Guest Blog Post: Devin Johnson, HSA Board of Directors

Yesterday, my daughter Carys and I had the privilege to attend a special event featuring the works of Ezra Jack Keats at the Jewish Museum in partnership with the Harlem School of the Arts (HSA). As an HSA board member, I'm admittedly a novice when it comes to the arts, but extremely passionate about providing artistic outlets for our children...but an event featuring the works of one my daughter's favorite book, Snowy Day could not be missed. There is a lot of debate on the value of arts education, but when you attend an event like I attended on Sunday, the doubt just disappears. We walked in to the museum to see a wonderful reading area for kids to hang out and read or for parents to read to their kids. As you can see from my photo, Carys took this opportunity to ask me to read Snowy Day to her...again.

From the reading area, we went into the auditorium which was absolutely buzzing with activity. Children from all ages and hues where all creating collages in the spirit of Keats' work. The room was just on fire...so much creativity, so much happiness in one place. I loved it. The mural created by the HSA Visual Arts department was amazing and the theater group did a masterful job of recreating 3 of Keats' work. All in all, a great Sunday and well worth missing football for the day.

Thanks to the Jewish Museum for hosting such a wonderful event and congratulations to the Harlem School of the Arts for harnessing the talent of such amazing kids.

The Harlem School of the Arts is participating in the Pepsi Refresh Project...please vote for them to receive a grant to extend art training to NYC Public Schools. Vote for HSA at http://www.refresheverything.com/hsanyc.

HOW TO: Bring Music Education to Underprivileged NYC Children [tutorial]

Want to help expose over 1,000 children to the arts? All you have to do is vote once a day for The Harlem School of the Arts' Pepsi Refresh project. It's free for you to vote and if they win, HSA will receive $25,000 to empower students through the arts. Voting is really easy and will only take you about 30 seconds.

1. Go to http://www.refresheverything.com/hsanyc

2. Click on the "Vote for This Idea" button.




3. Sign in using your Facebook account. If you don't have a Facebook account, then you can create a Pepsi Refresh account.




4. Congrats! You voted! If you have social accounts on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, etc, then please share this Pepsi Refresh page with your friends.




5. If you want to tweet, then don't forget to /cc your Twitter friends and favorite celebrities. You never know. Just one celebrity retweet could turn the tables and help our project win.




5. Please come back tomorrow and vote again! You can vote once a day between now and November 30th.

6. Thank you!!! Give yourself a pat on the back. Let's win this for the kids!

Part III - TeenARTS Campers Express Themselves - Show Tonight!

In this final installment, two campers will share their love of theatre and dance. See more from the campers at their end of camp show called "Express Yourself" TONIGHT at 7:30pm at the HSA Theatre.

Meet: Gabrielle Newland- Babson and Jazz Jones
Theatre and Dance at HSA TeenARTS Summer Intensive


Gabrielle Newland- Babson, Age 13

HI! My name is Gabby and I have been attending the Harlem School of the Arts TeenARTS this summer. My fellow campers and I are taking many different art classes such as theater. Theater is one of my favorite classes because it forces you to think in terms of using your mind and your body to be/create another character. It also challenges us to use our emotions to become or act out one of our own creations.

Mr. Willie Teacher (our theater teacher) has been working with us. He has us play many different theater games such as the question game. We form two lines that become two teams. There will be two people facing each other, asking random questions and when one of the two people run out of questions to ask (hesitates) that person will go to the end of the line of the person that did not hesitate (the winner). Games such as this help us develop better improvisation skills, thinking on the spot. They also help us become better actors and/or become more interested in the idea of acting and performing on stage. Theater, as well as other art classes, will be in the final camp show called “Express Yourself”. It’s on August 11, 2011 at 7:30pm in the HSA Theater.

Jazz Jones, Age14

My Name Is Jazz Lauren Jones and I LOVE to dance. Dancing is a natural sport for me and it helps me escape any problems that I may be having that day. Dance is a great thing to do because you can never be wrong and creativity is the key. I've been dancing since I was three years old and when I get older I would like to become a choreographer and a professional dancer just like Laurie Ann Gibson and Debbie Allen. My inspirations are the Alvin Ailey American Dance Company, The Dance Theater of Harlem and of course The Harlem School of The Arts. I am a part of The Summer TeenARTs Summer Intensive Camp at HSA.

During The Summer Program here at HSA I have been able to participate in a hip hop/modern/contemporary dance class lead by Ms. Maria Mitchell. Ms. Mitchell has taught us how to count and dance in odd measure timing just like some big Artists including Lady Gaga. We are also working on an improvisation piece choreographed by The Dance Group in The Tee ARTS Summer Camp 2011.

Being a part of Teen ARTS gives you a lot of exposure into the form of Art. For example, the people in the Dance Program were given a ballet class from The Dance Theater of Harlem led by Mr. Robert Garland. The class was very fun and entertaining.

