Music Of The AfricAn DiAspora festivaL
Saturday, February 3, 2024
5:00pm
AMP Academy Recital I
Sunday, February 4, 2024
3:30pm
AMP Academy Recital III
Saturday, February 3, 2024 6:15pm
AMP Academy Rectial II
Sunday, February 4, 2024 4:30pm
AMP Academy IV
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, Lee Sheehan Templin
Atlanta Music Project Staff
Durand Bailey, Senior Director of Operations
D’Laney Bowry, Development & Grants Associate
Michael Crawford, Facilities Manager
Isaiah Cuffey, Preparatory School Program Manager
Lydia Falcon, After-School Programs Associate
Erin Fender, Marketing & Social Media Manager
Dennis Freeman, Van Driver
Miriam Huppert, Director of College & Career Services
Breanna Johnson, Director of Choral Programs
Jessica McCrary, Program Operations Associate
Liesl McWhorter, Interim Youth Orchestras Program Associate
Aisha Moody, Co-Founder & Chief Program Officer
Jose Morales, Interim Marketing & Development Assoicate
Ron Pace, Finance Manager
Nassareen Rahman, Van Driver
Dantes Rameau, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Amber Smith, Associate Director of AMP Academy
Lauren Spence, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Jack W. Wagner, Associate Director of Grants
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 program sponsors
The Atlanta Music Project is grateful for the support of our major institutional donors
The Next Gen Fund | Anonymous Donation
Funding provided in part by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Department of Community Development.
Major funding for these organizations are provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.
These programs are supported by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.
saturday, February 3, 2024 at 5:00PM
Atlanta Music Project academy recital I
Tony Castillo, Eli Manos, Jack W. Wagner, Collaborative Pianists
Devron Ard, Bass Corey Raymond, Drums
Nobody Knows the Trouble I See................................................................African American Spiritual arr. David E. Robinson III
Joel Patrick, trombone
Studio of Ed Nicholson
“Steal Away”.............................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Tom Waring
Maya Winfrey, mezzo-soprano
Studio of Laura English-Robinson
Deep River.................................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. K.L. Phillips
Elly Jabari, violin
Studio of Julie Saxton
“Soon As I Get Home”...................................................................................................Charlie Smalls from “The Wiz”
Chloe Collier, mezzo-soprano
Studio of Pamela Dillard
Killing Me Softly with His Song...........................................................................Music by Charles Fox Lyrics by Norman Gimbrel arr. James M. Guthrie
Blake Peterson, bassoon
Studio of Lazara Santana
“This Little Light O’Mine”..........................................................................African American Spiritual arr. John W. Work
Nalivia Preston, mezzo-soprano
Studio of Ethan Godfrey
“Amazing Grace”............................................................................................................John Newton
Violet Montague, soprano
Studio of Austin Cripe
saturday, February 3, 2024 at 5:00PM
Atlanta Music Project academy recital I
Tony Castillo, Eli Manos, Jack W. Wagner, Collaborative Pianists
Devron Ard, Bass Corey Raymond, Drums
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child..................................................African American Spiritual arr. Moses Hogan
Nehemiah Preston, oboe Studio of Natalie Beckenbaugh
“He’s Got The Whole World In His Hand”.....................................................African American Spiritual arr. Margaret Bonds ed. Vivian Taylor
Isaac Collier, baritone
Studio of José Montañez
“Witness”.................................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Hall Johnson
Naomi Croom, soprano Studio of Laura English-Robinson
“Oh, Freedom”...........................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Jan Wolters
Mikaila Haynes, alto Studio of José Montañez
Walk With Me.............................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. David E. Robinson III ed. Kevin Smith
Terry Dent, double bass Studio of Kevin Smith
“Balm in Gilead”........................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Harry Thacker Burleigh
Milan Russell, soprano Studio of Ethan Godfrey
Walk With Me.............................................................................................African American Spiritual ed. Andrew Warwick
Zaiden Owens, clarinet
Studio of Andrew Warwick
saturday, February 3, 2024 at 5:00PM
Atlanta Music Project academy recital I
Tony Castillo, Eli Manos, Jack W. Wagner, Collaborative Pianists
Devron Ard, Bass Corey Raymond, Drums
“Lift Every Voice and Sing”.............................................................Music by John Rosamond Johnson
Words by James Weldon Johnson
Laila Smith, mezzo-soprano
Studio of Keeyen Martin
We Belong Together....................................Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Manuel Seal, Johntá Austin
Vinny Montague, cello
Studio of Giancarlo Ortiz
“Ore Meta” and “Mo já ‘wé gbégbé”........................................................................Yoruba Folk Songs arr. Akin Euba
Neilah Bell, soprano
Studio of Ibukun Babalola
Suite
II. Mother and Child..............................................................................................William Grant Still trans. Timothy Holley
Sage Lima-Jeffries, cello
Studio of Ismail Akbar
Sonata for Viola and Piano................................................................................................Ulysses Kay I. Largo
Joshua Croom, viola
Studio of Meghan Yost
“Dawn”..........................................................................................................Music by Frederick Hall
Da’Janel Chatmon, soprano
Studio of Laura English-Robinson
Text by Paul Lawrence Dunbar
saturday, February 3, 2024 at 6:15PM
Atlanta Music Project academy recital II
Tony Castillo, Eli Manos, Jack W. Wagner, Collaborative Pianists
