february / march
upcoming events
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artistic director
SMA + tscs
All ABOARD THIS MEMPHIS TRAIN!
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justinmerrick Artistic & Operations Manager
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february program info
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FROM thE SOUL contact more info
Artistic Director Newsletter Report Twas the night before President’s day and all through our home, not an instrument was blaring not even a ‘bone’. The records were spun by the studio with care, in hopes that “real” music, soon would be there. The students saw visions of rounds of applause hands black and white, cheering the cause, with Stax in their kerchief and Soul in their cap, this Soooouuuuul Train kept movin’, ker-plat, ker-plat. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my office to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a flash tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below. When what to my wandering eyes should appear, Aretha then Rufus in 70’s, wait 80’s and 90’s gear...
Dear Parents, Supporters, Friends and Sponsors: It’s that time of year again. Time to reflect on culture, history and the very makings of “soul”. The very things that make Memphis so powerful. Don’t forget to purchase tickets and join on February 26th, for a Black History Month production sure to touch the soul!
ALL ABOARD... this Memphis Train “Peace, Love and Soulsville”
Soulfully Yours,
Stay tuned...
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justinmerrick
Artistic & Operations director
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programming
SMA@ TSCS We are making exciting changes in the structure of music education between the Stax Music Academy and the Soulsville Charter School.
sion-sharing between the administrative staffs of SMA and TSCS Middle School. As a result of our collaborations, the music education of TSCS has made dynamic changes for the better January saw the inception of at the start of this new year. SMA@TSCS After School Programming. Students throughout Eighth graders will receive muthe Soulsville Charter School sic instruction during the day in campus are learning brass band, either strings, winds, percuschoir, chamber strings and drum- sion or choral training in a repline from SMA instructors. TSCS ertoire-driven performance enhigh school students have the semble. They and the community opportunity to mentor and lead can look forward to a cumulative younger and less experienced performance in May. musicians under the tutelage of their instructors. We are thrilled with the opportunities for musiconstance cal excellence and student leadtscs program manager / ership. sma strings instructor
shepherd
We are pleased with the positive communication and mis-
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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.
fallsemesterreview by josiah taylor
I have been to many performances and workshops outside of Stax, but I really enjoyed the George Coleman Quartet workshop and concert. Being at Stax has taught me different things about the makeup of a good production/concert. Everything needs to be professionally done, especially the sound aspects of the concert. I really enjoyed the workshop that took place on Friday evening. Mr. Coleman was everything that I would expect from a down home, Memphis Saxophone legend. He was very kind and willing to show all of the saxophonists different techniques and exercises. He also answered every question with a straight forward answer. Usually professionals like to beat around the bush, but he was really straight forward. The concert was a very exceptional experience! I was able to walk to the front and talk to Mr. Coleman some more and even take photos with him. The only negative thing about the concert was the poor sound quality. The sound engineers didn’t have Mr. Coleman’s microphones turned up loud enough. He’s older than he was in his prime of playing, so his sound isn’t as loud as it used to be. I could barely hear his different runs and licks when he started playing. That was a bit of a disappointment for me. Thankfully, they got it together by the third song of the night. Overall, the George Coleman workshop was a great experience for a young saxophone player such as myself. I enjoyed the one on one opportunities of being at the workshop, and the ability to see such a great saxophonist perform. This was the prime example of good, professional musicians giving back to their community. I was able to learn so many different things and stories from one of Memphis’ own. I’d go again even if I had to pay out of my own pocket!
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sTUDENT
Alumni update! My name is
adrian
williams, and I’m in the second
semester of my freshman year at Rhodes College. I hope all is well at McLemore and College just as they are here at Parkway and University. (See what I did there?)
H
owever, masking your uniqueness will prevent you from being appreciated for your authentic self and, moreover, you will lose a sense of who you are rather
I am pleased to inform you that I am having a positive college experience so far. While I have been met with some challenges and speed bumps, what there has been to gain from being at Rhodes supersedes the inevitable frustration that will meet every freshman at any college.
be ready!
