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.

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.

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