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From Bach to Beyoncé, this church orchestra aims to nurture young musicians of color
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.”
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.”
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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Ayesha Curry under the fire for admitting “the lack of athletes” before she married Stepha, when fans say that she humiliates the NBA star
The revelation of Ayesh Curry about her teenage dating rule bored the debate about whether the public statements of the culinary entrepreneur sometimes obscure the achievements of her husband of the NBA Super Gwiades.
Referred in an interview with the Christian broadcast network, wherein she turned to the strict policy of “without athletes” before meeting Stephen Curry as a teen, she caused mixed reactions of fans who wonder if such sincere disclosures unintentionally undermine the refined public pendant of the war warrior.
During the conversation from March 2025, with the host Efrem Graham Ayesh, she considered the irony of her former attitude, recognizing how her younger I made broad generalings about sports personality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Paaxjwfdpoq
“And it’s so funny!” She said: “When you are a teenager, you don’t necessarily think about what you are saying and you tend to generalize, and as (you) a change, you put different people into different boxes.”
Adding: “And so embarrassing at the bottom that this is capital letters, such as” without athletes! They are so smug! “And what kind of generalization is that? “
A 36-year-old mother of a four-person one explained how Stephen’s meeting questioned her prejudices. Looking back, she principally knew him all her life – for the first time she met the future NBA champion when she was over 20 years – and described their meeting as a divine intervention.
“And so I feel that that is the way it’s God, don’t judge the book by the cover, because I met my husband – well, I met my husband (when) I used to be once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once 14 years old, but I went on a date with my husband at the age of 19 or (he was) my friend, and he was a exact opposite of this.
CBN YouTube viewers expressed Mixed reactions to interview.
“Could the embarrassing Steph stop? How to close,” commented one of the viewers, blowing her up for saying things that, he believed, he casts dirt on her husband’s image.
Another support offered: “I am glad that he now has its own marriage and relationship!” Referring to the thought that she just just won’t be comfortable in her relationship.
But many comments applauded her, recognized her strong faith, and likewise celebrated their family.
The third person noticed: “The man thinks about curry, he was not in the drama on the pitch and outside and has a beautiful family.”
Another added: “Everyone is incredibly beautiful, they just shine with a good spirit. Basketball Obama …”
This just just won’t be the first time Ayesha met with criticism of her public comments.
Earlier she caused controversy, discussing her feelings that she didn’t pay the attention of men compared with how her husband is bombarded with women’s admiration.
During the previous interview, she expressed uncertainty about women thrown in Stephen, while she felt invisible to other men, comments that were later criticized for being inappropriate for a married woman.
Twitter cut off the first 20 seconds of the conversation with the red table of Ayesha Curry
. pic.twitter.com/eauuovfv86
-Britt-man
(@tjseanb) December 21, 2021
Despite the periodic slack, Currys maintained a sturdy public presence when their family increased in front of the eyes of the fans.
Their oldest daughter, currently 12-year-old Riley, for the first time captured her heart as a premature toddler who interrupted the press conferences of the NBA finals of her father 2015. Recently noticed on the game Warriors, which stands almost as high as her mother with an area of 5 feet-8, transformation of Riley from Sassa 3-year-old, who quoted Big Sean lyrics in the composed teenager, caused fans to surprise during a fraction of Time.
The curry family now covers Ryana, 9, Canon, 6 and Baby Caius, who ends 1 this month. During her journey Ayesh built her own empire as the creator of the cookbook, television personality and entrepreneur, while Stephen continues his dominance in basketball at the age of 37.
Explaining their family’s approach to public life, Ayesha emphasized the authenticity.
“I think we are trying to keep it really. And we try to be nice people,” said CBN. “People look at our family, but I think it is important that everyone knows that no one is perfect, and we are just trying to live at the moment.”
While critics can perceive Ayesh’s apparitions as embarrassing against Stephen, the 4 -time NBA champion seems distrustful.
His recent birthday tribute to his wife showed his unwavering devotion: “Where are we starting to describe what you mean, our family, all who have been blessed enough to meet you. You light a room,” he wrote.
Indeed, despite the sporadic storms in social media and perceived excessive objects, Currys carried out almost 13 years of marriage with no much scandal, maintaining their status of one of the most admired pairs of basketball.
