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From Bach to Beyoncé, this church orchestra aims to nurture young musicians of color

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New Hope Presbyterian Church, New Hope Presbyterian Church children

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – For greater than two years, Ebonie Vazquez looked for a mentor of color for her son, Giovanni, now 11 and obsessed with playing the violin. Now she has found this place within the local church.

New Hope Presbyterian Church, a multi-ethnic congregation led by a black female pastor in Anaheim, California, began a string orchestra in April that welcomes students, including those that can have trouble stepping into and paying for music programs. It is positioned in Orange County, which is essentially affluent.

The Rev. Chineta Goodjoin said her church has had a program devoted to smaller stringed instruments for several years. When Goodjoin’s daughter, Nyla, began playing violin within the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, founded in June 2009 by renowned conductor Charles Dickerson, the pastor was determined to replicate the concept in Orange County under Dickerson’s leadership.

The church orchestra currently has roughly 18 members, ages 9 to 20, who play violin, viola, bass and cello. The orchestra accepts all students without auditions and it’s free of charge. Like the Los Angeles group, the orchestra can be supported by mentors who appear like the young musicians they assist guide.

Ebonie Vazquez says students “seeing themselves reflected in their mentors and teachers” is empowering.

“It’s important that they don’t feel like strangers, but are supported and feel like they belong to the community,” she said. “It has definitely helped my son connect more with music and the craft.”

When Giovanni began talking about music during rehearsal, the boy’s eyes became dreamy and his arms became animated. Even as his words burst with childlike excitement, they reflected the aura of an old soul.

“I just want to be able to express myself in my music and show that I not only have talent, but also put in the time and practice,” he said. “You can change one little thing, one note, and the music will be completely different. You make your own.”

Giovanni said he could play classical music within the church orchestra or chill out with Imagine Dragons. He also plays violin in his school orchestra and within the Los Angeles-based Dickerson Band. He appreciates being part of the church orchestra because “it’s a piece of our community.”

“They encourage young musicians of color and everyone gets a chance to play and maybe even uses it as a springboard to get better and even turn it into a career,” he said.

Giovanni thinks it could be cool to play at Carnegie Hall. He pauses, then adds, “But truthfully, I just want to have a good time with individuals who listen to music and appreciate it. My favorite part is that folks actually benefit from the music.

Melissa Bausley, a cellist who works in finance and volunteers as a mentor, said that as a black woman, she often felt alone in this world.

“Growing up, I never had a teacher who was African American, and I didn’t think it mattered or made a difference,” she said. “But now, as an adult, I would say there is tremendous value in being able to learn from someone who looks like you.”

Dickerson said he began the Los Angeles orchestra when he was approached by a gaggle of students who wanted to play of their city and surrounding area.

“They would have to travel long distances to play in these orchestras where they didn’t know the other kids and felt like weirdos,” he said. “The young children in our communities were always placed in the back row, and the back row was right next to the door.”

“It’s easy to walk out that door,” he added, “when you don’t really feel accepted and you know you’re probably not as talented as others who have minor contacts and have been playing since they were three.”

Goodjoin said she and her husband, Reggie Goodjoin, a jazz musician and church music director, envision an orchestra where “African American children play classical music and do it well.”

“Not modified or watered down shortcuts, but the real deal,” she said. “I like to say they play everything from Bach to Beyonce. We want them to be exposed to all species.”

New Hope Presbyterian Church, New Hope Presbyterian Church Children's Orchestra, California Children's Orchestra, California Church Orchestra, Church Orchestra for Colored Children, Children's String Orchestra, Black Children and Classical Music, Black Children and the Orchestra, African American Children and the Orchestra, Black Children string instruments, children's and classical music, participation in classical music, participation in an orchestra, theGrio.com
A string orchestra as part of an initiative to promote equality in classical music rehearses at New Hope Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/William Liang)

Children will play sacred and secular music, in addition to works by Black composers, and the orchestra is open to children of all faiths, Goodjoin said.

“They are learning the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and many others who paved this path – an experience they may not get in mainstream schools,” she said.

He believes church is a terrific place to start talking about equality in music.

“We value social justice and equality and believe we are called to help marginalized people and free captives,” Goodjoin said. “And music is freedom.”

The pastor is already receiving positive feedback from parents. One of the boys who played the double bass was about to quit playing because nobody in his school orchestra looked like him.

“His mother said that when he came here, the pressure to play and compete was gone and that she enjoyed watching her son gain self-esteem,” she said.

Carol Nealy, whose 9-year-old son Johnathan plays the violin, said the church has the flexibility to nourish the community – whether through food, spirituality or music.

“Thanks to this program, my children have contact with the violin. It is no longer something untouchable and alien,” she said. “It will have an impact for generations because their children will see their parents play the violin.”

Zendaya: from Disney star to Hollywood pioneer and cultural icon

Elizabeth Moulthrop, executive director of El Sistema, a global network of music teaching programs founded in Venezuela, said she has seen similar programs dry up from churches.

“Music and art have always been an important part of the Church,” she said. “It is a natural place to express faith.”

For those looking to advance in the sphere, such programs also offer access to life-changing summer music camps, college scholarships and job opportunities, Moulthrop said.

Dickerson says the orchestras are an attempt to “add value to what we need in our community.”

“The goal is to raise the level of young people and give them a chance for a better life,” he said.

“Many young people think it’s not cool to carry a violin on the street,” he added. “But whenever you play the violin well with other kids such as you, social acceptance begins to emerge. You feel proud as a substitute of ashamed since you don’t shoot the basket.

Dickerson said the Black Church has at all times served as a spot where the community could come together.

“This is the only place in history where we have managed to gather without the interference of other cultures, so to speak,” he said. “The church began banks when black people couldn’t put money in banks. They began newspapers when nobody was prepared to cover our communities. We even began baseball leagues once we were banned from playing.

“If we can get together in a church and form a symphony orchestra, all I can say is thank God.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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December 9, 2024

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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3 hours ago

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December 9, 2024

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.

Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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3 hours ago

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December 9, 2024

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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