COLLECTIVE
Vol. 1 Issue 1 | A PUBLICATION OF THE YOUNG MUSICIAN'S UNIVERSITY
T H E
YMU
2 0 2 1
M A R C H
YMU
GMG Academy of the Arts is now
The Young Musician's University Music Education Reimagined
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IN THIS ISSUE
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
We are so happy to be celebrating our 18th year of "Giving the Gift of Music!" In addition to our month-long celebration, we are debuting transitioning from our former newsletter format into a digital magazine format called the YMU Collective! This publication will highlight YMU Students, Staff, and other subjects of interest with contributions from our staff as well as YMU student writers. If you are a YMU student interested in contributing and being a part of the YMU Collective Team, please send me a message through your YMU Student Account. I would love to speak with you and get your insight. Please know that you do not have to be a local student to participate, we will have virtual connect meetings to discuss upcoming events and content.
06 Azaria Jenkins YMU Student Spotlight
08 The Campbell Brothers YMU Student Achievement
16 Tyné Angela YMU Alum Releases Joint Album/Novel
I hope that you enjoy our very first publication of the YMU Collective! Mrs. Gray Director, The Young Musician's University
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MARCH 2021
YMU
The Young Musician's University GMG Celebrates 18 Years and Gets New Name "Music Education Reimagined" We are so excited because March
We have adapted and evolved as the music
commemorates our 18th Anniversary of
education industry has progressed and new
"Giving The Gift of Music!" During this
technologies have come to the forefront.
month, there will be virtual masterclasses
This advancement has allowed us to offer
with special guest musicians and other
self-paced courses, live in-person classes,
activities, such as our YMU Fastest Hands
and live virtual classes to students across
Competition and our YMU Music Spelling
the nation as we continue to provide quality
Bee for all of our students. We will also be
music instruction to our young musicians!
launching our newest program, Little Music Since COVID-19, we have had tremendous Essentials, a live virtual piano class for
success in providing services beyond our
toddlers ages 4-6 with 24 available spots.
brick-and-mortar location. Through the use of technology, we are thrilled to be
In addition, GMG will be undergoing a name expanding our services to students change to our tagline, The Young
throughout the US. We are also extremely
Musician's University. This rebranding
excited that our identity and mission are
allows us to better communicate and reflect now reflected in our name, with the launch our values, goals, and commitment to our
of The Young Musician's University! We
students. The Young Musician's University
look forward to continuing our journey with
provides us with a unique identity that
our -- now YMU Parents and Students!
reflects who we are as a music school, "Music Education Reimagined."
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READ A RECENT ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN THE PANORAMA
YMU ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
HAPPY 18TH!
GMG, now known as The
Young Musician's University
YMU Student Exclusive Event Event Drum Student Exclusive
turns 18 and during the month of March will be celebrating 18 years of "Giving The Gift of Music!" YMU will be hosting
YMU Piano Student Exclusive Event Event YMU Student Exclusive
several events during the month of March to commemorate this amazing time! Be sure to check out the
YMU Student Exclusive Event
events and register to participate. Registration information can be found in your YMU Student Account or
YMU Student Exclusive Event
if you have any questions be sure to contact your instructor! Other events include: A Drum
YMU Vocal Student Exclusive Event
Clinic facilitated by Clyde Frazier III for YMU drum students only, a Drum Workshop presented by Mr.
Public Event Ages 14-18
Jenkins that will be open to any student in middle and high school as well as various virtual game competitions
YMU Student Exclusive Event
with a leaderboard of weekly winners! You can register for the events at www.ymu.eventbrite.com
Public Event Ages 14-18
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THE YOUNG MUSICIAN'S UNIVERSITY
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Azaria Jenkins
CONGRATS!!
Our student spotlights recognize students who are exceptionally demonstrating growth and musically excelling. We are so grateful to be associated with these fantastic students and their supportive parents! Again Congratulations Azaria! Keep up the great work!
ABOUTAZARIA
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I am an A/B Honor Roll 9th grade student at Spring Valley High School and in my personal time, I am also a fashionista who enjoys creating and styling trendy outfits. I have one little brother and one little sister with another little sister on the way. I am very passionate about my goals and I believe "No" is not the final answer because there are always alternate solutions. Music has always been a personal joy and very close to my heart. Besides singing I really love to write. On my musical journey writing has lead me to explore poetry and rapping. In the future, I look forward to a career as a singer/ songwriter working alongside seasoned professionals.
