By Mark D. Wender | Chief Operating Officer
The after school music program is scheduled for eight months (September – May) with an enrollment capacity of 60 students for the 2010-2011year. The Fall Semester started with a bang as students began the season with a starstruck performance at the AARP National Event & Expo Orlando@50+ (September 30th – October 2, 2010) in Orlando, Florida. Academy students performed as the backup band for legendary Stax Artist, William Bell, and Kirk Whalum, President and CEO of The Soulsville Foundation and world renowned saxophonist before an audience of more than 25,000 people!
While in Florida, students also performed at Disney World! When commenting on the students’ performance, this is what a Stax sponsor at Concord Music Group, Inc. had to say: “Exceeded is an understatement for how the Stax Academy students met our expectations...they (along with Mr. William Bell) brought an exuberant energy to AARP that is Stax personified. They went over great...my hat is off to you and to the students”- Jeff Spector, Product Manager.
Student Performances & Community Involvement Highlights (September – November 2010)
♪ Opening act for Booker T. Jones of ‘Booker T & The MG’s (Levitt Shell – Overton Park – Memphis)
♪ Ballet of Memphis ‘FUSE’ Workshop (Memphis)
♪ Lemoyne-Owen College Community Concert (Memphis)
♪ Goodwill Industries & Diversity Memphis’ 5k Walk (Memphis)
♪ Juvenile Court Centennial Celebration (Memphis)
♪ Valero Refinery Year End Review (Memphis)
♪ Habitat for Hope 5K Mud Race (Memphis)
♪ Huey Lewis Reception—CD Release & Signing (Memphis)
♪ Thomas & Betts, Inc. Holiday Kick-Off (Memphis)
♪ Stax Music Academy’s Winter Concert “Funk In The Soul” tribute to Wayman Tisdale; featuring George Duke, Kirk Whalum and Derek Allen (Rhodes College—McCallum Ballroom—Memphis)
In addition to our written report, please take a few moments to view photos taken at Disney World and of Huey Lewis during a performance with the Stax Music Academy students. 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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