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Missed a month? MHS eNewsletter archives

Betty Lou Allen, mezzo-soprano

Friends,

It is with a saddened yet hopeful spirit that I write this next sentence. From Ms. Betty Allen to Mr. Michael Jackson, we lost some of our most prolific artists last week. As tragic as it's been, the public reaction both uplifts and confuses me. Where was all of this exaltation while our icons were living? And what can we learn from their respective untimely demises?

Marian Anderson, who left us in 1993, was more than just a pioneer in music and Black history; she lived her life as a prototype. While in Europe, she was welcomed into the finest hotels and restaurants, but in the U.S., she was shifted to third- or fourth- class accommodations. In the South, she often stayed with friends. Simple tasks such as arranging for laundry, taking a train, or eating at a restaurant were often difficult. She would take meals in her room and traveled in drawing rooms on night trains.

"If I were inclined to be combative," she said, "I suppose I might insist on making an issue of these things. But that is not my nature, and I always bear in mind that my mission is to leave behind me the kind of impression that will make it easier for those who follow."

I mention her as an example of the aforementioned greats, who departed this Earth last month leaving behind wonderful guidelines of joy, peace and love for us to follow. Although the message of artists are oftentimes hidden in their music, art or dance ... it is in those artistic outlets or vehicles that we find their quest. Where would be be without our ancestors, both long gone and recently departed? It is my opinion that, instead of lamenting over the absence of their physical presence, we uphold their legacy through artistry.

Be blessed,
Rashida N. Black

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George M. Williams

George M. Williams was the Director of Music and organist at the Northfield Community Church (UCC) of Northfield, Illinois since 1967. He passed away Friday, June 11, after an nine-month battle with recurrent lymphoma.

Mr. Williams was a member of the American Guild of Organists and past dean of the North Shore Chapter, and a trustee at the Music Institute of Chicago. In 2007 on the occasion of his fortieth anniversary at the Northfield Church, the church established an endowed organ scholarship in perpetuity in his name at the Music Institute of Chicago.

Mr. Williams was a graduate of Chicago Musical College, now the Chicago College of Performing Arts of Roosevelt University, where he received bachelor and master's degrees and won the coveted Oliver Ditson Award in organ, and was inducted into Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity. He later became an instructor of organ at his Alma Mater and taught music and conducted the award-winning chorus for ten years at Englewood High School in the Chicago Public School System. In 1968, he was invited to join the faculty of Loop Junior College (now Harold Washington College), one of the City Colleges of Chicago, where he taught music theory, piano and vocal music for thirty-four years. He retired from the college in 2002 as an associate professor. In addition to being an established organ recitalist, church musician and conductor, Mr. Williams was classical music critic for The Chicago Crusader, the oldest Black-owned Chicago area weekly newspaper.

He is survived by his wife, the former Barbara Wright-Pryor, two children and two grandchildren.

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Williams and was honored to be amongst those chosen to celebrate his legacy with music at a moving memorial service on June 26 and 27. Nothing is more appropriate when honoring a musician than music. The two-day remembrance culled some of Chicago's finest musicians, including: Mark Rucker, baritone; Toni-Marie Montgomery, piano; Jonita Lattimore, Anisha McFarland and Elizabeth Norman, sopranos; Charles G. Kendrick, organ; and Henry Pleas, tenor among many others.

San Diego California has had its ups and downs in sustaining organizations that provide public accessible arts programs over the last several decades. Classical music support in communities outside of South East San Diego have benefited from endowments, grants, and philanthropic gifts. For many African Americans, our churches and schools have historically been and continue to be a large community outlet for classical concert artists. Although it has more diversity than at mid-twentieth century, the twenty-first century classical music concert world remains a mysterious aural landscape into which few of our children will venture.

Many contemporary African American concert performers achieve in a world that is at times isolated from our community. Those of us who are aware of this distancing affect attend functions and gala celebrations to reflect our appreciation for our artists' dedicated hard work and resilience. They have chosen to create and perform in a world where, unfortunately, their lives as artistic creators and collaborators are often invisible to our children in classrooms with overworked teachers struggling to share their love of music in downsized music programs.

