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.
ATLANTA MUSIC PROJECT JUNIOR YOUTH CHOIR
Pamela Dillard, Conductor
YOUTH CHOIRS PROGRAM
Eli Manos, Collaborative Pianist
Bring Me Little Water, Silvy..................................Huddie Ledbetter (Leadbelly) arr. Adam Podd Soloists
Amani Battle, Ildikó Binecz, Chassidy Gregory, Dean Elise McKnight, Morgan Ossey, Areli Palacios, Sarah Wilcox
Deep River..........................................................................Traditional Spiritual arr. Victor C. Johnson Soloists
Camille Childers, Reagyn Requena, Micah Rodriguez
Shona Malanga............................................................South African Folk Song arr. Vicki Tucker Courtney
From the Otjiherero language, a Bantu language, spoken primarily in Namibia.
Translation: As the sun sets or the days shorten We will meet again United by love Lift Up Your Voice!..................................................................Victor C. Johnson
Soloist Zoie Fielder
ATLANTA MUSIC PROJECT SENIOR YOUTH CHOIR
Keeyan Martin, Conductor
Tammy Harper, Collaborative Pianist
Dide ta deo...........................................................................Nigerian Folk Song arr. Uzee Brown Jr.
Translation:
That we are back home, Good Father, We give Thee thanks, We journeyed safely. We arrived safely; We praise Thee, Jesus Christ.
Soon-Ah Will Be Done............................................................William L. Dawson
Jazz Sanctus....................................................................................Craig Curry
Soloist
Coco Perkins
Rockin’ Jerusalem..............................................................Traditional Spiritual arr. Stacey V. Gibbs
I Just Wanna Thank You....................................Maze featuring Frankie Beverly arr. Keeyen Martin Soloists
Emyah Dixon, Antwan Hailey Jr., Eden Kearse, Destiny Sutton
ATLANTA MUSIC PROJECT YOUTH CHOIRS
Keeyan Martin, Conductor
Tammy Harper, Collaborative Pianist
Lift Every Voice & Sing.....................................................J. Rosamund Johnson setting by Allen Pote
Lyrics by James
LIFT EVERY VOICE & SING
LIFT EVERY VOICE & SING
Weldon Johnson,
Music by J. Rosamond Johnson, 1900
VERSE 1
Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us; Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.
VERSE
2
Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered; We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
VERSE 3
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee; Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand, True to our God, True to our native land.
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!
ATLANTA
PART I
Aaliyah Bryant
Abbie Aiteobhor
Anaiah Hale
Ava Carter
Ildikó Binecz
Jordan Hearn
Keziah Hadley
PERFORMERS
Kier Forrest
MUSIC
PROJECT JUNIOR YOUTH CHOIR
PART II
Lauren Hunter
Naomi Croom
Nelina Thomas
Nevaeh Chrispin
Reagan Reynolds
Thais El-Amin
Zoie Fielder
Areli Palacios
Bailey Edwards
Dean Elise McKnight
Jirad Willams
Joi Leggins
Justice Banks
Malia Jones Momissong
Mia Mclennon
Morgan Ossey
Reagyn Requena
Zauditu Tafari
PART III
Alena Wall
Amani Battle
Camille Childers
Celeste Banks
Chassidy Gregory
Micah Rodriguez
Sarah Wilcox
Terryann Troupe
ATLANTA MUSIC PROJECT SENIOR YOUTH CHOIR
SOPRANO
Amira Gaines
Araeia Collins
Bailey Mines
Coco Perkins
Da’janel Chatmon
Elouise Hunt
Emyah Dixon
Gabrielle Wood
Nailah Ruffin
Neilah Bell
Rachel Walker
River Kearse
ALTO
Amaya Paylor
Destiny Sutton
Eden Kearse
Haille Edwards
Jada Hilliard
Jayla Jacobs
Jessica Leggins
Makaylah Owens-Cook
Makyla Platt
Maya Winfrey
Zenobiah Arif
TENOR
Antwan Hailey Jr.
