december / january
upcoming events
decemberjan uary february
from the
artistic director
SMA + tscs
Seasons Greetings! SMA has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season!
Full of soul
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justinmerrick Artistic & Operations Manager
a Napa Cafe event! [READ MORE]
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Artistic Director Newsletter Report Seasons Greetings!
Dear Parents, Supporters, Friends and Sponsors:
tunities across the city including Opera Memphis, University of Memphis and Rhodes, SMA is paving the way for young Memphians and musicians across the city to buy into the vision where music is not a collateral force of change but rather a supplemental solution designed to scaffold success for tomorrow. Success for Memphis.
The Academy continues to spread its wings in realization of the dream, as we continue our journey of the Soul Eclectic. Our young superstars have turned it up a few notches in their music and life studies! With our new initiative in helping provide private instruction for students on their primary instruments, leading the charge for youth involvement in The Grammys, leadership building with Bridges and several community engagement oppor-
In the past month, New York blogger Souleo, Robert Gordon, author of Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion, former lead singer of Bad Company Paul Rodgers, and several band-members from the camps of both Justin Timberlake and India Arie recently took note of the power of the Academy in their visits to our campus and, as they understand the tremendous responsibility and the gift the Academy is to the world, our mission
stax music
academy has much to be
thankful for this holiday season !
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becomes solidified in the fabric of their voice. In the spirit of our upcoming Black History Month production, and in the words of Don Cornelius, it is “with love, peace, and soul� that we forge into the holiday season. Soulfully Yours,
justinmerrick
Artistic & Operations director
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programming
SMA@ TSCS The collaboration between the Stax Music Academy and The Soulsville Charter School has had an awesome impact on the breadth of artistic development for the students of TSCS. Students are learning not only instrumental technique, but also history, culture and independent artistry. TSCS administrative staff has partnered with SMA to provide SMA teachers with training in curriculum development and instructional implementation, further strengthening the quality of education afforded to TSCS students, and bolstering the professional relationships on the Soulsville campus.
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As we end our first semester of joint-campus collaboration, we are looking forward to undertaking further professional development and the continuation of our soulful heritage here at Stax. SMA would like to welcome percussionist Michael Todd to our staff. Mr. Todd is an alumnus of Rhodes College and a member of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Grizzline. He teaches 6th through 8th grade percussion at TSCS and leads SMA’s Premier Percussion. Welcome to Soulsville, Mr. Todd!
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constanceshepherd
tscs program manager / sma strings instructor
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sTUDENT follow
This section of the Newsletter is all about the students. Allowing them to share what they’ve learned, how they feel. It’s a “letter to the editor” column if you will - giving them a voice in the publication that is, infact, all about them! SMA students had the opportunity to see several performances this semester. They were instructed to write a critique discussing what they learned, what they enjoyed, and what they did not enjoy. Here are two critiques from Tiffani Toombs and Reginald Hawkins.
myrigolettoreview by tiffani toombs
I learned a lot from the amazing production “Rigoletto.” I learned many vocal and theatre techniques from this opera like “floating”. The production itself was groundbreaking and a true treat. To begin with, Rigoletto was a true treat because it had an excellent combination of vocals and theatre. I experienced a new technique for both music and theatre. I learned about [“floating”], which means that a person can stick with a note, but still be able to be back off the note. This technique was used throughout the production several times especially by the main character. Furthermore, Rigoletto extended my knowledge of operas and blew my expectation. I expected Rigoletto to be long and not interesting, but this immediately changed right when the opera began. Rigoletto was a treat to me because it was like nothing else that I had experienced before. In conclusion, Rigoletto was a groundbreaking performance that truly opened my eyes to the world around me. This experience helped me discover a new love for opera.
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ms.lenora Green'srecital by tReginald Hawkins
On November 19, 2013, a Stax staff member named Ms. Green had a recital. The recital was held at Lane Music Store. A handful of students and friends came to support her. Ms. Green is a very talented person and has traveled across the world. She is an instructor for the Stax SNAP After School Program and is an opera singer. Everybody waited a while to let her prepare to sing. When she came out another lady (Jennifer Olander) came out to accompany her singing. When Ms. Green started to sing it sparked the whole room. In her singing I could tell she had really put her time in her music because she didn’t seem nervous and she knew her material. She and Ms. Olander together made the performance fierce. Three things that I recognized about Ms. Green in her performance are that she had good posture, confidence, and breathing technique. The reason I noticed her posture is because when singing it is good to be grounded and have your body relaxed so you can breathe. When she was singing she had a lot of confidence. It looked like she was really stepping out of her shell. One thing that she did well was breathing, which is important when singing. When singing you breathe form your diaphragm so you can support your sound. Singers who need some tips on their singing should see the wonderful Ms. Green.
