one another. I've always believed that civilizations best know their history through the artistic expressions of their people. (Really, where would we be without those ancient Egyptian depictions on cave walls of musicians and warriors?) Through the creative arts, we learn problem solving, critical thinking, cultural understanding, discipline... As artists, not only as musicians, we have the unique ability to make connections among people that change the way we think about cultures and about our heritage.

For instance, our historic presence and persistence as artists has paved the way for such breakthroughs as President Obama's Arts Policy Committee, which proposes to do the following: Reinvest in Arts Education, Expand Public/Private Partnerships Between Schools and Arts Organizations, Create an Artist Corps, Publicly Champion the Importance of Arts Education, and Support Increased Funding for the NEA. Sounds promising, doesn't it? The committee makes apparent the notion that this current administration may have figured out something that you and I already knew: the arts creates jobs and therefore revenue. How's THAT for economic stimulus?!

So while we reflect on inaugural words such as "accountability" and "collective responsibility," and the lineage that allowed us the opportunity to experience the inauguration  in the first place, let us also plan for the future--to continue to be advocates for the arts through our words and our actions. In that way, we demonstrate the power and integrity of the arts, the love we have for what we do and the respect we have for the craft and ourselves.

Peace and blessings,
Rashida N. Black

P.S.
Many of you may be interested in wielding your collective power towards this: Secretary for the ARTS Petition http://www.petitiononline.com/esnyc/petition.html

Be part of the mission. Make a tax-deductible contribution. Or send checks payable to Myrtle Hart Society to: Myrtle Hart Society, 4800 S. Chicago Beach Drive, Suite 2008S, Chicago IL 60615. If you want to be included in an upcoming edition of the eNewsletter, just email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or click reply to the sender.

The Society of Research and Diffusion of Haitian Music (S.R.D.H.M.) is a  non-profit organization, founded in Montreal in 1977, that produces classical music concerts by Haitian or Caribbean authors, or by composers inspired by this cultural area for educational and cultural purposes. Additionally, SRDHM programs universal classics when they are part of the repertoire of a Haitian interpreter or if it permits a better comprehension of the evolution of Haitian music. These concerts are made possible with the participation of Haitian or other performers whose collaboration encourages a better distribution of works of the chosen repertoire. 

The goal of SRDMH's is to develop a resource center that includes all categories of Haïtian and Caribbean music. Housed at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM), this collection of scores and records is the world's most varied. It is thanks to this archive center that the SRDMH can create its concerts, attract researchers, and sustain musical education in Haïti. For example, the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2001 edition) now recognizes the existence of Haïtian classical music with an article entitled ″Haïti: art music″ (by Robert Grenier).

Claude Dauphin, founder of the SRDMH, is its current artistic director and resource center manager. Musicologist and ethnomusicologist, theorician and historian of musical pedagogies, he is a Professor at the Music Department of the UQÀM. He promotes the repertoire of Haïtian and Caribbean classical music, while also studying the oral tradition of the region. His study entitled Musique du vaudou: functions, structures et styles (Sherbrooke, Naaman, 1986) remains an authority. His clout as a researcher is attested by his numerous publications on 18th century musicology: Rousseau musicien des Lumières (Montréal, Courteau, 1992), La musique au temps des Encyclopédistes (Ferney-Voltaire, CIEDS,2001, which was crowned ″Book of the Year″ by the Quebec Music Council), Musique et langage chez Rousseau (Oxford, Voltaire Foundation, 2004). He also collaborated on L'Encyclopédie des Savoirs musicaux (Arles, Actes Sud, 2004).

The Societe boasts an exceptional collection of scores from Haitian and Caribbean Classical Composers,Vocal music, Music for piano, violin, guitar, Chamber music for trios, quartets, Orchestral scores, and Oral tradition music field recordings.

photo: Kingmond Young

Soprano Talise Trevigne grew up on jazz--Ellington, Roach, Ella and Nina--in the San Francisco Bay Area with aspirations to be a dancer, not a singer. "Music is very big in my family... but not classical. I was quizzed on 'who's on drums'," she recalled in a phone interview. "My grandparents are from New Orleans and are a huge influence in my life, but no one has talent. Well, one uncle plays the harmonica--badly," she laughed.

Talise's ultimate goal in her formative years was to move to New York to become a professional dancer, but her dream was taken away before it could be realized. Preceding her completion of high school, she tore her anterior cruciate ligament or ACL. There were no experts to help rehabilitate her, so the knee went unrepaired. "I had no idea what to do my senior year," she recalls.