More importantly, what has proven to be the most valuable and helpful tool on my journey for higher education is, being true to who I am.
I
t is important to be open to new experiences, friends, and moral and ethical ideas, which you are bound to encounter.
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than gain that sense. This is counterproductive to one of the fundamental goals of life: self-actualization.
authenticity is one of the many virtues that i have learned to value during my time in SMA, and it translates in my life as an artist, a college student, and an individual.
All things considered, I am still involved in music. I am in an ensemble and I happen to have very talented and musical hall mates who I jam with religiously.
i feel right at home.
I hope that you all have an exceptional February and a great Black History Month Until next time... Sincerely,
adrianwilliams sma alumni -2013
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S
ley on trumpet. In addition to the live and silent auctions at the $150-per-person, sold-out gala, there was an online auction that started on January 2, 2014 and ran through the end of the event.
tax Music Academy and Memphis Grizzlies host 10th Annual Staxtacular Fund-raising event It was another banner year for Staxtacular Presented by SunTrust, the largest fund-raiser of the year for the Stax Music Academy.
N
ew to the event this year was Mobile Bidding, by Bidding for Good. All bidding for the silent auction was done via personal mobile devices.
Held this year on Saturday, January 18, 2014, this year was the
10th anniversary
for the event that debuted in 2004 with then-Memphis Grizzlies hosts Shane Battier and Brian Cardinal and their wives Heidi and Danielle.
S
ince its inception in 2004, Staxtacular has continued to grow and has netted close to
$1,000,000
Memphis Grizzlies’ guards Tony Allen, Mike Conley, and Quincy Pondexter hosted this year’s
"Suit Up and Play"
inspired event alongside other members of the team and coaching staff. sushi to sliders to Southern cuisine. Bourbon samplings and The local feel of Memphis’ rich awe-inspired desserts were adoration for blues and basket- also available at an open bar. ball was felt throughout the muse- The event also included complium where guests were treated to mentary valet parking, live and sia ‘World Tour’ buffet, featuring lent auctions, and a performance
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by the world-famous
Stax Music Academy.
Live music was also provided by Bo-Keys with Percy Wiggins, featuring Stax Records Howard Grimes on drums and fomer Bar-Kays member Ben Cau-
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for the Stax Music Academy. Final numbers aren’t in yet for this year’s event, but preliminary figures look great and the funds raised will go a long way to helping Stax Music Academy continue changing the lives of young people through the power of music.
timsampson
soulsville foundation communications director
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Musicians
of the month
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jr.academy instrumentalist
juliananderson Julian Anderson is coming into his own as a trumpet player at the Stax Music Academy. Through hard work and new found focus he has shown marked improvement on the instrument and his sound is becoming a staple of the Junior Academy horn section. Recently Julian has shown an aptitude for music theory in addition to his better understanding of the trumpet. If he continues to harness his focus, drive, and work ethic I am certain he will go very far within the walls of the Academy and far beyond.
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sr.academy
vocalist
amberkiner Fairly new to our program, Amber has made her mark in the academy debuting her sultry, soulesque vocal stamina for none other than Ricky Minor, who stopped by Stax to workshop the Academy. Amber serves as a section leader in Street Corner Harmonies and is a member of our newest Vocal Jazz Ensemble. But most of all, it is her pulling through in a clutch and showing up on the dime that allows for Amber to stick out amongst her peers. Tride and True...we salute Madame Kiner.
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sr.academy instrumentalist
dallasdodson Mr. Dodson is one of the Academy’s most versatile musicians. Dallas plays 1st trumpet in the Soulsville Jazz Ensemble, and lead guitar in the Rhythm Section. He has grown exponentially as a musician over the last 3 years, and has shown great leadership in helping younger musicians understand the high standards set in the Stax Music Academy. Mr. Dodson’s soulful/ rock & roll approach on guitar has etched his name in the Academy history books as another one of its fantastic guitarists, in the same vain as the legendary Steve Cropper. We congratulate Mr. Dallas Dodson on his achievements as he is Stax Music Academy’s January Musician of the Month.
