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.

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.

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 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.

Amateur Night Presents Child Stars of Tomorrow: Best of the Best!

The legendary Apollo Theater will light up the Holidays this season with a special edition of its signature program, Amateur Night, featuring the year's best Child Stars of Tomorrow contestants. Known for launching careers for over 75 years from a nine year old Michael Jackson to a thirteen year old Lauryn Hill, Amateur Night continues to be a major platform for young talent to hone their skills and display their talents.

HSA's own talented musician Matthew Whitaker (9 years old) will perform at Child Stars of Tomorrow. Born three months premature weighing 1 pound, 11 ounces and blind, Matthew is truly a gifted musician. He began playing a Casio keyboard his grandfather gave him at the tender age of three. Matthew has attended HSA since last fall and studies the piano and drums. Matthew is also the youngest member of HSA Jazz Band Ensemble. Matthew won first and second place during his appearances at the Apollo Theater. He played "Killer Joe" recorded by The Jazztet in 1960 on the Hammond organ. Matthew's favorite composers and musicians are Frederic Francois Chopin, Johann Sebastian Bach (composers); Jimmy Smith, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Charles Earland, Vince Seneri (Hammond B3 musicians) and Roy Haynes (drummer).

Three (3) lucky people can each receive a pair of free tickets to Child Stars of Tomorrow. Tickets are first come first serve. Please contact Melody Gross at 212.926.4100 with your name and contact information.

Don't miss this special evening as musicians, singers, and dancers of ages 5-15 demonstrate why they are the best of the best and why the have what it takes to be the next Apollo Legend.

What: Child Stars of Tomorrow: Best of the Best
Where: Apollo Theater
253 West 125 Street
New York, NY 10027
When: Saturday, December 11
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: $17, $22, $27
In person at the Apollo Theater Box Office
By phone call Ticketmaster 800.745.3000
Online Ticketmaster.com click here.

The Harlem School of the Arts is back and here to stay!

Thanks to everyone for your support. Thank you to the parents of The Harlem School of the Arts for their diligence and unwavering support. The future looks bright.

Stay tuned for more from The Harlem School of the Arts' new blog...