(Tagstransate) ayesha curry
This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
River Callaway/WWD via Getty Images
This is official: this year’s hottest hairstyle is now approved with a supermodel. From Gamine Look Taylor Russell to heavy sides on Jodie Turner-Smith, Cuts Pixie has long been popular amongst Hollywood actresses. But this week the South Sudan model AWEN Chool participated 2025 Fashion Trust Awards In Pixie, giving the favored style this season.
On the red carpet, she made her debut in a hairstyle with a gelled, gelled-owned muddy Oude dress and reflective earrings-marked by a hairdresser Shayz Enrique. While most of her hair was pushed up, the skillful strands presented natural curves on the front that had her face. Using Rihanna’s hair, Enrique gel fingers (try: Gelly -like strong gel) He gave Pixie Chuli a sturdy structure, not sacrificing her natural, experienced appearance.
But this is just not the primary time she has no time. During last year’s CFDA awards, Choluol wore a wet look, while the tight bowl on the Marc Jacobs party in February was more liquid and even. Now he returns to his natural hair length, showing sculptural volume and classy versatility, which we couldn’t expect from the pixie.
To finish the looks, makeup Matthew Fishman He used a brand recent Mac Foundation Studio Fix Powder Plus For a dreamy but raw moment of beauty. Caviar Lip insole She defined her glazed angel lips, and eyelashes and a dark water line strengthened their smokey copper eye shadow. Because Pixie Cuts appears to be the hottest appearance this season, actually: Angg Chulo approves.
This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
May serves as an unofficial start of the summer season. Graduation, Mother’s Day and Weekend on the occasion of Remembrance Day are the most significant events of the month, together with the return of WNBA. When it comes to sneakers, it implies that the houses of the Brotherhood can finally allow those that, a cooked Air Force graduate, my mother can get several pairs that show softness and love, you’ll find the perfect shoe for beach classes. And finally, we will finally answer the query where the shoe is.
Angel Reese uses a small shavnosis
Reebok
Since signing the contract with Reebok, Angel Reese has given us many footwear options, from her collection to the debut of the first Reebok shoe for years. While we’re waiting for the first characteristic REESE shoe, it still gives us a fresh approach to Reebok classics. The latest is her tribute to her “uncle Shaqa” and his Shaqnosis. This pair with the Shaq and Angel Reese logo is a perfect representation of summer in washed gray and western beads with gold notes.
Release date: May 1
Retail sales: USD 150
Because he still knows
Nike
At the starting of 2000, “Auburn” Nike Trainer SC was my Graal shoe. He is legendary for worn by my favorite athlete, because Jackson, it was one shoe that I told myself that I’d retire if I ever get it. We can now call it a lie a couple of hundred couples later. But to be honest, shoes just don’t retro so often. This classic cross training continues to be one among my most beloved, so I probably collect one because having crunchy pair on ice is mandatory. I only need some Girbaud denim shorts and a white shirt to finish your outfit.
Release date: May 1
Retail sales: USD 130
Adidas keeps it nice
Adidas
What happens whenever you mix fashion and future technology? You get Adidas air con. Completely printed in 3D shoes have arc support and heel lining, in addition to 360 degrees of air thanks to the kindness of a large grille. Simply put, these shoes are greater than aesthetic; They are also practical, which makes them ideal for summer days when you will have to do the trick quickly.
Release date: May 2
Retail sales: USD 140
Anatomy of a very good gray shoe
New Balance
Gray is analogous to black and white when it’s used on shoes and garments. All three colours can look so different with the slightest tone correction or when using various materials. The South Korean label of Thisisnever, which proves that the theory by utilizing a subdued color palette on a scale of gray and mixing in Premium Pigskin, Synthetic Nubuck and Mesh to get a fresh take a look at the New Balance 991V2 runner. It was definitely one among the higher latest models released in the previous few years.
Release date: May 5
Retail sales: USD 270
A’one in any respect a’rries
Nike
Over the years, when the popularity of WNBA and ladies’s basketball increased, the query and conversation focused on when the star of Las Vegas aces a’ja Wilson will receive her characteristic shoes. This moment is finally when A’one is available in a mix of pink shades with details scattered over the shoe, which pay tribute to her travel in the type of Celtic symbols for her parents and inspiration of pearls to represent her grandmother. Most importantly, the name Wilson is on the fingers of each shoe, thanks to which everyone knows whose shoes it’s.
