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Staxular Greetings [READ MORE]
justinmerrick Artistic & Operations Manager
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Artistic Director Newsletter Report Staxular Greetings One and ALL! It is no secret that spring is my favorite season of the year. All of last years work in the practice room and academic arenas are in full bloom. This is the time of year when our Seniors spring forward to a new phase of life and our underclassmen step into leadership and carry the torch to becoming the next generation of Soul Communicators. College acceptances are rolling in and young imaginations are roaming wild. With Stax to the Max Street Festival fast approaching, the Soulsville community prepares for another blast of air-waves and song that carry the legacy of this community - We remind the world that soul has come home to be born again! Soulsville is overflowing with energy, as ArtsMemphis has recently named us as a part of their strategic plan in engaging the Memphis community with a more holistic and inclusive approach encouraging the local music scene to take root
in this historic community and create a new age and renaissance! The work that SMA staff is doing has caught national attention and leading me all the way to the front doors of Harvard. Not only was I proud to brag about the talent we possess in Memphis, but also about the pride we foster in preserving an international treasure. These lessons are evident in the daily labors of the foundation. Join the entire Soulsville Family in the land where music grows - Grows from our very souls for the 4th Annual
Stax to the Max
Saturday, April 26th from 11-7 PM
Enjoy an amazing line up featuring the Temprees, the Mad Lads, WIlliam Bell, Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, and young superstars of tomorrow, The Stax Music Academy!!!!
PRESENTS
& MAXIMUM FUN! APRIL 26TH, 2014 | 11:00AM - 7:00PM FREE ADMISSION TO FESTIVAL.
SPECIAL $2 ADMISSION TO STAX MUSEUM 11 - 5 P.M. *RAIN DATE - APRIL 27TH • 1:00PM - 7:OOPM
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FEATURING
FREE
STREET
FESTIVAL OUTSIDE
STAX
WILLIAM BELL
TONI GREEN
THE TEMPREES
DADDY MACK BLUES BAND
THE BO-KEYS FEAT. JOHN NEMTH & PERCY WIGGINS
THE MAD LADS
NO COOLERS PLEASE • BRING A LAWN CHAIR!
STAX MUSIC ACADEMY
926 E. McLEMORE | MEMPHIS, TN
AND SPECIAL GUEST OF
SAM & DAVE
SPONSORED BY:
Soulfully Yours in the Bond,
ALSO ENJOY
justinmerrick
SWINGTIME EXPLOSION
SAM MOORE
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT STAXMUSEUM.COM
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OF THE
Artistic & Operations director StaxtoMaxad10.5x10.5.indd 2
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4/7/2014 3:39:32 PM
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programming
SMA@ TSCS The students of The Soulsville cussion classes are preparing Charter school are blossoming students to perform together as spring kicks into full swing! on one stage. The eighth grade choir performed with a positive reception for The Soulsville Charter School’s Black History Program on February 28th. Led by director Jiana Hunter, the students beautifully led the school in the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.
You can hear both groups performing on May 13th for the TSCS Middle School Music performance. Save the date!
The eighth graders are preparing orchestral repertoire of western art music classics and R&B favorites. For the first time in The Soulsville Charter School, strings, winds and per-
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constanceshepherd
tscs program manager / sma strings instructor
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sTUDENT follow
Alumni update!
SMA Alum Alexis Cole, class of 2010, stopped by over spring break to catch up with the SMA students and staff and caught us up on how she has been doing since leaving Soulsville.
Alexis’ personal motto while attending Stax Music Academy (SMA) was that she considered herself ‘Humble and Hungry’. Humble in spirit and eager to take full advantage of the unique performance and learning opportunities presented to her as an SMA student. Alexis was an Alto Saxophone player in Stax Music Academy’s Soulsville Swing Band (SSB) Jazz Ensemble (now entitled the Soulsville Jazz Ensemble) and one of the only two females in the ensemble. While a student in the jazz ensemble, Alexis maintained high academic standards in Cordova High School as she balanced commitment and participation in Stax performances and to the ensembles’ rigorous curriculum while upholding her responsibilities to extra-curricula activities with her school band and her volunteer leadership ventures with various community organizations. Alexis expressed that she would always be grateful for being part of the legacy of Stax and appreciated being in an environment with other gifted musicians.
