Join us for a closer look at the impact of Stephanie York Blue (Instrumental ‘81) and Mignonne Anderson Goode (BAN Founding Advisor) on our beloved community WINTER/SPRING 2024 WINTER/SPRING 2024 | ISSUE NO. 16 | ISSUE NO. 16
Executive Board
Denise Ward (Vocal '12)
Vice President
Capra Fellows (Theatre '11)
Gabby Byrd (Vocal '11)
Secretary Treasurer President
Kierra Martin (Dance '13)
Parliamentarian
Malcolm Jackson (Instrumental '10)
Committee Chairs
Communications Chair
Jordan Woods (Dance '13)
Engagement Chair
Edward Bell (Vocal '10)
Scholarship Chair
Taylar Lewis (Theatre '11)
Technology Coordinator
Henry Ellis Davis (Theatre '09)
Contributing Writers
Terrance Turner
Malcolm Jackson
Denise Ward
Gabby Byrd, Editor
THE
SPOTLIGHT WHO WE ARE HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS CALL BOARD CLASS NOTES
COMMONS HAPPENINGS CONVERSATION: STEPHANIE YORK BLUE & MIGNONNE ANDERSON GOODE SPONSOR
inside.
ON THE COVER Photos courtesy of J Michael Photography (left) and Courtney Antoinette Portraits (right) Cover designed by Trae Perry (Visual ‘13)
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 3 A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
What happened?
Holiday Jam
You can always count on BAN to bring alumni together for the holidays There were light bites, BAN-themed cocktails, and music from DJ Big Ace and the alumni house band. What more could one ask for?
December 23, 2023
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 4 THE COMMONS
commons. the
Harlem Nights After Midnight Gala
At the fundraising gala, we were able to celebrate Black culture in Houston’s Historic Eldorado Ballroom at Project Row Houses, showcase student and alumni talent in an homage to HSPVA Black history shows, honor two of our most impactful community members, and raise over $50,000 towards BAN’s scholarship fund.
Read more about the gala and its sponsors later in this issue.
February 18, 2024
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 5 THE COMMONS P h o t o s b y J . M i c h a e l P h o t o g r a p h y
c o m m o n s .
upcoming events
ARTiculating Your Practice: Professional Communication Skills and Tips for Artists
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your communication skills and gain the confidence to speak about your art practice with poise and professionalism. Register now and take the first step towards unlocking your full potential as an artist. Attendees will learn from gallery owner/curator Janice Bond and artist/curator Robert Hodge (Visual ‘98):
How to craft compelling artist statements that convey your unique artistic voice and vision.
Techniques for articulating your creative process, influences, and intentions in interviews and conversations
Strategies for effective networking and building professional relationships within the art community
Use the link below or register here: tiny cc/articulatingyourpractice
April 16 - 6pm CT via Zoom
Senior Pinning and Scholarship Award Ceremony
It’s almost graduation season which means it’s almost time to add more alumni to our family! Join us at Kinder HSPVA’s Patricia Bonner Recital Hall for a special evening where we’ll welcome the seniors into the network and announce this year’s BAN Scholarship Recipients
ALUMNI: If you’d like to participate in the ceremony, sign up at banawardsceremony.eventbrite.com
May 17 - 6:30pm CT
Kinder HSPVA
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 6 THE COMMONS
t h e
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Vocalist Starr Busby (Vocal ‘05) will be playing the next three Wednesdays (4/17, 4/24/ and 5/1) at Threes Brewing Gowanus in Brooklyn, NY. The shows start at 8pm. Suggested $20 donations accepted at the door.
Sax Ministry, a one-man show led by saxophonist Vince Greer (Jazz ‘08), will be performing at “Jazz and Java” from 2-4pm at Houston’s Central Library Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza.
Drummer Kendrick Scott (Jazz ‘98) and Hotbox will be performing from 5-7pm at The Water Works in Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park as part of Emancipation Park Conservancy’s “Jazzy Sundays in the Park ”
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Pianist Paul Cornish (Jazz ‘14) is currently on tour with saxophonist Joshua Redman but will begin his first tour as a bandleader on May 4th in South Bend, IN From there, he and his group will make their way to several other cities across the nation, including Texas and California. Purchase tickets online at paulcornishmusic.com
Drummer Chris “Daddy” Dave (Jazz ‘90) will have his next residency at Blue Note NYC May 14-19 Tickets for the 8pm and 10:30pm sets available online at bluenotejazz com
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Saxophonist Dorian Gray (Jazz ‘85) will be performing his “Live The Dream” Concert at High Volume Music Live in Houston. Purchase tickets online at eventbrite.com
h a p p e n i n g s .
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 7 HAPPENINGS
Instagram A P R I L 2 0 2 4
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DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING HAPPENING SOON? Let us know and we'll help spread the word! Email us at hspvablackalumninetwork@gmail com or send us a DM on
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The Goode Blue Notes
by Gabby Byrd
This Black History Month, the HSPVA Black Alumni Network presented its Harlem Nights ‘After Midnight’ Scholarship Gala in Houston’s historic Eldorado Ballroom and made history of its own With the help of several corporate sponsors, in-kind donors, alumni, and families of current students, our community was able to fundraise more than we ever have before: over $52,000.