Attending La Fastas High School, she sang in the chorus simply to fulfill her elective requirements. The school had an orchestra and a teacher who sought out Talise's voice. "The choral director called my mother down to the school without asking me to ask HER if I could sing this solo." Talise thought very little of the request. At the time, she was class president, homecoming queen and the captain of the cheerleading squad. But while rehearsing with her director, her mother appeared at the door. "She didn't know it was me singing."

After dropping out of cheerleading, Talise took a few voice lessons and decided to apply to college at Juilliard and Manhattan Schools of Music based on the advice of her then teacher, Page Swift. "My mom only allowed me to audition for Cincinnati... but nothing further East!" The secret New York City audition took place in the Bay Area. Talise was offered a scholarship to Juilliard, an offer that even her mother could not refuse.

Intimidated by her move to New York at the age of 17, Talise recalls that she had to learn "from rock bottom." She studied with Adel Addison for both her undergraduate and graduate years, a teacher who emphasized "the importance of writing your own story." At Manhattan, Talise studied with legendary teachers George Shirley and Hilda Harris. Of the school, she says, "the environment was supportive and open. I felt nurtured. They created artists, but didn't stress perfection. It was a great place to grow up as a musician. Singers didn't just hang out with singers, but with instrumentalists as well. I think it's important for singers to not only think about singing, but to surround themselves with others." Given her upbringing, Talise naturally gravitated toward jazz musicians.

The workload was often stressful for Talise. "I had to be taught how to practice and had to learn to play the piano... I couldn't even tell the keys on a piano when I moved to New York!" Given the musical levels of many of her peers, Talise felt discouraged at times. However, her parents were very supportive. "Supportive but mortified," she added. "I come from a long line of Berkeley and Stanford grads, who couldn't understand why I wasn't like them." But her mother argued in her favor. READ MORE

Talise Trevigne makes her company début as Gilda in Knoxville Opera's production of Rigoletto on Friday, February 13 at 8:00 pm & Sunday, February 15 at 2:30pm.

Winneba Youth Choir

Festival of African & African-American Music Features
Renowned Artists for Four Days of Special Events
-- Famed American and international artists in concerts celebrating African-descent composers --

 The African Musical Arts, in collaboration with the International Consortium for Music of Africa & its Diaspora will present an extraordinary variety of musical events celebrating composers and artists of African descent during its Festival of African & African-American Music. The four-day festival from February 12 through 15, in St. Louis, Missouri, features internationally acclaimed performers including sopranos Marie Robinson, Dawn Padmore, pianists Darryl Hollister, William-Chapman Nyaho, Silvia Belfiore, oboist Althea Ifeka, flutist Wendy Hymes, violinist Rachel Barton Pine, harpist Rashida Black and conductor Marlon Daniel conducting the New Horizons Orchestra.

Local artists will also be participating including musicians from the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra musicians, Equinox Chamber Players woodwind quintet, the St. Louis Children's Choir, University City High Concert Choir, Hazelwood West High School Orchestra, as well as participating student musicians from McCluer High School and Mehlville High School.

An all-access festival ticket can be purchased at $100 for adults and $55 for students. To order tickets, Click "Registration" below or call African Musical Arts at 314-289-4052.

In addition to the outstanding performances, there will be discussions with some of the world's foremost African heritage scholars. Also expected during the event is a book signing by the authors of new publications by the Oxford University Press - William-Chapman Nyaho, editor of the 5-volume anthology, Piano Music of Africa and the African Diaspora and Fred Onovwerosuoke, editor of Songs of Africa: 22 Pieces for Mixed Voices.

The festival will begin on February 12 and will end on February 15, 2009. Concerts and performances will be held at varying locations in the St. Louis area. Click here (or visit http://fesaam.org) for details about venues.

Founded in 1994, the African Musical Arts (formerly St. Louis African Chorus) has become the world's premiere outlet for fostering and promoting African-descent composers of traditional and contemporary choral music, as well as chamber and orchestral music that portray Africa's rich musical diversity.

FESAAM 2009 Home Page for registration, hotel & lodging, course credit info, etc.

Soprano Jolie Rocke Brown recently returned to the United States in July 2008, after performing in a full year European tour of Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess with New York Harlem Theater and covering the role of Clara from the same opera with the prestigious Théâtre national de l'opéra-comique in Paris, France.  

