By Maggie Russell | Development and Special Events
GlobalGiving Quarterly Report: Fall 2013
Stax Music Academy’s SNAP! After School
This fall has gotten off to a great start. We continue to grow, as we expand our programming incorporating music education to the curriculum at the Soulsville Charter School, reaching new heights, and setting even higher goals. Our future soul communicators have really demonstrated dedication and determination getting this new school year and music season started off on the right note!
Welcome back!
Less than a month into the year, we have had workshops and visits from the world-renown Bass Player Victor Wooten, Rick James’ protégées- the Mary Jane Girls and former Stax Artist Sam Moore returned home to Soulsville for the first time in over 2 decades. Like a powerful surge, Stax Music Academy has become the sonar for today’s Soul Music Eclectic in calling out across the world in shaping not only the next generation of Soul Communicators, but the Soul Ambassadors of tomorrow.
Stax Music Academy has formally expanded into handling the music education for The Soulsville Charter School Middle School during the day and has expanded our SNAP Afterschool Program to providing private lesson opportunities with local artists and music professionals for all of our students to receive. In addition, the Academy will be facilitating routine community service and leadership development opportunities where all students will be required to participate in at least 2 workshops a semester. Parents, if your child has not signed up for our supplemental “Auxiliary Track”-4pm-5pm, 2 hours a week of training during their allotted ensemble days- please make this happen.
New Programming at SMA (SMA/TSCS)
The Stax Music Academy is so excited to team up with the Soulsville Charter School as we provide all Soulsville students with dynamic music education during the school day. With the TSCS Initiative, SMA staff is now teaching choir, ethnomusicology, percussion, strings and winds to the sixth, seventh and eighth graders here on our campus. We are so excited to reach even more students and prepare them to engage the world as musicians and soul communicators.
Also new this year, SNAP! Afterschool Program is offering various tracks prior to ensemble rehearsals. Students may choose to study dance, drama, guitar, keyboard, electronic music and various levels of studio production. Through the tracks programming, students are gaining the skills necessary to becoming well-rounded and effective performers.
Victor Wooten Workshop
On Tuesday, September 10, 2013, students of the Stax Music Academy (SMA) were treated to a master class with five-time GRAMMY Award-winning bassist, Victor Wooten. All student musicians were invited to participate and bass players got the rare opportunity to engage in a Q& A and jam with one of the world’s foremost players of the instrument. Wooten is a bass player, composer, author and producer. He has won the “Bass Player of the Year” award from Bass Player magazine three times in a row, and was the first person to win the award more than once.
Students who attended the workshop all agreed that it was inspiring.
SMA student Solomon Smith said about the workshop, “It was exciting and nice. The workshop inspired me to change my mindset on how I approach music.”
David McKenzie added, “The workshop was wonderful, it was the best workshop I have ever been to. It really touched my heart and inspired me to want more out of my guitar.”
Community Corner
SMA was represented at the Christian Brothers Career and Internship Expo. We were able to connect with 14 students interested in working/interning with SMA!
On Friday, September 27, the pilot run for private study provided instruction in voice, saxophone, bass guitar, and piano for about 20 students. The next private study date will take place after fall break.*
During the week of Sep. 30 to Oct. 4, the Senior Academy students had the opportunity to see two performances: the dress rehearsal for the opera “Rigoletto” at GPAC on Oct. 1 (thoroughly enjoyed by students and staff!); and “FABULATION: or the Re-education of Undine”, a theatre production at the University of Memphis on Oct. 4.
Starting Friday, Oct. 11 from 2:30-5:30, our students will join the UrbanArt Commission to paint a mural on the pink abandoned salon that faces Stax on McLemore. This project is scheduled be completed over four Fridays and is open to all SMA students.
Bridge Builders will lead two workshops for high schools students. We are eager to see where this opportunity will inspire our students to become a strong leader, at home and in the community.
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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.
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