By Mark D. Wender | Chief Operating Officer
Stax Music Academy’s 2011-2012 SNAP! After School program year is off to a great start! Students continue to hone their artistic abilities with serious music instruction from our outstanding faculty, unique performance opportunities and mentorship to propel them in reaching their creative goals and aspirations.
Student Performances & Community Involvement Highlights
July – September 2011
SMA students performed for the Center For Southern Folklore’s 25th annual “MEMPHIS MUSIC & HERITAGE FESTIVAL,” downtown Memphis on the Tennessee Arts/Gayoso Stage. Paul McKinney, Instrumental Director, and Justin Merrick, Operations Manager/Vocal Instructor, conducted the student performance.
(Gayoso Place—Downtown Memphis)
SMA students selected from the Soulsville Jazz Ensemble recorded Stax legendary songs for a documentary entitled “This is Memphis.” The documentary filmed legendary Soul, R&B artists (Stax and others; Kirk Whalum; William Bell; Skipp Pitts; and Lester Snell) including the new generation of young artists. The private recording took place at the historical Royal Studios.
(Royal Studios—Downtown Memphis)
The StreetCorner Harmonies vocal ensemble sang the National Anthem during the annual Southern Heritage Classics game (TSU vs. JSU) at the Liberty Bowl before a crowd that exceeded 3,500 people! Please take a moment to listen to a YouTube posting of the event (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmEKCuqBBIE).
(AutoZone Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium—Memphis)
An SMA Jazz trio provided background music at a private home during the Brooks Museum’s reception as a season kick-off. Paul McKinney, Instrumental Director and students
performed for over 100 guests.
(Private Home—Memphis)
In Summary…
These are merely a few rare and unique opportunities to mentor Memphis youth through music education and unique performance opportunities. Please continue to assist our efforts and know that your gift is being put to use, celebrating the soulful past—and securing the bright future—of this legendary ‘Soulsville’ community. Thanks for your generous support. We invite you to share your thoughts. Was this quarterly report helpful?
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