In April 2008, she released her first compact disc recording entitled "Jolie Rocke Brown in concert" with special guest Willie Anthony Waters,  She has graced the stage of the Bushnell Center for Performing Arts "with her bright-airy soprano voice" (Hartford Courant) in December 2005 with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and Hartford Chorale as the soprano soloist in Handel's Messiah.  During the Fall of 2005, she returned to Connecticut Concert Opera to perform the role of Lisa in Bellini's La Sonnambula, Margaret in Menotti's Telephone at the University of Connecticut, Queen of the Night in a children's production of Mozart's Die Zauberflöte presented by Connecticut Lyric Opera and sang as a featured artist in the Hartford Symphony Orchestra's community based Musical Dialogues Program.

See Jolie Brown perform on:
Sun, Feb 8, 3:00pm -- "Genius Child" featuring Jolie Rocke Brown and Natasha Ulyanovsky at the New Britain Museum of American Art. Program includes spirituals, arias from Gershwins' Porgy and Bess and selections from "Genius Child" by Ricky Ian Gordon.  Free concert with museum admission ($9 adults/$8 Seniors/$7 Students/under 12 Free)  

Fri, Feb 13, 8:00pm -- "Songs from Broadway" with members of the Music Ministry at Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT. This is a benefit concert for the Connecticut based organization ServCorps Inc. which facilitates the participation of people, particularly young people, in community service experiences that range from one week trips (with prior preparation) up to year long internships. For tickets ($20) call 860-278-0785.

Fri, Feb 27, 7:00pm -- "For You there is No Song" featuring Jolie Rocke Brown and Larry Jay Giddens at Faith Congregational Church, 2030 Main St. Hartford, CT 06120. Program: A recital of duets and songs from opera, broadway and spirituals. Don't miss this opportunity to hear all three duets from Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess. For tickets ($25/$35) contact the church at 860... or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . *hors d'oeuvres will be served. **CD Recording "Jolie Rocke Brown in concert" is $10 w/advance ticket purchase (cd's will also be available at the concert for the regular price of $15).

Harpists Megan Sesma and  Brandee Younger will teach at and perform for the Guatemala Harp Teaching Project from February 17th to the 26th, 2009. Activities include masterclasses at El Conservatorio Nacional de Musica in Guatemala City, Guatemala and  El Sitio Cultural in Antigua, Guatemala.  Teaching will also include harp projects in Jocotenango and San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. 

The Guatemala Harp Teaching Project was initiated by and is supported by, the Harping for Harmony Foundation.  The mission of the Harping for Harmony Foundation (HHF) is to promote harmony and community, locally and globally, through harp music.  Programs (domestic and/or international) focus on Peace, Childhood, Livelihood, Health, and Democracy.  HHF is a 501(c)(3) exempt charity in the State of West Virginia, formed in 1994.

Since the Guatemala National Symphony harpist, Floridalma Robles died in 2000, there has not been a professional harpist in the country of Guatemala.  Patrice Fisher, the president of the harp society of New Orleans visited Guatemala many times since 1984 with her Guatemalan husband, Carlos Valladares.  She officially started the project in 2003, she currently travels yearly to  Guatemala to support the harp project.  There are now over 35 students in San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala City and Antigua, Guatemala.  Currently harpists from the United States volunteer their time to travel and teach harp workshops for a short period of time in Guatemala. The most advanced students, Brendy Escalante (20) and Moises Amaya (23) teach the younger students. 

The goal is for the project to be self sustainable.  The Shoreline Chapter of the American Harp Society (Rhode Island, Connecticut) is supporting this project through the purchase of harps, sheet music, stands and tuners made in Guatemala.  The harps are then rented to harpists in the New England area, with rent money sent to support the Guatemalan Harp Project.  Donations for this project will provide 1) additional materials to build harps, and also 2) compensation to musicians from Guatemala who are currently involved in childhood and community development projects. Budget: $100 can provide 1 harp or 20 hours of harp music in Guatemala. For further information on the Guatemala Harp Project please email Megan at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Marshall Sealy has performed in a broad range of styles and venues including orchestras/bands of Tony Bennett, Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Opera Company of Boston, Les Miserables Brass Band and Evita (national tour).  He has been a soloist with Plovdiv Symphony (Bulgaria) and U.S. Air Force Band and has performed with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, Philadelphia Orchestra , Orchestra Filarmonica de Jalisco (Mexico), and with Ray Charles.  His live Television orchestra appearances include the Essence, Emmy and Grammy Awards, and Whitney Houston HBO Special.  Recordings include Les Miserables Brass Band, J.J. Johnson, Jay-Z and Isaac Hayes ("Shaft").  