Having said the above, it is with pleasure that we can enjoy a variety of performances at the Lincoln High School Center for the Arts in Southeast San Diego. The center, under Artistic Director Donald Robinson and Principal Vernon Moore, celebrates diversity and values excellence and community accessibility. The Center for the Performing Arts is only in its second year. On Saturday May sixteenth, collaboration with the San Diego Mainly Mozart Festival and Sylvia M'Lafi Thompson brought renowned clarinetist Anthony McGill in a benefit concert to a diverse audience that shared a common love for classical music. The Lincoln High School Gospel Choir, under the direction of Sharletta Richardson who is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and an appointed member of the City of San Diego's Commission for Arts and Culture in 2008, gave a mini-concert before Mr. McGill's performance. One of their highlights was the harmonic blend and tessitura control of each part in a cappella polyphonic interplay during the choirs' rendition of Richard Smallwood's "Oh Lord, How Excellent." Their exit was followed by Sylivia M'Lafi Thompson who was the Mainly Mozart representative and the host.

Ms. Thompson's brief speech inspired the community to continue to support the arts and Lincoln High School's efforts to bring live performances to the community. She then introduced Anthony Mc Gill to the audience followed by a video. The video footage of Mr. McGill's Inauguration performance with Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Gabriela Montero of John William's "Air and Simple Gifts" was a dramatic snippet of the artistic feast about to occur. Anthony Mc Gill is a gracious, personable and humble artist. Acknowledging the young singers' performance, he expressed that he would have liked to have collaborated on a performance with them. He then continued talking to the audience and collapsed the fourth wall, creating an intimate ambiance. Read the highlights from the concert.

Delores Fisher, part time lecturer on African American music at San Diego State University, earned both an MA in music with an emphasis in Musicology and also a BA in the Humanities with an emphasis in music and literature from San Diego State University. Her focal areas include early 20th century African American Music history, music in literature, and the socio-cultural effects of oppression on musicians' lives. A researcher/participant in the arts, Delores collaborates with poets, dancers, musicians, and performance artists to illuminate nascent twenty-first century creative expression.

The 90th Annual Meeting of The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. (NANM) will be July 25-30, 2009 at The Doubletree Hotel Chicago, Magnificent Mile, 300 East Ohio Street Chicago, IL 60611.

Mariea Antoinette

"After rehearsing for a concert one afternoon on Long Island, one of the major donors approached me and said, "I have a question to ask--and I don't mean to offend you in any way, but I have been sponsoring orchestras across the country for more than 30 years now, and I wonder why I don't see many harpists of color. In my 30 years of sponsoring, you have the second one I've seen. Why is that?"

This excerpt from an article entitled "beyond color: encouraging ethnic balance within the harp community" by harpist Brandee Younger appeared in the May/June edition of Harp Column magazine.

The article goes on to list the variety of styles and genres performed by harpists of color. One such harpist breaking down stereotypes is Mariea Antoinette.

Don't let the name fool you. Mariea Antoinette is a new age classical harpist, producer and spoken word artist, who has performed for several of the worlds' top dignitaries and entertainers around the continental united states, such as President Obama, Colin Powell, Ivana Trump and Tavis Smiley. In addition to performing with several of music greats in the Jazz and R&B community, Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West and Jamie Foxx.

Her TV performances include the BET Music Awards and, MTV Music Awards. This versatile artist is a teacher, mentor and ongoing student of the art of music and technique.

As many musicians, Mariea doesn't restrict herself to just one genre; she loves to collaborate with other talented female artist, for example "JazzNPink" and Four Divas of Jazz". She has produced the CD's: Mariea Antoinette Solo Harp, Warrior Princess and Sexy Paradise, which blends smooth jazz and R&B classics.

Introduced to the harp at the age of 16, Mariea has studied and been mentored in her classical and contemporary repertoire by some of the best while training Russian Harpist Eleana Masheocova and Dr. Carol Mc Laughlin, Paul Hurst and Carol Robbins.