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sTUDENT
on new programming
Hello! My name is Angel Bynum and ever since I was 8, I have wanted to play the cello. In Ms. Shepherd’s class, we are learning, with our instruments, to play “Believe” from the movie Polar Express. Everyone is doing incredibly well and it’s all because of Ms. Shepherd. She’s an awesome music teacher who makes the music fun, enthusiastic, and easy to learn and play. I love how she congratulates us on our mistakes and accomplishments. This brightens up my day. Thanks Ms. Shepherd!
ANGELBynum , TSCS-8th grade
My name is Ravyn Carico and I’m in the 8th grade orchestra class. All my life I’ve seen my dad and brother play guitars. I tried to learn, but that didn’t really go too well. When I saw there was a strings class, I really wanted to join. I had high expectations, but they were met! My teacher, Ms. Shepherd, does an amazing job at teaching. She knows when to be funny, she knows when to be serious, and she understands us. I have a long way to go on the cello, but I have learned a lot considering the short time we have had.
RAVYNcarico , TSCS-8th grade
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ONovember 17th and 18th, food,
raise money for the Stax Music Academy
wine, music, fun, and fund-raising all came together when Rusty Pruhum and Glenda Hastings of Nape Cafe hosted the second annual Heart Full of Soul multi-sensory event benefiting the Stax Music Academy (SMA) at the East Memphis restaurant.
ALl year long. Just some of the food and song
pairings at the dinner were: The Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There” served with steamed mussels, fragrant “Ambrosia” broth, apple & fennel salad; Sam & Dave’s “You Don’t Know What You Mean To Me” served with duo of homemade ravioli, butternut squash/Manchego & lobster/ fresh herbs, hazelnut brown butter; and Rufus Thomas’ “Do the Itch & Scratch Part 1” served with smoked & grilled venison medallion, black olives, tricolored potatohash, roasted mushroom sauce.
The event, which sold out both nights
at $145 per person, began with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception and silent action, followed by a six-course dinner paired with six wines and eight Stax songs Rusty carefully chose. During the dinner, students of SMA performed live during each course to thunderous applause and a final standing ovation.
The final numbers aren’t in yet,
but we fully expect it to exceed last year’s $13,000. Big thanks to Rusty, Glenda, Trey, and the his year Napa Cafe partnered with Trey Busch from Sleight of Hand (SofH) Cellars in Walla Wal- whole gang at Napa Cafe. la, Washington to create two Napa Cafe house wines that were introduced at the dinner and are available to purchase at the Wine Market, Stellar Cellar, Buster’s, and Party Mart in Jackson, Tennessee to tim
T
sampson
soulsville foundation communications director
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Musicians
of the month
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jr.academy
vocalist
zalissastewart
vocalist
kylergilke Kyler has “it” - a Street Corner Harmonies Vocalist veteran, our youngest member with the oldest soul and a genuine heart. Kyler’s unassuming leadership single handedly helps raise the bar of the Stax Music Academy. As section leader, member of Vocal Jazz Ensemble and enterprising leadership off campus, he is an up and coming community sensation. It is his commitment, humility and love for soul music that shines through with his every note, but it is his smile, charm and winning old- school vocals that win the audience every time. We salute Sir Gilke, Soul Child of Stax!
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instrumentalist
jaylonbrown This month we at Stax Music Academy would like to salute Jaylon Brown. This young bass player always brings a genuine enthusiasm to every Junior Academy rehearsal and performance. This energy is evident in his groovy bass lines and joyful demeanor. In addition to his wonderful vibe Mr. Brown has shown tremendous effort in pursuit of greater musical ability. Jaylon routinely inquires about the structure and theory behind the music and has attended various enrichment activities including a workshop/performance by Memphis legends George Coleman and Harold Mabern hosted by Rhodes College. He is truly a positive force and gift to the Stax Music Academy!
Zalissa Stewart has been a consistent leader in Junior Academy this year. When it comes to teaching new harmonies, choreography, or lyrics, Zalissa is always engaged and willing to help her classmates. She is also becoming ‘stage savvy.’ Whether it is a faulty microphone or forgotten lyrics she always comes right in the nick of time. Her amazing voice and musicianship is growing daily, and we cannot wait to see her stage presence grow next semester.
sr.academy
jr.academy
sr.academy instrumentalist
anthonymoore We are proud to announce Anthony Moore Jr. as the Musician of the Month. Mr. Moore has shown tremendous growth and maturity in both the academic classroom (Principals list @ The Soulsville Charter School) and on the baritone saxophone in the Stax Music Academy’s Soulsville Jazz Ensemble.