The Boy with the Axles in His Hands...................................................Thomas Greene “Blind Tom” Wiggins arr. Rachel Barton Pine
Miriam Needham, violin
Studio of Kerren Berz
“In a Sentimental Mood”.......................................................................................Music by Duke Ellington
Words by Manny Kurtz
Vinny Montague, tenor
Studio of Keeyen Martin
Nobody Knows the Trouble I See........................................................................African American Spiritual arr. David E. Robinson III
Faith Clark, cello
Studio of Ismail Akbar
“Ev’ry Time I Feel De Spirit”..............................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Hall Johnson
Annistyn Beasley, mezzo-soprano
Studio of Ethan Godfrey
“His Eye Is on the Sparrow”..............................................................................Music by Charles H. Gabriel
Words by Civilla D. Martin
Thais El-Amin, soprano
Studio of Austin Cripe
Walk With Me....................................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. David E. Robinson III
Ray Ransom, Bass Corey Raymond, Drums ed. Kevin Smith
Lourdess Culpatrick, double bass
Studio of Kevin Smith
“Give Me Jesus”................................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. James Hansen, Robert A. Hawthorne
Mah Kouyate, mezzo-soprano
Studio of Austin Cripe
Go Down, Moses (Let My People Go!).................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Harry Thacker Burleigh
Keyon Colbert, bassoon
Studio of Lazara Santana
saturday, February 3, 2024 at 6:15PM
Atlanta Music Project academy recital II
Tony Castillo, Eli Manos, Jack W. Wagner, Collaborative Pianists
Ray Ransom, Bass Corey Raymond, Drums
A Night in Tunisia ................................................................................................................Dizzy Gillespie
Asher Bryant, trumpet
Studio of Aiken Del Aguila
Give Me Jesus...................................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Moses Hogan
Caleb Vaughn, bass
Studio of Keeyen Martin
Minuet No. 7......................................................................................................................Ignatius Sancho arr. Meghan Yost
Raelan Robinson, viola
Studio of Meghan Yost
Galop...................................................................................................................................Raynor Carroll
Dave Anderson, timpani
Studio of Dominic Ryder
Afro Blue.......................................................................................Ramón “Mongo” Santamaría Rodríguez
Hailey Haye, flute
Studio of Teresa Feliciano
Lord, I Want to Be a Christian............................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Florence B. Price
Koa Edwards, violin
Studio of Josiah Coe
He’s Got The Whole World In His Hand................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Margaret Bonds
Priya Gingrich, cello
Studio of Ismail Akbar
“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” .......................................................................Music by Duke Ellington
Sasha Williams, soprano
Studio of Pamela Dillard
Words by Bob Russell
sunday, February 4, 2024 at 3:30PM
Atlanta Music Project academy recital III
Tony Castillo, Eli Manos, Jack W. Wagner, Collaborative Pianists
Devron Ard, Bass Corey Raymond, Drums
Autumn Leaves ............................................................................................................Joseph Kosma
arr. Giancarlo Ortiz
Kendel Felton, cello
Studio of Giancarlo Ortiz
“Lush Life”..................................................................................................................Billy Strayhorn
Nailah Ruffin, soprano
Studio of Keeyen Martin
Amazing Grace................................................................................................................John Newton
Skylar Edwards, clarinet
Studio of Andrew Warwick
Just So in the North...................................................................................................Ignatius Sancho
ed. Rachel Barton Pine, Jason Moy
Paris Adams, violin
Studio of Dr. Lana Teko
Les Contes des Fées..................................................................................................Ignatius Sancho
arr. Rachel Barton Pine, Jason Moy
Nzingha Dunston, violin
Studio of Julie Saxton
Feeling the Pulse........................................................................................................Juwon Ogungbe
arr. Rachel Barton Pine, Carlos Simon
Elrico Ezzard, cello
Studio of Yuliya Kim
“Balm in Gilead”........................................................................................African American Spiritual
arr. Harry Thacker Burleigh
Somer Lindsay, soprano
Studio of Keeyen Martin
“Sinner, Please Don’t Let This Harvest Pass!”............................................African American Spiritual
arr. Robert L. Morris
Shana Liverpool, mezzo-soprano
Studio of Laura English-Robinson
sunday, February 4, 2024 at 3:30PM
Atlanta Music Project academy recital III
Tony Castillo, Eli Manos, Jack W. Wagner, Collaborative Pianists
Devron Ard, Bass Corey Raymond, Drums
Grande Polka des Chasseur à Pied de la Louisiane ...................................................Basile Jean Barès
Ethan Ezzard, violin
arr. Rachel Barton Pine, Matthew Hagle
Studio of Andrzej Zabinski
Adoration, IFP 1........................................................................................................Florence B. Price
arr. Jordan Moore
Preston Harris, french horn
Studio of Dr. Josh Williams
“Someone to Watch Over Me”....................................................................Music by George Gershwin
Words by Ira Gershwin
Amaya Paylor, mezzo-soprano
Studio of Austin Cripe
Emmett Till , A Meditation for Violin and Piano..........................................................Andrzej Zabinski Cadenza by Asha White inspired by the poem by James A. Emanuel
Asha White, violin
Studio of Andrzej Zabinski
Mr. Telephone Man.........................................................................................................Ray Parker Jr.