In addition to music, she provides lectures on holistic naturopathy, organic health and wellness in San Diego, CA, where she resided with her family.

This month, Mariea performs with the Southeast Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Los Angeles for the end of the season concert. Charles Dickerson, music director and Conductor, Performing "Bolero" by Maurice Ravel and Symphonic Renditions of favorite compositions of Edward Kennedy "Duke Ellington". Walt Disney Concert Hall at 3:00pm. Tickets start at 35.-75.00. July 19, 2009. Tickets go to:disneyconcerthall.com or contact Sandra Wheeler at 310-973-2488 or 323-293-7372.
tags: brandee younger, mariea antoinette

"I am sure that all thoughtful, concerned Gainesville citizens read the article-essay in "The Gainesville Sun," today, June 28th, by Raymond Chobaz, director of the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra "Cultural Barbarians at the UF gate." in "Speaking Out," p.13F. He writes passionately, as an artist must, the heart, soul and destruction in the current sturm und drang around the programming of classical music at WUFT-FM (NPR.)."

Thus states Gwen Y. Fortune, author of novels "Growing Up Nigger Rich" and "Family Lines."

The primary issue is not whether or not someone "likes" classical music. Chobaz, describes the meaning of creativity, history and art in the life of a civilization. He places the culprit, accurately, in the "need and greed of Big Business" that is rapidly devouring the essence of a university as a major factor in "the cultural legacy" of a people. Ignorance is overrunning thought and learning--what a socio-culture IS. Everyone has heard the term "dumbing down." This is what removing classical music from the station signals and means, the failure to comprehend the role and value of the, pardon me, higher qualities of a society.

In her reply letter to the columnist, Ms. Fortune states:
Classical music is not "readily accessible." Neither is insightful analysis of current issues." Still, talk is more readily available in American culture, everywhere, than classical music. By classical, I do not mean exclusively Euro-American, but a quality of music beyond the "top whatever" pop music. Classical music, ANY music that teaches the role of music in world culture has been eliminated from most American schools. Simply reading notation, and singing so as to competently sing folk songs and hymns is gone. (read her full reply)

What is your opinion?

Jordan Thomas

The premiere concert of The Encore Music Forum took place on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at the Nabi Art Gallery. The program featured a mix of contemporary music - Jazz, Film Score, New Age, and Classical. Currently, the Encore Music Forum has launched a blog which is focused on current events in the arts and supporting up-and-coming artists.

About: The Encore Music Forum is a New York City based concert series program dedicated to the exposure, promotion, and support of the top emerging classical, contemporary, jazz, and new age musicians. The Forum will not only serve as a concert but in addition as an exclusive networking event for professionals of the arts as well (music, film, fashion, etc.)

The inspiration for the Encore Music Forum came initially from the founder Ted Clayton's appreciation of classical and other forms of contemporary music, his involvement as a classical sound engineer and performer, and where he saw a contribution could be added. Having worked with and gained support from influential contemporary composer Philip Glass and Looking Glass Studios, Clayton envisioned a new and challenging outlet that would attract new and diverse listeners as well as proactively function as the leading liaison between classical and popular music.

The Encore Music Forum was conceptualized in the summer of 2007. Our mission is to build a respectable and reputable outlet for the future of new musicians through collaboration, networking, and performance. For further information about the Encore Music Forum, please visit our website at www.EncoreMusicForum.com or call (917) 418-5953.

tags: encore music forum, brandee younger, marlon daniel, ted clayton, website, blog, mobile, youtube

Links:

Ms. Betty Allen, The Harlem School of the Arts' President Emeritus, departed on June 22, at the age of 82.
http://www.harlemschoolofthearts.org/betty_allen.html
tags: source: lisa bryce; betty allen, harlem school of the arts

Finance and Administration Director
World Music Institute (New York NY)

World Music Institute (WMI), the nation's leading presenter of traditional music and dance from around the world, seeks a Director of Finance and Administration. Duties include oversight of finances ($2 - $3 million annual operating budget) and administrative operations. Position also supervises volunteer program, membership program, and box-office services as well as provides service and support to appropriate Board committees and the Executive Director.

