2025 Music of the African Diaspora: Senior Youth Orchestra Winds
AMP SENIOR YOUTH ORCHESTRA WINDS
FEBRUARY 11, 2025
AMP CENTER FOR PERFORMANCE & EDUCATION
Atlanta Music Project Board of Directors
Philip M. Juravel, CPA, Chair
Jennifer Dorian, Vice Chair
Byron Gibbs, Treasurer
Racheal Woods, Secretary
Sarah Griesenauer Barros, Ben Cherian, Anne Cross, Deva Hirsch, Valerie L. Holmes, James F. Lock III, Aaron C. Mitchell, Ceasar C. Mitchell Jr., Aisha Moody, Shawn Pacely, Andy D. Pittman, Dantes Rameau, John Sparrow
José L. Morales, Marketing & Graphic Design Associate
Lauren Jones, Program Operations Associate
Lauren Spence, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Liesl McWhorter, Youth Orchestras Program Manager
Lydia Falcon, After-School Programs Associate
Michael Crawford, Facilities Manager
Miriam Huppert, Director of College & Career Services
Ron Pace, Finance Manager
history of the african diaspora
The history of the African Diaspora and its profound influence on the world’s music is a captivating narrative that spans centuries and continents. Originating in the vibrant and diverse musical traditions of Africa, the journey begins with rhythms and melodies that would later transcend geographical boundaries.
The brutal era of the transatlantic slave trade witnessed the forced displacement of millions, yet within the harsh conditions of enslavement, African captives preserved their cultural identity through music. Spirituals and work songs emerged, laying the groundwork for the rich tapestry of musical expressions that would follow.
In the Caribbean and South America, the rhythmic beats of the Diaspora became intrinsic to the development of musical genres such as reggae, salsa, and samba. Enslaved Africans played a pivotal role, infusing their cultural heritage into the music of these regions. The fusion of African rhythms with indigenous and European influences in Latin America gave birth to unique genres like Afro-Cuban jazz and bossa nova, reflecting a harmonious blending of diverse musical elements.
In North America, the African Diaspora played a pivotal role in shaping iconic musical genres. The soulful strains of blues, the improvisational spirit of jazz, and the uplifting sounds of gospel music were all born out of the African American experience. The struggles for civil rights and the urban experience found expression in the revolutionary rise of hip-hop and rap, marking a cultural turning point that resonates globally.
In the contemporary era, the influence of the African Diaspora on music remains vibrant. Artists continue to blend traditions, pushing the boundaries of genres and embracing innovation. The global fusion of styles reflects the interconnectedness of cultures, showcasing the enduring impact of the diaspora on the ever-evolving world of music.
Celebrating the diversity and unity forged through this musical journey is essential. The African Diaspora’s legacy is not merely a historical artifact but a living, breathing force that shapes the cultural landscape. As we immerse ourselves in the melodies and rhythms born from the diaspora, we honor resilient and creative people whose contributions echo through the corridors of time.
The history of the African Diaspora and music is a testament to the power of cultural exchange, the strength of the human spirit, and the ability of music to bridge gaps and unite hearts across the globe.
Atlanta Music Project INSTITUTIONAL DONORS
Funding provided in part by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Department of Community Development.
Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.
This program is supported in part by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.
SENIOR WINDS PROGRAM
It Don’t Mean a Thing..................................................................Duke Ellington arr. Erving Mills
Lailani Smith, Flute
Samuel Leyimu, Clarinet
Spiritual Jazz Suite..............................................................arr.
III. Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen
Kya Mcmerit, Clarinet
Ethan Crawford, Trumpet
Joel Patrick, Trombone
Caleb Alexander, Trombone
Venturing the Forest..............................................................Madison
Chase Matthews, Flute
Kori Harmon, Marimba
Romantic Jazz Suite.............................................................Werner
Leighlah West, Flute
Nehemiah Preston, Oboe
Samuel Leyimu, Clarinet
Shanae Cousley, Bassoon
Lailani Smith, Flute
Chase Matthews, Flute
Leighlah West, Flute
Nehemiah Preston, Oboe
Samuel Leyimu, Clarinet
Kya Mcmerit, Clarinet
Shanae Cousley, Bassoon
Ethan Crawford, Trumpet
Preston Harris, Horn
Dilon Bryan**, Horn
Joel Patrick, Trombone
Caleb Alexander, Trombone
Kori Harmon, Percussion
Matthieu Clave**, Piano
AMP’s 2025 GMEA All-state accolades
The Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) hosts a yearly All-State Festival for musicians throughout the State of Georgia. This festival is composed of young musicians who succesfully passed both rounds of the All-State audition process. It should be known that this process is competitive and requires a high level of musicianship and skill. For Returning AMP Academy Students, this opportunity is prioritized because we believe it contributes to our students’ development and musical growth. It is our belief that students who successfully pass and participate in GMEA’s All State Festival are likely to be well prepared to audition for colleges and summer festivals both locally and internationally.