Marshall has been Executive Director, New York City Housing Authority Symphony Orchestra; Director of Music, Harlem School of the Arts; and Horn Instructor, Berklee College of Music.  He has delivered horn master classes in the United States, Mexico, South Africa, Bulgaria, Serbia, and the Dominican Republic.  Marshall is a Master Craftsman of brass instrument restoration and modification.

He recently presented successful Horn clinics at Hampton University, Norfolk State University, and Virginia State University. In January, as a principal of the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, he gave a masterclass to the Horn students at University of Michigan.

Marshall shares the following with MHS eNewsletter readers:
Conn-Selmer has selected me to be one of their newest Conn Artist/ Clinicians (or Conn/artist).  What this means is that they are promoting my career and sending me out to do Clinics, Conventions and Masterclasses  around the nation for their company. 
This is not a serious income producing venture, but it gives me some national visibility and a new Horn. 
 
Here is a quote from the new Conn-Selmer web site... 
 
"Marshall is now one of an elite group of endorsing artists for C.G. Conn, and we are proud to have him as part of our family", says Rebecca Weissman, artist relations coordinator at Conn-Selmer. "Endorsing artists are an integral, valuable part of our company and we appreciate their efforts in promoting music education across the nation on our behalf". 
 
This is the new C.G.Conn Web site address http://www.cgconnhorns.com/ 

Dr. Marvin Lynn

The South Shore Opera Company of Chicago will hosts its inaugural concert on February 28th at 5:30 p.m. at the South Shore Cultural Center located at 7059 S. South Shore Drive in Chicago. Featured artists include critically acclaimed Lyric Coloratura Soprano Elizabeth Norman Sojourner, Baritone Martin Woods currently with the Chicago Opera Theater and the Kenwood Academy Concert Choir. Local artist and UIC professor, Dr. Marvin Lynn, is the Founder & Executive Director of the South Shore Opera Company of Chicago.

About the South Shore Opera Company of Chicago The South Shore Opera Company was founded by Marvin Lynn in the winter of 2008. The company's mission is to make opera and musical theater more accessible to diverse Chicago audiences on the Southside and elsewhere; to enhance the lives of youth by offering music education and outreach programs; and to provide greater opportunities for diverse artists to perform in professional productions. The company was formed in partnership with the South Shore Cultural Center and its Advisory Council. All concerts involve a diverse cross-section of youth performers and are free and open to the public.

Founder and Executive Director of the South Shore Opera of Chicago, Dr. Marvin Lynn has always had a passion for music and community service. As a native Chicagoan he received free music lessons in voice from the Merit Music program. Since that time, he has studied voice at DePaul University with the late Gail Tremitere and Norman Gulbrandsen, the University of Maryland, Towson University, and the New England Conservatory. He has also performed with the Grant Park Symphony Chorus, the Dreamstreet Theater, the Municipal Opera Company of Baltimore, the Annapolis Opera Company and the Maryland Arts Festival. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a concentration in Voice and Opera from DePaul University, a Master of Arts in Urban Education from Columbia University in New York City and doctorate in Education from UCLA. He is resides in the greater South Shore community with his wife and three sons.

For more information, please contact Dr. Marvin Lynn at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the South Shore Cultural Center at (773) 256-0149.

Patrice Jackson, cello

The following is a real gchat conversation amongst friends that took place at 1:27am following the Chicago Sinfonietta's Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. where Sphinx competition winning cellist Patrice Jackson  performed Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1. Walter Miles narrated Dr. King's famous 1965 Our God is Marching On, Alabama speech, while the orchestra performed Symphony No. 1, Mvt. 2 (Largo) by Stefan Smith. The mighty Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir had the audience clapping their hands. Also on the program: Beethoven: Leonore Overture. Paul Freeman, conductor.