REQUIREMENTS
-Minimum of 5-7 years' experience in financial management and controls preferably with experience in the nonprofit sector
-Bachelor's degree required, Graduate degree desirable
-Ability to see the big picture as it relates to financial and business matters
-Collaborative working style and ability to work as part of a dynamic team as well as independently
-Technical proficiency with IT, finance and accounting systems (Quickbooks Pro, Word, Excel, and Blackbaud/Patron Edge)
-Impeccable integrity and strong judgment; ability to make decisions among competing priorities/factions
-Sensitivity to WMI's mission and general interest in world music
-A team player with strong communication skills who works well with others in a busy environment.

Salary $50-$55k plus benefits, commensurate with experience. Send cover letter and resume to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: http://www.worldmusicinstitute.org

This position oversees office administration, financial functions, and personnel, and, working with the Director of Operations, the efficient functioning of the organization's five award-winning programs for young musicians. The right candidate will possess a self-initiating, take-charge temperament and excellent communication and technical skills necessary to successfully implement the daily operations of the organization including the duties outlined below. The organization's current budget is $1.2M.

Requirements
The candidate will have a college degree, excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational skills, computer literacy (emphasis on QuickBooks and oversight of design staff using InDesign and Dreamweaver), and the capacity to address the IT demands of a small organization. Knowledge of classical music and/or jazz is desirable, 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 to: 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

Department: Weill Music Institute
Reports to: Manager of Professional Programs
Job Code: APWMI

Carnegie Hall seeks an Associate, Professional Programs to be the participant and auditor liaison for Professional Programs including Professional training Workshops, Teaching Artist Collaborative, and Weill Fellows. As the participant liaison, he/she is responsible for maintaining relationships from recruitment, to experience during a program, to alumni activities, and contributing to the assessment of these programs through the lens of the participant experiences. The Associate is responsible for developing and implementing recruitment strategies, managing the participant selection process, developing external relationships with relevant individuals, and developing and implementing alumni networking strategies for all participants. The Associate will also be responsible for maintaining the program's budget, managing the database, and invoice processing. He/she will also assist with event planning and production. Experience with the field of Teaching Artistry strongly preferred.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree. Strong interpersonal skills with program experience in professional development settings for young artists, teaching artists, and other educators. Should be detailed oriented, able to multi-task, and have strong organizational skills. Familiarity with assessment processes is preferred. Must be able to commit to periodic evening and weekend work hours. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required and Tessitura experience a plus. Previous office experience and knowledge of classical, jazz, or world music strongly preferred.

How to Apply: When submitting your resume, please include a cover letter indicating the specific department or position in which you are interested. By Fax: (212) 581-6539

By Mail: Carnegie Hall, Human Resources Department, 881 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019-3219. By E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: http://www.carnegiehall.org

BAM Events may include BAM café Live, BAM's weekly live music series, highlighting local up and coming artists. Sounds Like Brooklyn, BAM's annual festival celebrating the music of Brooklyn, including concerts at sponsored by BAM at various clubs around the borough, BAM R&B Festival at Metrotech, a series of off-site concerts, as well as other BAM events.

The position works on rental events; these events involve outside corporations, Brooklyn community organizations and arts groups, small businesses, etc. Events range from weddings, to corporate meetings, to receptions, to television tapings & film shoots, and more. Administration of receptions and events by Companies being presented by BAM also fall under this position.