Since August 1st, AMP Academy student’s have worked alongside AMP Faculty through clinics, mock auditions, and weekly private lessons to prepare for GMEA All-State Festival. We are beyond proud and thrilled to see our AMP students participate in All-State this year and look forward to look forward to working with AMP Faculty and families collaborating with Faculty and Families to empower our students to succeed.
ALL-STATE ENSEMBLES:
GMEA 11/12 String Orchestra
Marlee Carter, violin (11th chair), Grade 11, Studio of Kerren Berz
GMEA 11/12 Full Orchestra
Priya Gingrich, cello (fourth chair), Grade 11, Studio of Ismail Akbar
GMEA All-State Concert Band I
Shanae Cousley, bassoon (fourth chair), Grade 9, Studio of Dantes Rameau
GMEA Middle School Tenor Bass Chorus
Joshua Banks, baritone, Grade 8, Studio of Pamela Dillard
GMEA 11/12 Mixed All-State Chorus
Tyaire Charles, tenor, Grade 12, Studio of Keeyen Martin
Neilah Bell, soprano, Grade 12, Studio of Ibukun Babalola
DISTRICT HONOR ENSEMBLES:
District Middle School Honor Band
Preston Harris, french horn, Grade 7, Studio of Dilon Bryan
Dave Anderson, percussion, Grade 7, Studio of Dominic Ryder
District High School Honor Band
Nehemiah Preston, oboe (1st chair), Grade 9, Studio of Natalie Beckenbaugh
Samuel Leyimu, clarinet, Grade 9, Studio of Andrew Warwick
Shanae Cousley, bassoon, Grade 9, Studio of Dantes Rameau
Don’t miss out on our 15th anniversary edition of the Music of the African Diaspora Festival merch!
Click below to check out all of our AMP merch. There’s something for everyone!
PURCHASE AMP MERCH HERE
the atlanta music project mission and history
Founded in 2010, the Atlanta Music Project (AMP) provides world-class music training and performance opportunities supporting youth growth and development. Operating in under-resourced communities, AMP’s mission is to empower youth to realize their possibilities through music.
AMP serves over 1,000 young musicians annually through band, orchestra, and choir programs, private lessons, and the annual month-long AMP Summer Series. The AMP Senior Youth Orchestras and Choirs perform and compete both nationally and internationally. Additionally, AMP houses a college and career program, supporting AMP high school students and alumni. Since 2021, AMP has awarded $395,000 in college scholarships to its alumni.
AMP music ensembles perform more than 60 concerts annually, performing in venues all across Atlanta, from community centers to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. AMP music ensembles have performed alongside international stars such as cellist Sterling Elliott, rapper Lecrae, operatic baritone Edward Parks, R&B singer Monica, The Piano Guys, the Harlem Quartet, electric violinist Lindsey Stirling, pianist Terrence Wilson, and the Imani Winds. AMP musicians can be seen performing with rapper T.I. on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series.
AMP’s young musicians have successfully auditioned for Georgia All-State ensembles, and performed with the Atlanta Opera, the Atlanta Ballet, and the Fox Theatre. AMP ensembles have concertized as far away as Los Angeles, Aspen, Mexico, Canada, and New Zealand. The AMP Senior Youth Choir was crowned winner of the Youth Choirs category at the Open Competition of the 2024 World Choirs Games.
AMP is the recipient of several prestigious awards: 2015 Local Community Service Award (Spelman College), 2016 Neighborhood Builder (Bank of America), 2016 & 2017 Top 50 Youth Arts Program (USA President’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities), 2018 MLK Jr. Community Service Award (Emory University), 2019 Luminary Award for Arts Education (ArtsATL), and 2021 Infusion Award (Lewis Prize for Music).
AMP’s existence is a direct result of the 2009 TED Prize, which was awarded to Dr. Jose Antonio Abreu, founder of Venezuela’s El Sistema. AMP’s co-founders were members of the Sistema Fellows Program at the New England Conservatory in Boston. AMP is a member of “El Sistema USA,” the National Alliance of El Sistema Inspired Programs.
AMP’s current major funders include the Chestnut Family Foundation, Mailchimp, the Abraham J. & Phyllis Katz Foundation, the Harland Charitable Foundation, the Arthur M. Blank Foundation, The Rich’s Foundation, the Sartain Lanier Foundation, the Luluma Foundation, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Fulton County Arts Council, Georgia Council for the Arts, Georgia Department of Education, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Delta Community Credit Union, the Next Generation Fund, and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.
In 2024, AMP became the recipient of five Steinway pianos and was awarded the prestigious honor of being a Steinway Select School, making AMP one of eight schools in the country with this distinction.
AMP’s partners and collaborators include the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton State University, and the Chestnut Family Foundation.
AMP is a member of “El Sistema USA,” the National Alliance of El Sistema Inspired Programs.
For more information visit http://www.atlantamusicproject.org 10 | AMP
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EMPOWERING YOUTH TO REALIZE THEIR POSSIBILITIES THROUGH MUSIC