rashida: so how'd you like the sinfonietta concert?
leslie:  i though it was amazing
absolutely breathtaking
and not just in the cliche way
more in the forget to breathe way
rashida:  wow
that's deep. what made it so?
leslie:  i'm generally a lover of music, like all kinds
but if you look at my music collection it is 50% gospel
maybe 40% gospel
30% classical
and the other 30% in rap, r&b, alternative, NPR stories
when people ask me what my favorite types of music are i say classical and gospel
and this concert was a synthesis of the two
not to mention the fact that it was live, also my favorite
rashida:  do you see a connection there? if so, what it is?
leslie: i hadn't thought about it before but i think there is an extent to which the musicians and the
conductor become consumed with the piece
whether its a choir director using his whole body to direct the tempo and strength of the choir's sound
to a conductor jumping up and down on the podium with his "directing stick" (there's a real word for this that i don't know) bringing in the different parts of the orchestra
there is a use of the whole body, i guess, about both of them
choral singers facial expressions and bodies get into the music
rashida:  *baton
leslie:  they sway and shout and clap
thanks, baton
and they emit an infectious energy
and likewise the people in the orchestra use their whole bodies to play their instruments and the sound is perfect and there is a clear element of performance
rashida:  yes
there was so much energy in this particular performance
Patrice for one was electric!
let's start with what she wore. what'd you think?
leslie: oh that dress was amazing
and she truly embodies the passion, the intensity, the whole body experience of playing
rashida:  the Kente with the black satin... gorgeous, ethnic, elegant, beautiful... like Patrice.
leslie:  she was such a joy just to watch let alone to hear
and i'd never seen anything like it
rashida:  RIGHT! She was like a jazz musician on stage or rather she treated the orchestra like a chamber ensemble and by that i mean...
she made eye contact with all of the first stands and really connected with them. She essentially conducted from her seat! that connection, the constant dialogue between players, made for such an enjoyable experience from the audience perspective.
i was positively beaming when she started jukin in her seat!
she made the audience laugh and sway. she drew us ALL in. it was the effect I think most performers, even speakers, hope to attain.
or rather, artists. she's a rock star.
leslie:  and to that end, the extent to which she was actually herself on stage, not just poised and confident, but in fact exhibited her personality was so beautiful
and so engaging
i agree, i do think its what all performers and artists hope to attain
there was a sense of genuine connection, not just doing the right thing
rashida:  yup! she just looked like she was having so much fun on stage. and then, she caught a sight of me in the audience and smiled. no trepidation. just joy.
that's a great performer.
and she sounded good too!
HAHAHAH
leslie:  i saw that too, that was amazing
oh right, i mean it seemed truly effortless
rashida:  truly, indeed  READ MORE

The Future of Music Coalition is a not-for-profit collaboration between members of the music, technology, public policy and intellectual property law communities. The FMC seeks to educate the media, policymakers, and the public about music / technology issues, while also bringing together diverse voices in an effort to come up with creative solutions to some of the challenges in this space. The FMC also aims to identify and promote innovative business models that will help musicians and citizens to benefit from new technologies.

They build this organization as an attempt both to address pressing music / technology issues, and to serve as a voice for musicians and citizens in Washington, DC, where critical decisions are being made regarding intellectual property rights without a word from either citizens or creators -- the only two groups mentioned in the copyright code.

The FMC actualizes its mission through a number of activities. First, they organize public discussion of issues that impact musicians and the public at large, making sure to include a variety of voices in the conversation. Second, they submit testimony, publish articles and speak on panels to make sure the creators' experience is heard. Third, they encourage musicians and citizens to publicly document their experiences on the FMC website. Finally, FMC generates original research on historic trends and issues of import to the public to more completely illuminate the mechanics of the music industry.

James Sterrett-Bryant, baritone

Internationally-known baritone, James Sterrett-Bryant, presents a live performance of his premiere CD, How the Spirit move Me. This well-received recording offers its listeners Mr. Sterrett-Bryant's unique interpretation of the Negro spirituals chosen for this project. Expect to be amazed. (CDs and cassettes available at a modest cost.)

Reviews:

"... Your voice and phrasing, your humanity and compassion leap forth and fill an artistic void. The disc is outstanding." - Judith Anne Still

"The music is absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous, ... your interpretation of the songs ... is full of conviction ... when can we expect another." - L.T. Zador

Sunday, February 15 at 4:00pm, The George Laster Branch of the National Association of Negro Musicians presents its Annual Spiritual Concert. Church of Christian Fellowship (2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018).

Pianist/composer William Chapman Nyaho performs pm February 26 at the Convocation Series, Berea KY.