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february follow
upcoming events Updated 9/30/13
October Sunday
2013
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
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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RS – Rhythm Section (with vocals)
SJE – Stax Jazz Ensemble
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bhm info
upcoming events
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community corner Congratulations
to all of the students who made the honor roll for the second quarter/trimester! Many of our students participated in the
West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra All West competition in November 2013.
The following students placed—congratulations from your Stax Family!
Kenneth Crawford
Due to the increased rehearsal and performance schedule in the month of January and February, private study and other community engagement events will commence after Spring Break.
Fourth Chair Blue Band Ensemble Trombone
Solomon Smith
Jazz Red Band Bass Guitar Calleesha Body—First Chair Wind Ensemble
Questions?
Contact: Melody Barham
melody.barham@staxmusicacademy.org
melodybarham
Community Engagement Manager
Calleesha body
First Chair Wind Ensemble
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soul
from
the
O
K, so you hit the lottery, or you signed that million-dollar contract with Doritos for the next 5 years of TV ads... or just fill in the blank (use your imagination)! Now you get to build that awesome dream crib and prove to all your peeps just how large you are now... OK maybe just as an investment?! Either way, I want you to list the first five things you must have in the new crib:___________, ___________, ___________, ___________, ___________. Awesome! Since I can’t see your list from here, allow me to mention the following: You can have all the 90” flatscreens with game systems and olympic-sized swimming pools and huge kitchens and drive-in closets (!) and 4-car garages and 4 Bentleys to park... but if you don’t have a firm foundation... It’s all going to sink into a huge mud whole! Sorry.
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Now... If you can imagine a career, a vocation that puts you in a position to influence and entertain and bless millions of people––like a Justin Timberlake or Kirk Franklin or a Beyonce or a Stevie Wonder... if you can dream that big; guess what, it’s actually possible. Will everyone accomplish this level of success? No. But it is absolutely possible. And even if you happen not to be the next Justin, you are well positioned, because of your tenure here at SMA (take my word on this), to experience and enjoy the fruits of a long, prosperous and prolific career in music (or whatever else you’re gifted and passionate to do). [I only have a 2-car garage, but boy am I happy! Remember what I told you: “Blessed is the person, not who has everything she wants, but wants everything she has.” I digress...] Here’s the question: Are you willing to invest the time, hard work, energy
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and sacrifice, at this stage, to build a solid, firm foundation?? How much whining and complaining do you do during long rehearsals or hard assignments, compared to the amount of sheer thankfulness to your God, your guardians, your instructors... for the privilege of building a firm foundation? No matter how grandiose the house, no matter all the cool stuff you buy to put in it, it can all be lost––very quickly I might add––if not built on a firm foundation. Trust me, you need that boring, laborious, tedious, hard concrete between your fly house and that hungry, muddy earth! • Quality of character • A solid work ethic • A spirit of community (“common unity”) • Generosity • Wisdom • Solid technique on your instrument (voice, etc.) • Thirst for reading, quiet time • Humility • Thankfulness...
fame, success and failure (think Justin Beiber and Whitney Houston and... long list)
Now is the time for you to embrace that “aha” moment where you realized that this stuff is actually hard work! Embrace it, and make it a part of your firm foundation for the future. And someday soon... invite us all over to the crib. -Mr. Whalum
kirkwhalum
soulsvile foundation chief creative officer
These things are the concrete you’re getting from your instructors here at SMA and elsewhere. They comprise a firm foundation, one that will stand the storms and tests of fortune and
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ON that
no e Hiie, my name is Tia Smith, I am in the 11th grade and I love playing violin because I loveseeing people smile when I play. That’s how I know they are having a good time.
TIAsmith TSCS-11th grade
"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...
I like to play the violin because it explains my emotions that I cannot put into words.
JANELHoward TSCS-11th 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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