"Azaria has really shown some growth lately. She's been more consistent about practicing and she's doing great with retaining the information that we're learning about the voice. Her love for singing has her trying some new challenges, including singing in front of other people. She also came to our first virtual event for voice students and had everyone laughing at her Song Association answers. Azaria has really started to come out of her shell, and I'm proud to be her teacher." ~Kierra Gray, YMU Instructor
LITTLE music
Essentials Virtual Piano Class with an Award-Winning Curriculum designed for ages 4-6 Imaginative Live Instruction Custom Interactive Games
Begins April 12th
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CAMPBELL BROTHERS SELECTED FOR THE SCBDA JUNIOR CLINIC REGION BAND
If you've been around for a while, you may know the Campbell Brothers. They are YMU veterans who have been music students since they were 4 years old. These twins have played in talent shows together, auditioned for YMU events, and the SC Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. They are no strangers to the audition process from the sweaty palms to the sweet sounds of victory. Joshua and Jaden Campbell were recently selected for the South Carolina Band Directors Association Junior Clinic Region Band for percussion. Joshua (pictured to the left) has been selected and will be joined by his brother, Jaden (pictured on the right) as an alternate. Keep up 8
the great work and Congratulations!
Virtual
Spelling Bee March 20th @12pm - Elementary School March 20th @2pm - Middle/High School
Winners will receive $50 YMU Bucks! Redeemable in the YMUNation Merch Store!
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THE YOUNG MUSICIAN'S UNIVERSITY
THE SOUND OF MUSIC IN THE FILM INDUSTRY BY DIGBY
"The Sound and Music are 50% of the entertainment in a movie." -George Lucas Open to YMU Students March 30th @ 7pm Register at www.ymu.eventbrite.com 10
JERRY DIGBY IS A DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER OF BABY LION MEDIA LOCATED IN LOS ANGELES, CA
WHO IS DIGBY Baby Lion director and Co-Founder, Digby is a creative hyphenate that has collaborated with global brands, agencies, and entertainment studios across multiple mediums as a Director/ DP, photographer, editor, and artist. With a directorial range that spans from visual storytelling to dialogue, he is adept at connecting with talent in order to encourage strong, natural performances from celebrities, athletes, kids & real people. Digby has created work for brands such as Unilever, Sony, ESPN, MARVEL, FOX, Verizon, Nissan, University of Michigan, Audi, Infiniti, Hasbro, 20th Century Fox, Got Milk, ABC, Jimmy John’s, & Dark Horse Comics. Did we mention that Jerry Digby is Mrs. Gray's older brother? Be sure to register for his workshop as he discusses the role music plays in the Film Industry! 11
The Young Musician's University
VIRTUAL
Clinic
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31 @6PM
CONDUCTED BY
KIERRA GRAY SONG CRITIQUE, SONGWRITING TIPS AND MORE!
FREE & OPEN TO SONGWRITERS IN 6TH-12TH GRADE 12
KIERRA GRAY
Kierra Gray is a contemporary singersongwriter. She is often described as a storyteller through song. Kierra was selected as a 2018 National YoungArts Winner in the Voice/Singer-Songwriter discipline. She was flown out to Miami, Florida for a week of intensive masterclasses and performances. While there, she got to work with Tony awardwinning vocal coach and therapist, Joan Lader, and Grammy award-winning artist, Lisa Fischer. Gray also had the amazing opportunity to be mentored by the late, Grammy award-winning, Betty Wright.
find the song, "Look Straight Don't See," on her Youtube Channel and on the YoungArts Exhibition website. Kierra provided two original songs for the 2020 Korean documentary, currently in postproduction, Permission to Exist. Her debut single entitled "Kitty Kat," a female empowerment song about friendship and sisterhood, was released on International Women's Day, March 8th, 2020. She wrote her second single, "Slow Down," after witnessing the effects of the COVID pandemic causing a global standstill. Gray currently writes personalized songs for special occasions through the company Gray was chosen to write a song for the Songfinch, and she teaches piano, voice, National YoungArts Foundation's 2020 Fall and guitar at The Young Musician’s Art Exhibition, do it (home). You can University.
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clyde frazier III
drum clinic
REGISTER NOW!
AT UR SLOT BOOK YO E.COM REATSIT REALLYG
YMU
The Young Musician's University
MARCH 18TH AT 6PM
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Open to all YMU Drum Students
CLYDE FRAZIER III
REGISTER FOR THIS
AMAZING YMU DRUM
CLINIC TODAY!