Kimberly Eileen Jones, soprano and Cornelius Johnson, tenor perform " A Classical Valentine" on Sunday, Feb. 15, 3:00 pm in Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, Chicago, IL. Free and open to the public. Further information can be attained at www.cityofchicago.org

THE ORCHESTRA RUNDOWN:

Timothy Jones - Akron Symphony Orchestra
Leon Williams - Alabama Symphony
Andre Watts - Buffalo Philharmonic
Measha Bruggergosman - Cleveland Orchestra
Branford Marsalis - Dallas Symphony
George Walker performed by New Haven Symphony
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor performed by New Haven Symphony
Kevin Deas - New York Philharmonic
William Henry Curry conducts (Chapel, Raleigh, Raleigh)  North Carolina Symphony
Robert Ray - St. Louis Symphony    
Jonita Lattimore - Virginia Symphony
Kevin Deas - Virginia Symphony
Angela Brown - Atlanta Opera
Armon Golliday - Dallas Opera
Gordon Hawkins - Los Angeles Opera
Eric Greene - Opera Company of Philadelphia
Denyce Graves - San Diego Opera
Arthur Woodley - Seattle Opera
Mary Elizabeth Williams - Virginia Opera

Sweets and Spirits, a dynamic fundraising event in the spirit of a true soirée, combines refreshments (pastries, wine, cheese, etc.) and intimate performances throughout the evening to help raise money for the pianists of Piano Passions and Ensemble du Monde to perform the complete Beethoven Piano Concerti at Merkin Concert Hall NYC on Wednesday, February 11.  The goal is to raise $32,000 to cover all expenses by their June 2009 deadline. Please help to bring to this wonderful dream to reality! For more information, visit the recently modernized website: www.artistworld.org

Subscribe to AfriClassical.com/blogspot!!

The African Urban Legacy Orchestra (AULO) has formed in Atlanta, GA.  Under the direction of Dr. Greg McPherson, it is made up of professional musicians (mostly music educators - band and orchestra directors).  Rehearsals take place at Morris Brown College.  So far the orchestra has performed twice, both times in Nashville, TN.  The first performance was at a church service at Bethlehem A.M.E. Church.  The second was for the 70th Birthday Banquet of Dr. Bobby Jones.  The orchestra performed gospel selections.  However, the repertoire includes selections from the 70s disco era.  The orchestra will resume its schedule this month!  There are plans for more performances as well as recordings.

The Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia Orchestra and Dance Company of Metropolitan Atlanta under the directorship of David and Alycia Robinson is planning its third international trip to the continent of Africa (South Africa) during the 2009-10 Christmas holiday season (two weeks).  Sinfo-Nia has traveled to Ghana twice and included Togo and Benin on last year's tour.  Sinfo-Nia is looking for other young musicians (middle and high school students) from other parts of the U.S. to travel next year.  For more information, please call (404) 328-0840 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  You may also log onto www.stillwatersyouthsinfo-nia.org. 

Sinfo-Nia is also active in the Youth and Junior Divisions of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. (www.nanm.org) and is the core group of the D. Jerlene Harding Memorial/NANM Youth Orchestra.  The NANM conference will be held July 25-31, 2009 in Chicago.  Young musicians (middle, high school and college) are certainly invited to some and participate. Sinfo-Nia also holds it annual Summer Academy in July at Morris Brown College.

Your Accompanist make real piano rehearsal tracks for singers. All tracks are recorded by a real pianist on a real piano in a single take. You download them directly to your PC in MP3 format. They can then be transferred directly to any portable MP3 player (such as an iPod or, Sony MP3 walkman, Archos box or iRiver), or burned to CD.

The tracks are ideal for soloists, ensembles, choirs and classrooms, for those who sing professionally, recreationally or secretly. The quality of the... (read more)

All of our tracks are available for instant download, so if they already have the piece you want, there's no need to wait for a CD via post. If you'd like something they don't already have, or you need it in a different key, let them know. If it's in the public domain and they can get hold of the music, they could have it online for you quite quickly.

The National Association for the Study and Performance of African American Music (NASPAAM) is an organization whose purpose is to further the development and dissemination of African American music through advocacy, education, and performance. The organization is committed to providing leadership and motivation for music educators, musicians, and others interested in fostering the inclusion of African and African American music in education and society. The organization serves its members and others by increasing the awareness of Black Music and its contribution to the arts, culture, and society.

Please visit the website at naspaam.org for updates and further details regarding the organization and symposium.

Book your own concert on the radio!

Attention musicians! 98.7 WFMT is soliciting additional bookings for 2009. 

98.7 WFMT-FM ANNOUNCES NEW CLASSICAL CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES

LIVE FROM THE MORSE 

New series to air live Sundays 11AM - 12 Noon from The Morse Theatre, the new state-of-the-art venue in Rogers Park.