Connor Sample
Raja Green-Hornes
Tyaire Charles
Alexander Beaty
Ezekiel Reddick
Isaiah Anderson
Joshua Banks
Royal Joseph
Trejah Love
ATLANTA MUSIC PROJECT RHYTHM BAND
Ray Ransom
Joshua Sheperd
Alek Gayton
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
PAMELA DILLARD CONDUCTOR
Mezzo-Soprano, Pamela Dillard, a native Atlantan, performs frequently on concert stages, recitals, oratorio, and operas in Atlanta, Augusta, and Florida. Pamela was a featured artist on the concert “Sisters in Song” performing with Atlanta’s leading female song stylists, celebrating America’s Jazz Divas. She is a Professor of Voice at Spelman College, a board member of Capitol City Opera Company of Atlanta, and a member of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. where she serves as a national board member.
Pamela debuted with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky, returning the following year to sing the title role in Bizet’s Carmen.
She has appeared on the stages of several American opera companies and orchestras including, Atlanta Opera, Opera Carolina, Opera Columbus, Tulsa Opera and Boston, Saint Louis, Colorado, New Haven, and Cobb Symphony Orchestras and The Brooklyn Philharmonic among others. Pamela performed internationally with L’Opéra-Comique of Paris, France as Lily Holmes in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess in Paris, Normandy, Luxembourg, and Spain. She has sung under the baton of many of the world’s greatest conductors, some of which are Robert Spano, Donald Runnicles, Keith Lockhart, Yoel Levi, John Williams, Wayne Marshall, and David Morrow.
Earning her B.F.A. from Newcomb College of Tulane University, Pamela was a recipient of the M.L. King Graduate Fellowship at Boston University where she received a Master of Music. Her recordings include, Watch and Pray, Spirituals and Art Songs by African American Women Composers and Grant Still’s Highway One both for Videmus. She is the featured artist on the Grammy-nominated soundtrack to Stephen Spielberg’s Amistad.
KEEYEN MARTIN CONDUCTOR
Keeyen Martin, a native of Charlotte,NC is a musical force to reckon with. When it comes to creating music, Keeyen has the winning combination. His music ability to blend R&B, POP & SOUL is in a league of his own. Over the years, his music has allowed him to travel across the nation delivering performances that entertain and captivate audiences of all ages.
Keeyen was awarded the Michael Jackson Scholarship to Morehouse College and earned his BA in Music and Spanish. Since graduating, Keeyen has shared the stage with some of the industry’s most accomplished talent such as: Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Monica, Fantasia, Teyana Taylor, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Keyshia Cole, Tweet, Michelle Williams, Mya, Keri Hilson, RaheemDevaughn, Peabo Bryson, KeKe Wyatt, PJ Morton, Common, Lalah Hathaway and BeBe & CeCe Winans, and several more.
With an array of performances under his belt, Keeyen has performed on various platforms. He most recently completed a sold out Rnb Tour and a 25 city International Tour in The UK, Italy, and other cities in Europe. Hes further performed on various platforms such as: Rnb Music Tours/ Red Bull Music Fest / Vh1 Save the Music / BET Music Matters, Sofar Sounds Tour/ Grammy Week’s MTV & Mastercard stages / TV One Trumpet Awards / The Emoji Art Tour/ Delta Airlines / Billboard Atlanta / TuneCore’s JamCore / Coca-Cola & Six Flags Independence Day Festival / Love & Hip-Hop Labor Day Festival & many more!
When Keeyen is not performing he dedicates his time to working with The Atlanta Music Project and Inspire The Fire. Within these Performing Arts Organizations, he has worked with over 1000+ youth. Facilitating Voice lessons, performance coaching, music instruction and training. Keeyen has much experience training soloists, ensembles, and choirs for the stage; ages ranging from childhood to seasoned adults.
Keeyen’s current hit singles “You Should Know” and “Girl I’m on the Way ‘’ premiered on the iTunes Top 100 Charts with his Debut EP “Neutral” garnering over a Million streams and counting. His music has been featured on The Real Housewives Of Atlanta, BET/FOX, and a few Nation Films. With numerous successful sold out tour shows to a growing fan base, the world awaits Keeyen.
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