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Alexis is now in her final year in college where she is the reigning Miss University of Arkansas Pine Bluff and will graduate this Spring with a Bachelor of Science, Business Management degree. Some of her leadership roles while attending UAPB include: Miss Junior 2012 - University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (UAPB); Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Inc.-Chair of Arts and Letters – Step Master; Member of UAPB Student Government Senate 2010-2012; Executive Board Member of the Youth United Way of the Mid-South; Recipient of the Essence of a Woman – Black Girls Rock Award. Among her accomplishments are Memphis NAACP ACT-SO Gold Award Winner and Recipient of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Miss Congeniality and Most Talented Award. Fall 2010 – Spring 2013 Exclusive Female Saxophonist of the legendary UAPB Jazz Ensemble. Recently, Alexis participated in “Shoes for Africa”, a campus-community wide fashion show event. It was extremely successful. She collected over 500 pairs of slightly worn shoes and a national shipper is assisting her in the delivery of the items. We wish Alexis the best of luck with the rest of what promises to be a promising career!
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Currently, I am a senior at Middle Tennessee State University majoring in Political Science with minors in African American Studies and Speech & Theater. On May 11th, I will be traveling to Cape Town, South Africa for three weeks. I will be graduating in August. I am planning to attend graduate school and get my master’s in Non-Profit Management.
I got involved with Stax the summer before my 9th grade year in high school (I think it was 2006). During my time with the Academy, I had some extraordinary opportunities. Two opportunities in particular that come to mind are the 2008 Summer Soul Tour to Australia and my participation in the Berklee 5 Week Summer Program.
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Stax is an organization that is very dear to my heart because it helped to make me a well-rounded individual. I was exposed to a world of possibility that some people only dream about. Last summer, I served as the program coordinator for the Stax Music Academy Alumni Band.
amberrobinson SMa alumna - c/o 2010
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On Wednesday, February 26, 2014,
Stax Music Academy
got out their platform shoes, afro wigs, and bellbottoms as they performed
at Minglewood Hall in celebration of Black History Month. Based on the famed television show Soul Train and inspired by the book Love, Peace and Soul! The Behind the Scenes Story of America’s Favorite Dance Show: Soul Train by Ericka Blount Danois, the Stax Music Academy’s “Peace, Love and Soulsville” was an original musical complete with live music, dancing, and retro-era costumes.
The impetus of this year’s show, according to Soulsville Foundation Communications Director Tim Sampson, was the Stax Museum of American Soul Music brining in Danois for a signing when her book was released in October 2013. “Soul Train played a large part in the success of taking so many Stax Records acts to a national audience in the early 1970s that we thought it was a perfect fit to have Ericka come for an event at the Stax Museum,” he said. “I think we all got a bit of Soul Train fever and it just made sense for the Stax Music Academy to ‘get on board’ and keep up the momentum.”
With generous funding from Laurelwood Shopping Center and ArtsFirst First Tennessee Foundation, SMA was able to perform for approximately 1,600 young people at no charge in two shows, and the ticketed evening event drew a crowed of approximately 1,000 people.
Danois (Picured below) was SMA’s guest at the evening performance of the event. "I had no idea it
would be anything like this,"
she said afterward. “How can we take his to the national stage?”
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timsampson
soulsville foundation communications director
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Musicians
of the month
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jr.academy instrumentalist
rodneym ckinner sr.academy
vocalist
helenajones
When I first encountered Rodney McKinner I had no idea that he would become such a force on the keyboard. He has stepped up to every musical plate we have served him and I could not be prouder. His tremendous increase in skill level has translated into a newfound outgoingness that has helped him build a great rapport with his peers. When working with the Junior Academy I cannot wait to see what exciting contribution Mr. McKinner will come up with. He has found the path to unlocking his potential and as of now it seems endless. I hope he proves me right!
Helena recently joined the Street Corner Harmonies. It is her quiet disposition that often can be misleading as she packs a powerful punch when it comes to discipline and leading from behind. Ms. Jones continues to step outside of her comfort zone in nurturing her gift as a vocal musician. Her humility makes her an obvious selection for any ensemble and her poise and grace make her a pleasure to be in company.
special spotlight
Hello Stax Music Academy friends and family, from the desk of First, I want to congratulate all of the students in the Academy for their hard work leading up the Black History Month the instrumental director program “Love, Peace, and Soulsville” and for the outstanding show that they put on. I would also like to thank the parents for their scheduling and traveling sacrifices to have their kids on time and ready to work. Lastly, I would like to congratulate the staff for its sacrificial work ethic, great attitude, and professional approach to the execution of the master plan. The “Stax Team” was on fire, and had the students well prepared to put on what was called by many as “The Greatest Show We’ve Ever Done.”