Being at HSA has been a great experience for me because it is filled with lots of fun, and the people are very nice and outgoing. At the end of camp we have a show that we come together and create using the things that we learned from our classes. It’s called Express Yourself. The show this year takes place on Thursday, August 11 at 7:30pm at our very own HSA Theater. It will be an amazing show and I think that everyone should come out and watch the accomplishments that we have achieved during our time at camp.

Part II - TeenARTS Campers Express Themselves

In part two of this three part series, two campers will share their introductory film experience. See more from the campers at their end of camp show called "Express Yourself" on Thursday, August 11 at 7:30pm at the HSA Theatre.

Meet: Taylor Faulds and Calaysha Byrd
Film at HSA TeenARTS Summer Intensive

Taylor Faulds, Age 13

My name is Taylor. I am part of the Harlem School of Arts 2011 TeenARTS Summer Camp Intensive in the initiative, film, which is a sub category of the TeenARTS program. I love film. We created a film called "The Nerd,” and it’s about finding your inner beauty. Now we are creating a spoof. My fellow campers in my group are in these films too. I really like our teacher, Ms. Nikyatu Jusu.

In film class, we learn the basics of a camera and how to use the editing software called Final Cut Pro. We learn about all different types of film. The films that we do are called short films which are 45 minutes or less. Documentaries are films that document life of others. We learn many other things about film, characters, and cameras, editing and more. I really enjoy being a part of TeenARTS and HSA. I love the arts and being part of HSA truly engages me in the arts and lets me explore my craft.

Calaysha Byrd, Age 12

My name is Calaysha and I love to dance. One course that I have been taking with my fellow campers is Film. We all enjoy this class and we love our teacher Ms. Nikyatu. She has taught us many things about the basics of film. We have been learning the basics of a camera and all the materials we need to make a film. One of the basics that we’ve learned is to white balance a camera. It helps the colors be more accurate. Another thing we learned was different positions of the camera— medium shot, high shot, low angle shot, a pan shot and many more. So then we decided to put our skills to the test and create a film called "The Nerd".

"The Nerd" is a Short Film that the film class has created. It consists of a girl who is known as a nerd, but then a really popular girl shows her that it’s not what's on the outside it’s what's on the inside that counts. So Pia (the nerd girl) gains confidence and then she doesn't care what anybody thinks of her. All of a sudden all of the bullies start to be nice to her and she starts to gain the attention from boys that she crushed on. Many girls were jealous of her, but to her that was just the first sign of popularity, and she lived happily ever after.

Personally I like the film class and I enjoy it so much! You can view the film that we created, "The Nerd" below.

3 Part Series - TeenARTS Campers Express Themselves

Over the next week, HSA will introduce you to several of our TeenARTS summer camp intensive participants. In this three part series, four campers will share via the HSA blog what it has been like for them to deeply explore their artistic interests in preparation for their end of camp show called "Express Yourself." Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments on Thursday, August 11 at 7:30pm at the HSA Theatre.

Photo: TeenARTS Performance 2011

Meet Anjette Rostock - Age 15
My HSA TeenARTS Summer Intensive Experience

As a teenager in New York City, the arts have become a major part of my life. Since I was young, I have always found joy in learning and experiencing life through the arts. The Harlem School of the Arts has been a part of my life, allowing my love for dance to be expanded into many different forms of dance like Ballet, Modern, Hip-Hop, and many other styles as well. I’ve recently become a part of the summer intensive TeenARTS camp, where my friends and I get to do all of the different types of arts we love such as dance, visual arts, theater, film, slam poetry, and even marketing to help promote our end of the summer show.

The dance/film group has been taught how to create dance pieces to odd meters of music by Miss Maria Mitchell, and they have also began to create their own dance piece along with the music group. This group has also been working on many different projects that involve short documentaries and features. The music group is learning how to play percussion for instance snare drums, African drums, and more; they began to create their own music on Garage Band. The visual arts/theater group does writing, makes pyramids out of boxes, and works on their own art projects. This group is also writing on slam poetry about many different subjects of their choice.

For six weeks, these nineteen campers have been preparing a show that encompasses all of the different types of arts in many different ways. We are using all of the different places that are a part of the HSA building for our show. The show was created and influenced by all nineteen of us. Our show, Express Yourself, is on August 11, 2011 at 7:30pm in the HSA Theatre.

Mayor Bloomberg Signs Bill Naming Street after HSA Founder, Dorothy Maynor

On Monday, July 11^th Mayor Bloomberg signed the bill making St. Nicholas Avenue between 141^st and 145^th Streets officially Dorothy Maynor Place. The New York City Council, sponsored by Councilman Robert Jackson, approved the renaming of the street after the Harlem School of the Arts’ founder and soprano, Dorothy Maynor.

The signing took place in City Hall’s historic Blue Room. HSA attendees included President & CEO, Yvette L. Campbell, Board Chairman Charles J. Hamilton Jr., Board members Devin Johnson and Fred Darden, Director of Music, Judith Insell, Director of Development, Solonje Burnett-Loucas, long-time music faculty member James Bartow, and the Children’s Choirmaster Patricia Eaton. Also in attendance was Councilman Jackson and internationally-known opera singer and HSA alum, Kevin Maynor. Councilman Jackson also acknowledged Commissioner Kate Levin of the Department of Cultural Affairs, who was unable to attend but was also instrumental in the naming.