Chicago, IL- 98.7 WFMT-FM Chicago's Classical Experience has announced artist bookings through December for their new chamber music series Live from The Morse,which will originate at 11 AM Sunday mornings from the exciting new midsize performance venue in The Morse Theatre located at 1330 W. Morse Avenue in Chicago's Rogers Park.

98.7 WFMT will be broadcasting chamber music performed by the area's top ensembles Sundays in front of a live audience.  The 299-seat Morse Theatre has a 48 track digital live broadcast environment which was designed in consultation with our team of engineers to meet the high standards required for the proper presentation of acoustically oriented music. The seating arrangements are informal and relaxed -- The Morse combines the intimacy and ambience of a classic nightclub with the focus of a modern concert venue. 

Tickets will be $10.00 and a continental breakfast will be included. Tickets are available at www.themorse.com or by calling 773 654 5100. Please also visit www.WFMT.com for further information.

Contact: Gerry Fisher, 98.7 WFMT-FM
773.279.2121
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dictionary of African Composers. The site takes a while to load, so be patient. Once it comes up, you'll be able to search alphabetically through decades of composers, read their biographies and access their discographies. You may send additions, corrections and suggestions to Alexander Johnson [ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ].

Making Music Work will be held April 4-5, 2009, on the campus of McNally Smith College of Music in downtown St. Paul, MN. For more information, please visit our website at www.composersforum.org/MakingMusicWork.

Administrative Director 
New York Youth Symphony (New York NY)

This position oversees financial and bookkeeping functions, office administration and personnel, and, working with the Director of Operations, the efficient functioning of the organization's six award-winning programs for young musicians.  It presents an opportunity to gain exposure to most of the methods and procedures of an organization with a current budget of $1.2M. 
 
Requirements 
The candidate will have a college degree, excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational skills, computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, FileMaker Pro, Outlook, QuickBooks, Quark XPress), and the ability to address the IT demands of a small organization.  Knowledge of classical music and/or jazz is helpful, but not required. 

Salary 
$45-50K commensurate with background; vacation, superior program of major medical-hospitalization, disability, and retirement fund plans. 
 
Apply via e-mail or in writing 
Robert Pagan, Director of Operations 
New York Youth Symphony 
850 Seventh Avenue, Suite 505 
New York, New York  10019-5230 
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.nyys.org 

Hiring/Teacher Coordinator - Work From Home 
Amadeus Home Music School (New York NY)

Work from Home! International Home Music School seeking a Human Resource/Recruiter type to hire musicians internationally. A Bachelors Degree in Music is required. Must know and understand various teaching methods and have experience interviewing - or be willing to learn the interview process. Intelligent, quick witted and true musical go-getter types need apply. Sales experience a plus. This is a Salaried position, commensurate with experience.  
Please email resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and reference the Hiring Coordinator position. Position will begin immediately upon hire. 

Director, Institutional Advancement 
Houston Symphony Society (Houston TX)

This position serves as a member of the Executive office and management team functioning primarily in the areas of board, donor and community relations, cultivation and special project development.  

Qualifications: 
*Bachelor's degree required. 
*Orchestra and/or arts non profit experience preferred.  
*The ability to be an effective and articulate spokesperson for the Symphony 
*Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills.  
*Goal-oriented and self-motivated 
*Proven decision-making and problem resolution skills. 
*Planning and organizational skills. 
*Knowledge of classical music and related performing arts preferred 
 
Please submit a cover letter, resume and salary history to: Director of Human Resources, Houston Symphony Society, 615 Louisiana, Suite 102, Houston, Tx. 77002. 
By fax: 713-222-0287 
By e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.houstonsymphony.org 

Executive Director 
Voices of Ascension (New York NY)

Seeking an Executive Director for Ascension Music Chorus and Orchestra, Inc., known as Voices of Ascension, a professional chorus and orchestra based in Greenwich Village, NYC.  The position is available May 1 or sooner for a highly qualified candidate.  Visit our web site: www.voicesofascension.org 
 
Requirements: 
Three or more years of management experience in arts and nonprofit administration, including demonstrated success in fundraising, both institutional and individual, and in financial and human resource management.  Preferred additional skills include acquaintance with the choral repertoire. (A more highly detailed description of the position can be requested by e mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .)   
 