paulm ckinney
I usually use this space to lift up the accomplishments of one of the students, but this time I would like to share a personal and professional career highlight for me. Kirk Whalum and I accompanied 5 instrumental students from the Stax Music Academy to Royal Studios and participated in the filming of the documentary “Take Me To The River” in the fall of 2011. “Take Me to the River” is a feature film celebrating the inter generational and inter racial musical influence of Memphis in the face of pervasive discrimination and segregation. The film brings multiple generations of award-winning Memphis and Mississippi Delta musicians together, following them through the creative process of recording a historic new album, to re imagine the utopia of racial, gender and generational collaboration of Memphis in its heyday. The film features Terrence Howard, William Bell, Snoop Dog, Mavis Staples, Otis Clay, Lil P-Nut, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Yo Gotti, Bobby Rush, Frayser Boy, The North Mississippi All-Stars and many more. The Academy students were paired with William Bell, Lester Snell, and Skipp Pitts, to perform “Knock On Wood” and “I Forgot To Be Your Lover”. Last month as a part of the promotional tour I received a call to play trumpet at the South by Southwest Music/Film festival in Austin, Texas with a group of legendary All-Star musicians from Hi-records as a member of the house band that played behind all of the previously mentioned artists excluding Mavis Staples and Charlie Musslewhite. My picture with Snoop Dog is still on Facebook. Needless to say, I had a great experience, and another great story to tell the academy students of what happens when opportunity meets preparedness. I was up to the challenge, and look forward to many more great musical opportunities in the very near future. the instrumental music department would like to honor the hard work and commitment to stax music academy’s instrumental ensembles to
Mr. christian dukes for outstanding personal growth and leadership.
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upcoming events
April 2014 Sunday
Monday
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Thursday
april
1 Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
3
INSTRUMENTALISTS: Drop off: at STAX - 3pm Pick-up: at STAX - 9:15pm VOCALISTS: Drop-off: at 1015 S. COOPER 4pm Pick-up: at 1015 S. COOPER 7:30pm
Pick-up at STAX 8pm 7 Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
8 Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
5
W.C. Handy Doc. Benefit Concert and Filming (RS & SCH)
Drop-off at STAX 4:30pm
6
Saturday
4
Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
Peabody Skyway Performance (SCH)
9 Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
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Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
Morgan Stanley Reception feat. Carla Harris (VJAZZ &RS) Drop-off: at STAX 4:30pm Pick-up at STAX: 8:15pm 13
14 Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
15 Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
16 Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
Facing History Recording (RS w/selected vocalists)
4:30-7pm 20
21 Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
22 Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
23 Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
24 Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
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Stax to the Max (RS,JR, SJE, and VJazz) 9am-8pm
Laurelwood Concert (RS) 6-8pm 27
28 Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
29 Jr. Academy Premier Percussion
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30 Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
Rhythm Section
SCH – Street Corner Harmonies
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2 Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
Friday
Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
RS- Senior Rhythm Section
JR – Junior Academy
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VJAZZ – Vocal Jazz
SJE- Jazz Ensemble
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upcoming events
May 2014
May 2014
esday
Sunday Friday
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r Harmonies
1
Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
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14
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may
7
Monday Saturday 2
Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
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Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
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Jazz Band Street Corner Harmonies
Jr. Academy Premier Percussion Rhythm Section
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11 16 SMA Wrap Up Concert/Showcase 7-9pm
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Sunset Symphony (SCH) TBD
SMA Wrap Up Concert/Showcase 7-9pm
Sunset Symphony (SCH) TBD
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*Programming May 2nd. However we will schedule rehearsals during the week of May 5th and May 12th in e rehearsals during the week of May 5thofficially and Mayends 12th in preparation for the SMA Wrap-up Concert.
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community corner Community Corner: Students in the Spotlight! We’ve asked each of our seniors to let us know when they’ve been accepted into colleges and when they receive scholarships. Let’s take a moment to share some of our students’ achievements: Taylor Barksdale has been awarded the Pat Gill Scholarship by the Omicron Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She performed a comedic monologue called “The Roller Coaster” featuring the character Roxy. She also sang Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It. She also won the Best Essay and received $2,500 to the college of her choice.
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demic honors award of $5,500/ year from Savannah College of Art and Design; the BSU scholarship from Xavier University for $52,000, and other awards, culminating into an additional $22,000, over the course of 4 years. Hendrix College has also rewarded Miss Ivory an academic scholarship for $7,000/ year and a “Odyssey Distinction” award for $12,000/year. Helena Jones has been awarded $8,000 through the Renaissance Scholarship from Bethel University. David Pruitt has been awarded $14,500 through the Renaissance scholarship from Bethel University.
Leah Buckley has received a Renaissance Music Scholarship for a full tuition amount of $24,496/ year from Bethel University.
Karlos Stevison has been awarded $9,000 through the Renaissance scholarship from Bethel University.
