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.

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.

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...