Please send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three or more references to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Please attach PDF or DOC files only and mention where you saw the position announcement.  Or mail to 12 West 11th Street, New York, NY  10011. Website: http://www.voicesofascension.org 

Apply to host a 2009-2010 Fellow!
Application deadline: March 6, 2009 
 
The League's Orchestra Management Fellowship Program is amongst the League's most durable and successful initiatives. Now in its 29th year, this prestigious year-long leadership training program is designed to launch executive careers in orchestra management.

Each year five Fellows undertake a series of residencies with orchestras of various sizes across the United States. During the year the Fellows receive invaluable work experience, an intense course of study and the support and nurturing of program and host orchestra staff, in particular that of the orchestra executive director. Fellows also participate in Leadership seminars and receive a comprehensive overview of the concert music industry.

The Fellows begin their year-long immersion in orchestral life with a week of seminars and discussions at the League's annual Conference. Then, as a rapidly bonding group, they go to Aspen, Colorado for a dynamic and intensive summer managing the orchestras of the Aspen Music Festival and School. 

For more information contact Allison Ball, Director, Leadership Training and Recruitment 
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 646 822 4027.

Apply now to be a 2010 Fellow! Click HERE! 

Marketing Director 
Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (Fort Myers FL)

The Marketing Director is responsible for planning, supervising, administering, and evaluating programs that meet or exceed attendance and ticket revenue goals for orchestra events and maximizing the visibility of the orchestra, consistent with the organization's policies and long-range objectives. The Marketing Director will plan and manage all marketing activities, including but not limited to: public relations (press, program books, and newsletters); advertising (print, electronic, and media); season subscription and renewal campaigns (direct mail, telemarketing); all ticket sales (including box office management); audience research; new subscriber activities; and merchandising for the Orchestra, Chorus, education and volunteer programs. 

Requirements: A bachelor's degree and experience in a related field; Marketing experience in a performing arts organization preferred;  knowledge and appreciation of orchestral music; excellent writing and verbal skills, computer skills including Word, database and ticketing system management, graphic and web page design; ability to work as part of a team and with board and volunteers. Must be available to work weekend and evening hours as needed, primarily during concerts and events.  
 
Compensation: $40,000-$45,000, commensurate with experience 
 
Benefits: Benefit package, including paid vacation, sick leave, individual health  
Application deadline: February 28, 2009 
 
Please send a one-page resume and a cover letter, including three references to:  
Frances Goldman, Executive Director 
Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, 4560 Via Royale, Suite 2, Fort Myers, FL  33919 
Email as Word attachment to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  
For more information visit www.swflso.org 
No phone calls, please.

Executive Director  
San Francisco Contemporary Music Players (San Francisco CA)

Now in its thirty-eighth year, the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players is an internationally recognized leader among advocates for contemporary chamber music. The ensemble attracts and engages audiences through concert events and nourishes the creation and dissemination of new music through commissioning, recording, and educational outreach to students and adults. A ten-time winner of the national ASCAP/Chamber Music America Award for Adventurous Programming, the group has commissioned 67 pieces, played over 1100 contemporary works, and made twenty recordings. It offers an annual subscription concert series based at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. 
 
Requirements: 
Five or more years of management experience in arts and nonprofit administration, including demonstrated success in fundraising, both institutional and individual, and in financial and human resource management.  Preferred skills include music literacy, especially the ability to study a score and identify the logistical challenges implied, and knowledge of contemporary chamber music practices and repertoire.  
Salary range: $65,000 - $80,000 DOE. Excellent benefits 
 
Please send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three or more references to SFCMP Search Committee, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .   Please attach PDF or DOC files only and please mention where you saw the position announcement.

Development Manager 
Columbus Symphony Orchestra (Columbus OH)

Responsible for managing all fundraising activities of symphony development department, including individual and corporate giving, grants, sponsorships and planned giving in coordination with the Executive Director, Director of Advancement, and Board of Trustees to meet annual budget and campaign goals. Will also oversee telefundraising and local volunteer groups as well as manage others responsible for all corporate and individual donor campaigns.  
 
QUALIFICATIONS: Must have a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years related experience in development, fundraising, sales, or related field. Must have demonstrated knowledge and success in reaching fundraising campaign goals and objectives. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with administration, board, staff, and donors. Knowledge of the arts community, its benefactors and previous contact with the community is a plus.  
 
HOW TO APPLY: Send resume and salary requirements to Sophie Ferenz, Director of Institutional Advancement; Columbus Symphony; 55 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it