Alandria Ivory is the recipient of several scholarship awards, including the Excel Scholarship from Union University; an aca-
Josiah Taylor has received $14,000 scholarship from Oakwood University, as well as a $10,000 Renaissance scholar-
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ship from Bethel University. From Fisk University comes a $10,000 Academic scholarship; from Rust College, Mr. Taylor has been rewarded a scholarship in the amount of $12000/year. Jarveous Williams has received the Renaissance scholarship from Bethel University in the amount of $26,000. Congratulations to all of Stax Academy Seniors and their future endeavors! Additional achievers: Brenae Johnson won the Maestro Award in a singing competition in New Orleans on March, 29 2014. She competed in the solo category. Sing, Brenae!
melodybarham
Community Engagement Manager
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Wha... what did he just say? Did Mr. Whalum just use the word nude??!! I think I feel sick. So for 43 years now I’ve been pursuing the saxophone. But recently, after my first vocal lesson with Mr. Merrick (yes at 55 I am still trying new things!), I had to confess that in many ways I’m also guilty of hiding behind the saxophone! My whole career really is about being a “frustrated singer” with an instrument! It’s why some, including the great Luther Vandross, have said that I play “like a singer.” SINGING- that ultimate art form, the ultimate instrument, used now for millennia, to communicate to the masses through melody & lyric. Alongside the drums of W. Africa, the human voice is unparalleled in its range and dynamic power. And it didn’t take me long to realize that people relate to my actual voice on a completely different level compared to my horn. In other words, if you’re an instrumentalist, you should be nudging up to your singer friends right now and asking for some advice! Breathing technique, diaphragm support, opening the throat, etc.
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My nephew, Kameron, proved in no uncertain terms that being a decent singer only adds to your appeal as a great musician. Many of us cheered him on when he took the Super Bowl stage with the irrepressible Bruno Mars! Not only does Kameron take his playing extremely seriously (try playing in one of the classical or jazz ensembles at The New School in NYC... no joke) but he also dances and sings with the best of them. It was so cool of him to stop by to share with you guys!
So go forth singers, even the ones like me who hide behind instruments! Now’s the best time to conquer the fear of that “nude” feeling in front of a gawking audience! You’ll be a better, more empathetic person for it.
kirkwhalum
soulsvile foundation artist - in- residence
Point? It takes a different kind of courage to stand in front of people, open your mouth, and “sang.” We won’t even mention all the work that goes into it! But it sure can feel like you’re standing there naked! And guess what: the more vulnerable the better when it comes to sharing your gift with the world. When we’re vulnerable we tend to trust God for the result, rather than trusting completely in our own abilities. Remember, the best art is made through that grand collaboration with the Divine. Talent (gift) + work = awesome.
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ON that
"Precussion is a fun class to be in because, you get to let your talent come out and express your feelings about music”
no e Kaylin received the highest honor in her category as a Superior in the West Tennessee Solo and Ensemble competition representing Bolton High School. Kaylin is also a vocalist in the SMA Junior Academy.
SNAP POINTS!
SMa jr. academy-9 grade
1. Which Soulsville employee writes for the Memphis Flyer, and what was their last article on?
kaylinfields th
Answer each question correctly and receive bonus point towards your progress! Student with the most points wins a prize! Good Luck!
2. This soulful staff member was formerly known as DJ “Big Stu” on a radio station in Boston...
Leah is a senior at Whitehaven High School received Superior in the All West, Solo & Ensemble Competition. She also received a full ride to Bethel University for their Vocal Renaissance Program.
leahbuckley
SMA sr. Academy - 12th grade
3. SMA has a performance on June 14th at the Botanic Garden, which Soulsville employee has a sister that works there? TIP: Think outside the circle! You may not see these employees every day, but they are always there!
Students must answer all three questions to receive full credit, and submit by EMAIL to Ms. Kasey by March 28th kasey.price@staxmusicacademy.org.
SMA STAFF Justin Merrick
Artistic & Operations Manager Adrianna Christmas
Operations & Program Manager Junior Academy / Vocal Instructor Paul McKinney
Instrumental Music Director / Jazz Studies Coordinator Leona Johnson
Family Resource & Office Manager Melody Barham
Community Engagement Manager Constance Shepherd
TSCS Program Manager / SMA Strings Instructor Terrilyn Douglas
Program Coordinator / Voice Coach Choreographer Victor Sawyer
Woodwind & Brass Coordinator Lenora Green
Artist in Residence; Lemoyne Owen & Stax Music Academy Mary Robinson
Program Assistant Darryl Pruitt
Junior Academy Instrumental Instructor / Beginning Guitar Track Instructor
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926 E. Mclemore Ave. memphis, TN 38106 901-946-2535 staxmusicacademy.org info@staxmusicacademy.org @staxacademy
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