Damion Ricketts, drum set
Studio of Dominic Ryder
Walk With Me.............................................................................................African American Spiritual
arr. David E. Robinson III ed. Kevin Smith
Xavier Francois, double bass
Studio of Kevin Smith
Mele Sue......................................................................................................................Kenneth Kafui
arr. Rachel Barton Pine
Kennedy Johnson, violin
Studio of Dr. Lana Teko
sunday, February 4, 2024 at 3:30PM
Atlanta Music Project academy recital III
Tony Castillo, Eli Manos, Jack W. Wagner, Collaborative Pianists
Devron Ard, Bass Corey Raymond, Drums
Canción de Cuna Del Niño Negro ...................................................................
Amadeo Roldán y Gardes
arr. Rachel Barton Pine, Meghan Yost
Kree Willingham, viola
Studio of Meghan Yost
“‘Round Midnight” ...........................................................Music by Thelonious Monk, Cootie Williams
Words by Bernie Hanighan
Destiny Sutton, alto
Studio of Keeyen Martin
The Entertainer................................................................................................................Scott Joplin
arr. Rachel Barton Pine
Ethan Waithe, violin
Studio of Kerren Berz
“Home”........................................................................................................................Charlie Smalls from “The Wiz”
Makyla Platt, soprano
Studio of Ibukun Babalola
Feeling the Pulse........................................................................................................Juwon Ogungbe
arr. Rachel Barton Pine, Carlos Simon
Bena-Nsilu Tiya, cello
Studio of Yuliya Kim
Chocolate Drops........................................................................................................Will Marion Cook
arr. Rachel Barton Pine
Jackson Betts, violin
Studio of Kerren Berz
Somebody’s Knockin’ at Yo’ Door...............................................................African American Spiritual arr. Moses Hogan
Spencer Branch, trombone
Studio of Ed Nicholson
“There Is a Balm in Gilead”........................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Damien Sneed
Tyaire Charles, tenor
Studio of Austin Cripe
sunday, February 4, 2024 at 4:30PM
Atlanta Music Project academy recital IV
Tony Castillo, Eli Manos, Jack W. Wagner, Collaborative Pianists
Devron Ard, Bass Corey Raymond, Drums
“L-O-V-E “................................................................................................Bert Kaempfert, Milt Gabler
Joshua Banks, tenor
Studio of Pamela Dillard
Easy Winners....................................................................................................................Scott Joplin arr. David McKeown
Samuel Leyimu, clarinet
Studio of Andrew Warwick
Mele Ekpom ………………………………………..............................................….......…………..………Kenneth Kafui arr. Rachel Barton Pine
Maasai Jarrett, marimba
Studio of Dominic Ryder
Deep River.................................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Harry Thacker Burleigh
Elijah Stephens, baritone
Studio of José Montañez
Walk With Me.............................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. David E. Robinson III ed. Kevin Smith
Brandon Mines, double bass
Studio of Matthew Richards
“I Got a Marble and a Star”....................................................................................Music by Kurt Weill from “Street Scene” Text by Langston Hughes
Alexander Beaty, baritone
Studio of Ibukun Babalola
Were You There?........................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. C. Winfred Douglas
Christian Harrison, french horn
Studio of Dr. Josh Williams
sunday, February 4, 2024 at 4:30PM
Atlanta Music Project academy recital IV
Tony Castillo, Eli Manos, Jack W. Wagner, Collaborative Pianists
Devron Ard, Bass Corey Raymond, Drums
My Lord, What a Mornin’............................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Hall Johnson
Joseph Banks, oboe
Studio of Natalie Beckenbaugh
Åses død ........................................................................................................................Edvard Grieg arr. Alan Gout
Anyanwu Madimoyo, trombone
Studio of Ed Nicholson
Le Vieux Garçon.........................................................................................................Ignatius Sancho arr. Rachel Barton Pine, Jason Moy
Preston Walton, cello
Studio of Yuliya Kim
Mele Ekpom.................................................................................................................Kenneth Kafui
arr. Rachel Barton Pine
Nicholas Doyle, viola