Mr. Hamilton introduced Ms. Campbell to the standing room only audience noting her ability to continue Ms. Maynor’s legacy. Ms. Campbell thanked all those who supported the renaming of the street that over 47 years ago Ms. Maynor deemed the cornerstone of world-class arts education in Harlem. “Today, the Harlem School of the Arts has transformed the lives of over 50,000 young people and counting by providing arts education in all four disciplines – music, dance, theater and visual arts - under one roof to nearly 2000 families annually,” she says. “We are still guided by Ms. Maynor’s original belief that arts education stimulates the child both emotionally and intellectually, strengthens the family through its commitments to a child’s development, and gives pride of ownership to a community. In other words, arts education is an indispensable component in the life of every child.” She continued “without Dorothy Maynor’s vision, St. Nicholas Avenue might be a very different place today. We are forever grateful to her.”

Dorothy Maynor was an African-American soprano, music educator and one of the most highly praised singers of the 1940’s and 1950’s. She performed with most prestigious American orchestras and was one of the most sought-after performers. Ms. Maynor founded the Harlem School of the Arts in the basement of St. James Presbyterian Church on St. Nicholas and 141st Street in 1964. Under her leadership, the institution grew from 12 students to 1,000 by the time of her retirement in 1979. Ms. Maynor’s belief in empowering disadvantaged children through the arts continues to mold future generations of great artists and citizens of our society.

HSA Visual Arts Students Exhibit Artwork at UBS’s New York City: Through Our Eyes

The Harlem School of the Arts’ (HSA) students of the Visual Arts department had the pleasure of participating in UBS’s exhibition and opening reception of New York City: Through Our Eyes. The exhibition serves as a memorial to September 11th, celebrating the impact of New York City’s hope, strength, and perseverance over the last decade. The exhibition is on display now through mid-September at the UBS Art Gallery, 1285 Avenue of the Americas.


Invited by HSA Board Treasurer and UBS Managing Director Milton Irvin, the students contributed 20 pieces including drawings, paintings and sculptures. Through Our Eyes was curated by Colin Thomson with an unveiling of an original piece by artist, Stephen Wiltshire. As UBS Chairman Richard Wolf announced Mr. Wiltshire chartered a 30-minute helicopter ride and seventy-two hours later created an impressive detailed rendering of the entire New York City skyline.



HSA President & CEO Yvette L. Campbell says “the students of HSA’s Visual Arts department are a group of creative and dynamic children and teens who’s work speaks volumes about dedication and hard work. It is a joy to have them participate in such an esteemed exhibition not only due to its sponsor UBS, but also its purpose; remembering and honoring those affected by September 11. The HSA community and I would like to thank Mr. Irvin and UBS for allowing us the opportunity to contribute to the New York City: Through Our Eyes exhibition.”


Photos provided by HSA Parent and Photographer Anthony Beale.

HSA Student Matthew Whitaker Performs for Idol Stevie Wonder

On Monday, June 13, HSA’s piano prodigy Matthew Whitaker performed at the Apollo Theater’s Spring Gala. The Gala honored Mr. Stevie Wonder who was inducted into the Apollo Legends’ Hall of Fame.

Ten-year old Matthew, who is legally blind, had the privilege of opening the show to the sold-out Apollo crowd of supporters and celebrities. Audience members were treated to Matthew’s rendition of Mr. Wonder’s Too High and Superstition performed on Matthew’s favorite Hammond B3 keyboard, which he taught himself to play. The audience erupted with thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

Earlier backstage Matthew met his idol, Mr. Wonder. The duo talked jazz, instruments and performing. Matthew was all smiles when Mr. Wonder gifted him with another instrument to conquer, a harmonica. Throughout the evening Matthew spoke with an abundance of celebrities including the evening’s host Sinbad, Spike Lee, Gabrielle Sidibe, Paul Shaffer, Yolanda Adams and the Apollo’s own Ray Chew and the Crew.

Judith Insell, HSA’s Director of Music says, “Matthew experienced what is often referred to ‘musical heaven,’ a feeling of euphoria among his idols. Not too long from now Matthew will be the headliner at the Apollo.” In addition to the piano and keyboard, Matthew also takes lessons in the drums and percussion and has expressed interest in the clarinet and bass guitar. Matthew his also a member of the HSA Jazz Band led by Steven Oquendo. The HSA Jazz Band performs at venues and events throughout the city.

“The talented Matthew, HSA’s music prodigy, is a testament to why the Harlem School of the Arts is vital to the students and families we serve. We celebrate this great achievement and look forward to the many milestones he will reach in his musical career” says Yvette L. Campbell, HSA President & CEO.

Congratulations to Matthew for achieving a moment many performers have only dreamed.

Photos provided by HSA Parent, Moses Whitaker, Jr.