Maestro Abreu Receives Gifts From AMP

A big moment for AMP! On January 30, 2012 Atlanta Music Project Choral Teaching Artist, Aisha Bowden and Atlanta Music Project Executive Director, Dantes Rameau, had the honor of both meeting Maestro Jose Antonio Abreu at the same time at the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s El Sistema Symposium, “Take A Stand.” The symposium attracted over 300 leaders, artists and teachers from El Sistema-inspired programs from around the world. Maestro Abreu, founder of Venezuela’s El Sistema (on which the Atlanta Music Project is modeled), was thrilled to learn of the Atlanta Music Project’s progress, stating “You can count on me [for my support]” as Aisha and Dantes offered him the Atlanta Music Project t-shirt and medallion, the same combination that AMP students wear for their performances.We stand on the shoulders of a giant.
Gracias, Maestro!

Katz Foundation Awards AMP $50,000

We are proud to announce that the Abraham J. & Phyllis Katz Foundation has awarded the Atlanta Music Project a grant for $50,000 for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. This grant marks the second year running that the Katz Foundation has supported the Atlanta Music Project. The Atlanta Music Project wishes to thank the Katz Foundation for their ongoing support of our mission of inspiring social change through music.

AMP Orchestra and Choir Perform at The Dream Art Contest

On February 4, 2012, the Atlanta Music Project Orchestra and Choir from our Gilbert House site took the stage to perform for a crowd of 500, including dignitaries such as Honorable Congressman John Lewis and Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Erroll Davis. The occasion was The Dream Art Contest Gala Award Ceremony, celebrating the winners of a city-wide art contest – “Visions of the Civil Rights Movement and America Today” – for Atlanta’s youth. The AMP Choir performed one selection, while the AMP Orchestra performed two selections, including a rendition of We Shall Overcome, arranged and conducted by AMP Trombone Teaching Artist, Marc Boehm. Click on the video above to watch! Special thanks to Richard Karz of Karz Productions for inviting AMP to perform and to our colleagues at the Gilbert House for the video footage and their support.

AMP Welcomes Three New Board Members

We are thrilled to announce the addition of three talented and accomplished individuals to the roster of our board of directors. Desiree Scales, who studied vocal performance in college, is Founder and CEO of Bella Web Design, Inc. Jim Williams, a native of Chicago and life-long music aficionado, is Founder and CEO of M.O.R.E. Computer Supplies. Peggy Still Johnson, singer, composer, arranger and successful businesswoman is Founder of the Peggy Still Johnson School of Music. To Peggy, Desiree and Jim: welcome to AMP!
Click here to learn more about our new board members.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Musicians Visit AMP

In January, several musicians from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra visited our Gilbert House site to perform and coach our students. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s visiting musicians were: Christina Smith, Principal Flute; Thomas Hooten, Principal Trumpet; Karin Bliznik, Associate Principal Trumpet; Richard Deane, Horn; Nathan Zgonc, Second Trombone; Michael Moore, Principal Tuba and last but not least, Christopher Rex, Principal Cello. Thank you to these wonderful musicians for volunteering the time and services to be with our students.

AMP Student Spotlight!

Name: Kiara Barber
Grade: 4
Instrument: Cello (started October 2011)
AMP Site: Coan Recreation Center
Favorite Musician:
Jessica Kornhoff (her AMP Cello Teacher)
Favorite Piece of Music:
Old Mac Fiddle (She’ll perform it on March 2)
What I Like Best About AMP:
Singing and playing my instrument

AMP Announces Next Three Concerts

AMP invites businesses to become concert sponsors.
Click here for levels and perks!

Friday March 2, 2012 at 7:00pm:
The Atlanta Music Project at Coan Recreation Center students perform at the Coan Recreation Center.
SPONSOR THIS CONCERT!

Saturday March 3, 2012 at 2:00pm:
The Atlanta Music Project at Gilbert House students perform at the Emory University Center For Ethics. A photo exhibit by AMP Photographer, Carlton Mackey, will be unveiled following this performance.
SPONSOR THIS CONCERT!

Saturday May 19, 2012 at 2:00pm:
The Atlanta Music Project wraps up the 2011-2012 school-year in style, combining the students from our Coan Recreation Center and Gilbert House sites for one, mega, end-of-year concert! Special guests and surprises to be announced soon!
SPONSOR THIS CONCERT!