Studio of Dr. Lana Teko
“Ave Maria”........................................................................................................................Traditional
arr. Padre José Maurício Nunes Garcia
Raja Green-Hornes, tenor
Studio of Ibukun Babalola
Amazing Grace................................................................................................................John Newton arr. Morakot Cherdchoo-ngarm
Jonah Banks, bassoon
Studio of Lazara Santana
One Note Samba...........................................................................................................Antonio Jobim arr. Mike Garson
Braylen Mines, trumpet
Studio of Aiken Del Aguila
“Were You There?”....................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Harry Thacker Burleigh
Mike Leon, tenor
Studio of José Montañez
sunday, February 4, 2024 at 4:30PM
Atlanta Music Project academy recital IV
Tony Castillo, Eli Manos, Jack W. Wagner, Collaborative Pianists
Devron Ard, Bass Corey Raymond, Drums
Minuet No. 15.............................................................................................................Ignatius Sancho
ed. Rachel Barton Pine, Jason Moy
Autumn Inman, violin
Studio of Andrzej Zabinski
“Night” .....................................................................................................Music by Florence B. Price
Text by Louise C. Wallace Aria Armstead, mezzo-soprano
Studio of Ibukun Babalola
“What a Wonderful World”..........................................................George Douglas, George David Weiss
Justice Banks, tenor
Studio of Ethan Godfrey
“Orange Colored Sky”................................................................................Milton DeLugg, Willie Stein
Janae Banks, mezzo-soprano
Studio of Pamela Dillard
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child..................................................African American Spiritual arr. Florence B. Price
Marlee Carter, violin
Studio of Kerren Berz
Pine Apple Rag.................................................................................................................Scott Joplin trans. Paul Zukofsky
Vincent Schubert, violin
Studio of Kerren Berz
“Dream Variation”.......................................................................................Music by Margaret Bonds from “Three Dream Portraits”
Destiny Brown, soprano
Studio of Laura English-Robinson
Text by Langston Hughes
O Holy Lord................................................................................................African American Spiritual arr. Florence B. Price
David Walton, cello
Studio of Yuliya Kim
AMP’s 2024 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 Participants: Orchestra
Faith Clark, cello, Studio of Ismail Akbar, All-State Middle School Orchestra, 8th Grade
Priya Gingrich, cello, Studio of Ismail Akbar, First Chair, 9th/10th String Orchestra, 10th Grade
Chorus
Neilah Bell, soprano, Studio of Ibukun Babalola, 11th/12th Mixed Chorus, 11th Grade
Students who made District Honor Ensembles: Band
Samuel Leyimu, clarinet, Studio of Andrew Warwick, 8th Grade
Spencer Branch, trombone, Studio of Ed Nicholson, 12th Grade
Students who Passed First Round: Orchestra
Vincent Schubert, violin, Studio of Kerren Berz, 11th Grade
Joshua Croom, viola, Studio of Meghan Yost, 11th Grade
Sage Mae Lima-Jeffries, cello, Studio of Ismail Akbar, 12th Grade
Chorus
Tyaire Charles, tenor, Studio of Austin Cripe, 11th Grade
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 700 young musicians annually through: beginner-level choir, band and orchestra through the AMP Preparatory School; the intermediate and advanced AMP Youth Orchestras & Choirs; private instrumental and vocal lessons through the AMP Academy; and the annual month-long AMP Summer Series. Additionally, AMP runs a college and career program, supporting AMP high school students and AMP alumni. Since 2021, AMP has awarded 50 college scholarships to its alumni, totaling $231,374.
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, performed with the Atlanta Opera and the Atlanta Ballet, and have concertized as far away as Los Angeles, Aspen, Mexico City, and Scotland.
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.
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.
The Atlanta Music Project believes the pursuit of musical excellence leads to the development of confidence, creativity and ambition, bringing together youth, family and community for the greater good.
883 Dill Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 678-235-4267 | info@atlantamusicproject.org atlantamusicproject.org AMP Merch Donate to AMP Program Design by Jose Morales