Compensation: The salary for this position is in the mid $30k per year, commensurate with experience (plus a full benefit package)

How to Apply: Complete an application at http://brooklynacademy.appone.com/ Website: http://www.BAM.org

Website: http://www.brooklynyouthchorus.org

Department:Orchestral Operations
Reports to:Director of Performance Operations
Supervises:Doctoral Assistant and Work-Study students as needed
Incumbent Name: Kathryn Shirilla
Internal Contacts:Production and Events Committee, Students
External Contacts:Faculty, Free-Lance Musicians
Start Date: July 23, 2009
Application Deadline: July 3, 2009

Job Qualifications
-College graduate; knowledge of orchestral repertoire a must, experience in the arts as a musician or administrator, working knowledge of WORD and EXCEL, (working knowledge of OPAS a plus) excellent organizational skills and attention to details, superb conflict-resolution skills and ability to respond calmly in stressful situations with flexibility and patience, and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.

Contact Information
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest highlighting their specific qualifications for the position along with a resume to: Heidi Stubner, Director of Performance Operations, Manhattan School of Music, 120 Claremont Avenue, New York, NY 10027. Or via email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it No phone calls please. Website: http://www.msmnyc.edu

The Department of Performing Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University seeks a full-time, temporary faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor in Arts Management for the 2009-10 academic year. Responsibilities include teaching arts management courses at the graduate level, advising students, supervising graduate theses, overseeing events and other non-classroom related activities, including possibly serving as director of the program. At least three years professional experience in the arts, teaching experience, and a terminal degree in an arts-related or business-related field is preferred. Areas of specialization include marketing and public relations, financial management, programming, diversity, community development and other areas related to arts management.

To apply, submit a letter of application and curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation sent directly from individuals who are able to comment on the applicant's qualifications to: Arts Management Search Committee, Department of Performing Arts, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-8053, or e-mail materials to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

American University is seeking highly dedicated teachers and scholars who are deeply committed to interdisciplinary learning, the application of new technologies in teaching and scholarship, and to the preparation of students for life in a diverse and rapidly changing global society. For additional information, please visit the American University Employment web-site: http://american.edu/hr/faculty-openings.cfm Website: http://american.edu/hr/faculty-openings.cfm

RIVERSIDE SYMPHONY, a highly regarded Manhattan-based professional orchestra, seeks a full-time Operations Manager. The Symphony performs an annual series at Lincoln Center, records works by contemporary composers, and sponsors an arts education program in NYC public schools and an international composer competition. The Operations Manager works in tandem with the Managing and Artistic Directors on all Symphony events. Specific responsibilities include:

Salary: Negotiable, based on qualifications and experience
Benefits: Negotiable

To Apply: E-mail a cover letter and resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
or mail to: Joan Sher, Managing Director, Riverside Symphony, 225 West 99th Street, New York, NY 10025-5014.

Website: http://www.riversidesymphony.org

EKU is accepting applications for The Director of the Center for Performing Arts. The incumbent provides leadership and administrative oversight to the Center for Performing Arts. This position will manage the daily operations of the facility and its employees and will ensure the integrated development of the facility and overall performing arts artistic direction and season program/content development, local community engagement and audience development. Requirements include a bachelor's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution and 10 years of related experience in performing art venues or a related area. For more information about EKU's Performing Arts, please visit http://www.performingarts.eku.edu. Candidates must apply online at http://jobs.eku.edu (search requisition# 0605587).
Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory background check. Eastern Kentucky University is an EEO/AA institution that values diversity in its faculty, staff, and student body. In keeping with this commitment, the University welcomes applications from diverse
candidate and candidates who support diversity.

Website: http://www.apply-for-job.net/c/jobclick.cfm?site=1263&job=5619815

Company Overview: International Music Network is a booking agency, tour management and marketing company for jazz, world music and roots artists who represent the highest level of musical and artistic expression in their respective genres. For over two decades IMN has established and maintained its reputation as one of the most respected boutique agencies for jazz, world, and other progressive musical idioms in the world.

Position Summary: Opportunity for an experienced candidate to Assist Agents in a variety of aspects of sales and marketing support. Works closely with Agents and other Administrative and Sales staff to maintain office efficiency with a focus on building stronger relationships with all clients.

This is a fulltime position with benefits. IMN is an equal opportunity employer.

Please respond in writing only, with cover letter and resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it - NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Website: http://www.imnworld.com