HTIW CINILC MURD UMY
Performing Artist, Clinician, Adjudicate, Humanitarian, Student, and Fan all best describe the many hats in percussion that Clyde Frazier III wears. Growing up in a small town gave Frazier a host of optimism in a passion for music that he gravitated towards early. A native of Orangeburg, SC, Frazier played drums in school, churches, and community functions. Joining the concert, marching & jazz band is where Frazier began to understand that his abilities were worth sharpening with more knowledge as he entered and won scholastic awards on District, Regional, & All-State Levels. Earning a music scholarship, Frazier graduated from college (SCSU) with a degree in music. Throughout his tenure there he was able to make many connections through music which afforded him the opportunity to hold vast positions in percussion. Currently, Frazier is a scholastic behavior interventionist, adjudicator, and instructor. He is the founder & lead artist of #PartlyCloudy Live Band Entertainment. Frazier also has a private lessons studio, "Drums-R-Us." Drums-R-Us is currently hosting the longest-running drum clinic series, filled with amazing percussionists from different Drum Set, Marching, Concert, & World Percussion backgrounds empowering through percussive knowledge.
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YMU Alum Releases Joint Album/Novel
TYNÉ ANGELA FREEMAN Tyné Angela Freeman released a joint album/novel entitled The Sky Is Deeper Than The Sea. The album is available on digital streaming platforms, while the book is available for purchase on Amazon.com. Each song on the album corresponds to a chapter in the book. The narrative is set in the early 1900s, and the central character is a young woman who is migrating from Georgia to Harlem. The story follows her journey and explores key cultural phenomena of the era, including the Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance. This multimedia work brings together music and long-form literature in an innovative way. AMAZON
SPOTIFY
ITUNES
About Tyné is a vocalist, composer, and author. She graduated from Dartmouth College in 2017 with a degree in music. Tyné has released five independent records and has performed across the U.S. and internationally. She was a performer in the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage Series, a YoungArts national winner, and a finalist in the 2018 Independent Music Awards. Her recent adventures include participating in the International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music at Banff Centre, beginning studies at a conservatory in London, and publishing her debut novel. 16
presented by
YMU
DRUM WORKSHOP for young drummers ages 10-18 DEVEN JENKINS, YMU INSTRUCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN 6PM • 03.25.21
YMU
The Young Musician's University www.ymunow.eventbrite.com
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! t I d i You D CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS FOR PASSING THEIR YMU END OF COURSE ASSESSMENTS! Caelan King-McNeil - Piano Essentials 1B Justin Jr. Wheeler - Piano Essentials 2A Kalyn Johnson - YMU Drum Essentials 1A Liam Wallace - Piano Essentials 1B Michael Whack - Piano Essentials 1B Tamar Blue - Piano Essentials 1C Torren Trent - Vocal Essentials 1A Tylin White - Vocal Essentials 1B
5 SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS READY TO LEARN DRUMS 1. They can hold drumsticks 2. They have basic rhythm ability 3. They are motivated to learn 4. They have time to practice 5. They are mature enough to commit
YMU
The Young Musician's University
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803-728-3399 844-968-6691
YMU VIRTUAL TODDLER
MUSIC PARTY
RSVP BY 3/16
WED. MARCH 17TH AT 5:30PM JOIN YMU FOR A VIRTUAL TODDLER MUSIC PARTY FOR OUR YOUNGEST MUSICIANS AGES 4-6! COME READY TO DANCE, SING, AND PLAY! PARENTS RSVP REQUIRED!
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s s i m t ' n o D
the
r e n n o C a h c s i r A Arischa Conner is a multi-talented, vocal performer, musician, actress, writer, and director.
Wednesday, March 24th at 5pm For YMU Vocal Students Registration Required
YMU
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The Young Musician's University
ARISCHA CONNER YMU VOCAL MASTERCLASS CLINICIAN
Arischa, pronounced (Ah-rish-sha) Conner is a multi-talented, vocal performer, musician, actress, writer, and director. You can find Arischa in Maverick Movies international release of “Yesterday is Still Gone” as the character Sheila, on the nationally syndicated CBS Dreamteam show “Chicken Soup for the Souls Hidden Heroes”, Season 1 Ep. 1, and co-starring on the Hallmark Movie, Another Tango. Arischa has also been featured in commercials for Bojangles, the Georgia Lottery, as a principal in the ReadyCNA training mini-series, “The Residents,” as well as a voice-over artist in commercial ads for BiLo Southeastern Grocers, and the ReadyCNA training program (Cognotion Productions). Arischa divides her busy schedule to spend time with her daughter Dyneise and husband Craig. She makes sure that each performance she gives electrifies the audience and in doing so, has been very gracious with the talent God has given her. She is currently signed with JPervis Talent Agency and AGI Management in Atlanta, and Pantheon Talent in Los Angeles, California. To register for her Vocal Masterclass visit www.ymu.eventbrite.com
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YMU
The Young Musician's University
2003
2021