Retail sales: USD 110
Release date: May 6
Nike cooked the classic
Nike
Let’s assume that it happens that you just enter every university campus, music festival or anywhere where Gen X may be present in a big number: you will likely see that the air forces, which according to older generations, saw higher days. But for the current generation they’re in perfect condition. Although they’ll develop into, dirty and cracked, as if worn for months, the real surprise is that over time, as a substitute of becoming a more dirty version of the dirty shoe, the upper gives way to a clean upper, as if fresh from the box.
Release date: May 7
Retail sales: USD 130
Deion shows love to his mother
Nike
Mother’s Day just around the corner is only a deion sanders Shows love to his motherConnie Sanders, with the latest issue of Diamond Turf ’96. Using the red, commonly accepted color of affection, things are easy here. Upper also accommodates notes of white that can help to convey the message, because it was a dozen or so roses. One special accent lies in the inscriptions “love you, mom” on the inserts.
Release date: May 9
Retail sales: USD 170
Caroline Hu gives samba softer
Adidas
The Chinese clothier Caroline Hu slowly pulls out a novel space thanks to the cooperation of Adidas and this is softness and female touch. Her latest sees Samba translates, exchanging traditional skin or canvas, into satin and lace. This update immediately removes heritage in a football court and makes it suitable for a date or evening with friends. Available in red, silver and navy blue I can do many couples for various occasions.
Release date: May 9
Retail sales: USD 160
Kevin Durant’s latest return
Barry Gossage/Nbae via Getty Images
We saw Nike Basketball uses a book 1 to recycled of old colours in latest ways. This time they tried the same approach to the characteristic model of Kevin Durant, reviving the most famous colours AirThe rims shoe from the 90s widely related to the former heat guardian Miami Tim Hardaway. The old biting looks rare, unless it gives such results.
Release date: May 15
Retail sales: USD 150
Nuggets PE Carmelo Anthony receives the right edition
Jordan Brand
Long before Carmelo Anthony became often known as the host of the podcast or dad Kiyan Anthony for a certain generation, he was one among the best players in the NBA and face from the Jordan brand for the latest generation. Sale of being an athlete from Jordan? Custom retros in team color. One of the cleanest couples was this pair of Jordan 12s in Anthony’s color scheme when he was a member of Denver Nuggets. Simplicity is a game, because a solid white upper leather sits on a blue outer sole with powder blue accents on the shoe, thanks to which it’s a straightforward selection to slide into the rotation of sneakers.
Release date: May 17
Retail sales: USD 200
Jordan 4 “White cement “returns
Jordan Brand
One of the most significant and hottest shoes in the history of Jordan Brand triumphantly returns for the first time since 2016. This 12 months’s edition is a component of the brand celebrations of 40 years. It repairs many complaints and sneakerhead tanks – the overall shape is closer to the original model from 1989, and the side mesh and the heel tab has been adapted to reflect the original version. I’d advise anyone who was fascinated about them to double them.
Release date: May 24
Retail sales: USD 225
Sporty & Rich Sticks to Retro Runners
Adidas
Sporty & Rich explained that they love to dig in the treasury of Adidas and pull out forgotten figures. Their latest takes them back to 2008, and the Adios Adios 1. White upper with silver overlays turns the model into something suitable for at some point with friends as a substitute of actual running. However, when you determine to do each, know that each one the performance functions from the original are still present.
Release date: TBD
Retail sales: USD 160
Be like Mike in 1996
Jordan Brand
In 1996, this low level of Air Jordan XI was noticed only at Michael Jordan during the Bulls Championship. Quickly forward and at last hits the store shelves. Earlier, we saw the version with a red heel insert, but for the first time a totally black liner-clipping element for purists-he maintains a public edition. Everything else adheres to the classic “grown” formula – the outer sole, white midsole and black uppers.
Release date: April 26
Retail sales: USD 190
Travis Scott goes in the spring “Bright Cactus”
Nike
When Travis Scott isn’t busy Rulescent of stocks with John CenemThe group pays his status of one among the best collaborators in the Nike/Jordan letter. In the latest edition of his Jack Sneakers lists the usual darker tones for light green cactus and cream uppers with black accents. As with any Scott cooperation, they flew, but they sell at low prices on the secondary market.
Date of release: April 30
Retail sales: USD 200
Line notes
This article was originally published on : andscape.com