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december
upcoming events Updated 9/30/13
October Sunday
2013
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
2
3
Saturday
4
Philanthropy Group (SJE) 8:15 –
5
9pm
6
FALL BREAK
7
FALL BREAK
FALL BREAK
8
FALL BREAK
9
10
FALL BREAK
11
Hilton Day of Service (SCH)
South MEMFIX (RS) 4-5pm
4PM
12
ALL STUDENTS MUST BE PRESENT!!!
13
14
15
16
20
21
22
23
17
18
19
25
26
Ethan Bortnick - GPAC (RS) Meat me In Memphis (RS)
27
30
31
Halloween NO PROGRAMMING
SCH – Street Corner Harmonies
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Wednesday
1
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RS – Rhythm Section (with vocals)
SJE – Stax Jazz Ensemble
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jan uary
upcoming events
Updated 9/30/13
October Sunday
2013
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
2
3
Saturday
4
Philanthropy Group (SJE) 8:15 –
5
9pm
6
FALL BREAK
7
FALL BREAK
FALL BREAK
8
FALL BREAK
9
10
FALL BREAK
11
Hilton Day of Service (SCH)
South MEMFIX (RS) 4-5pm
4PM
12
ALL STUDENTS MUST BE PRESENT!!!
13
14
15
16
20
21
22
23
17
18
19
25
26
Ethan Bortnick - GPAC (RS) Meat me In Memphis (RS)
27
30
31
Halloween NO PROGRAMMING
SCH – Street Corner Harmonies
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Wednesday
1
book
RS – Rhythm Section (with vocals)
SJE – Stax Jazz Ensemble
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community corner
On November 19th the SMA Students
"My beloved... My fire"at Lane Music. This
attended
recital was the Memphis debut for SMA Artist-in-Residence Lenora Green. Soul Council Vice President Amanda Porterfield presented flowers to Ms. Green on behalf of the SMA student body after a riveting performance. (see photo on left)
WinslowDynasty
held a masterclass for SMA students on Friday, October 25. Mashica and Dontae Winslow produce, songwrite, arrange sing, and play for the likes of Jill Scott, MaryMary and Justin Timberlake. Not only did they give insight in being professional artists, they encouraged students to always give back and know that anything is possible if one is willing to work hard. (see photo below)
George Coleman & harold Mabern, jazz
legends and native Memphians, held a clinic and concert at Rhodes College on November 22nd and 23rd. Twelve SJE and Vocal Jazz students attended.
Upcoming events 2nd Annual Stax Music Academy Lock- in is scheduled for Friday, December 20th and Saturday, December 21st Midnight Jam Session, Christmas Caroling, and much more!
Neighborhood Christian Center: “Out of the Box”
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poned until next semester.
private lessons
Will resume after Winter Break If you have any questions about these events, you may contact Melody Barham via email at melody. barham@staxmusicacademy.org.
I Love Memphis Stax Mural Eight SMA students participated in completing The UrbanArt Commission murals across from the Stax Museum. (see photos below)
SMA is collaborating with Neighborhood Christian Center to offer College Prep to 6-12th grade students. “Out of the Box” is a Christian based college prep program that will take place on two Saturdays out
of every month from January to April. Transportation, breakfast and
lunch will be provided. Students can receive a cash incentive for attendance and students will also be able to apply for scholarship money for college from NCC.
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The Bridge Builders Workshop has been post-
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melodybarham
Community Engagement Manager
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ON that
no e The instrumental music department will send several students to participate in the All-West Tennessee tryouts January 11, 2014 for both Concert Band and Jazz Band. Hundreds of students from the Western part of Tennessee will audition to make these honor bands at Jackson Central Merry High School in Jackson, Tennessee. Jasmine Leavy (11th grade viola/ The Soulsville Charter School) has already placed in the High School Orchestra auditions that were held earlier, and we anticipate having several more after the next round of auditions on January 11th. Blessings,
paulmckinney
Instrumental Music Director / Jazz Studies Coordinator
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"Precussion is a fun class to be in because, you get to let your talent come out and express your feelings about music”
SNAP POINTS!
Answer each question correctly and receive bonus point towards your progress! Student with the most points wins a prize! Good Luck! 1. Which Soulsville employee writes for the Memphis Flyer, and what was their last article on? 2. This soulful staff member was formerly known as DJ “Big Stu” on a radio station in Boston... 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 Jan. 29th kasey.price@staxmusicacademy.org.
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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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