It was the evening of Sunday, February 18, 2024, but folks arrived like it was 1924 Sequined flapper dresses and feathered headpieces lined the corridor then made their way upstairs to the ballroom There, along the outer walls, informative displays highlighted notable Black artists from the Harlem Renaissance era. Inside, soulful music filled the air and bar lights cast a warm glow about the room–this room whose walls have heard legends like Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, and Ray Charles.
Thanks to the engaging Mistress of Ceremonies Alexis “Fly” Jones (Visual ‘03), the awe-inspiring student and alumni performances, and the delectable refreshments provided by local Black-owned businesses, the energy was high. We were excited to celebrate Black history and culture in such a special space, and we were especially excited to honor the lives and work of two extraordinary women: Stephanie York Blue (Instrumental ‘81), the 2024 Recipient of BAN’s Alumni Legacy Award and Mignonne Anderson Goode (BAN Founding Advisor), the 2024 Recipient of BAN’s Community Impact Award. Join us for this closer look at their noteworthy dedication to young creatives.
conversation.
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 8 CONVERSATION
Goode (left) and Blue (right) at BAN’s Harlem Nights Gala Photo by J Michael Photography
Stephanie York Blue is a musician and retired educator from southeast Houston. Her father, also a pianist and educator, came from a very musical family that often performed at different churches in the area. “My dad's brothers and sisters all sing. He would have me and my siblings playing instruments or singing We listened to all kinds of music in my house, but mostly gospel like James Cleveland, Andraé Crouch–the old school, traditional gospel,” she remembers Her mother was the assistant principal at Bellaire High School and also came from a long line of educators and counselors. Blue never felt pressured to teach, though. “That's just what I saw growing up, so it was like okay, this is the route that I got,” she says. She attended Poe Elementary (where her father taught Spanish), then went to Johnston Middle School before making her way to HSPVA.
Though Mignonne Anderson Goode isn’t an HSPVA alumna, she is a Houstonian who has had connections to the school since its modest beginnings–long before her daughter, Callie Holley (Theatre ‘18), became an alumna herself Goode, like Blue, is also a teacher that hails from a family of educators Her mother was an English teacher at Milby High School–in fact, her four sisters (Goode’s aunts) were all teachers too. Her neighbor attended PVA in the early 70s and had the famously long bumper sticker. As the years progressed, more and more of Mignonne’s neighbors, friends, and family members made their way to HSPVA, creating more opportunities to visit the school and experience its magic She mentions catching several HSPVA performances of the now well-known interdisciplinary artist and creative soprano, Li(sa) E Harris (Vocal ‘98)
By the time Goode’s youngest daughter, Callie, had been accepted into HSPVA’s Theatre program in 2014, the Goodes had already seen their middle daughter through the audition process and had
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 9 CONVERSATION
Blue’s HSPVA Senior photo
Mignonne and Callie at BAN’s 2022 Homecoming event Photo by J Michael Photography
Blue conducting the Dancin' in the Street Motown and More Revue orchestra Photo courtesy of Blue
n come back to see the school’s All-School Black History duction of Dreamgirls the year before Callie arrived. From the ginning, she and Callie were both “all in,” she says. Mignonne ed–and eventually became chair of–HSPVA’s Parents of Black ory (PBH), a subcommittee under the school’s Parent Teacher anization (PTO) Callie auditioned for and was selected to form in all four Black History shows during her time at the ool Her junior year, when PVA did their 2017 Soul of the 70s duction, was Stephanie Blue’s first year being involved with A’s Black History show as an alumna.
he time, Blue was teaching music at MacGregor Elementary. She ght music there for the last 28 years of her 36-year career
with Houston Independent School District before retiring in 2022, and made a tradition of bringing her students to HSPVA’s Music Fest (formerly known as Spaghetti Supper) Outside of the classroom, she was–and continues to be–a well known and highly sought after musician in Houston’s various arts communities. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Jonathan Jackson, current BAN Advisory Collective member and father of Kambui Jackson (Instrumental ‘12), tried his best to get her involved with PVA’s Black History show. She always declined his requests, insisting that she was unqualified for such a task. After working with elementary students for so long, she wasn’t confident that she had anything to offer high schoolers–let alone, the ones who attended a school like HSPVA
It wasn’t until the father of another alum–Vivian Mosley (Instrumental ‘18)–actually tracked her down in the parking lot at MacGregor, that the parents’ plea became much harder to ignore. “I had been doing the Motown [& More Revue] thing at Miller [Outdoor Theatre], and so I think they just wanted to do some music like that. Of course, I said, ‘okay well I've been doing that, so I guess I can do that. I know that music ’ Now I'm there every year,” she said with a laugh
Of all the PVA Black History shows of which she’s been the music director, she considers Soul of the 70s her personal best Since so many of the kids wanted to play and be involved, she realized it was the perfect opportunity to have local musicians come lead masterclasses and sectionals, and share their experiences with the students. Blue notes that, when she mentioned the idea to Goode, who was serving as PBH Chair at the time,
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 10
Mignonne and Callie at Soul of the 70s
Photo courtesy of Goode
I n 2 0 1 7 P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f B l u e
With several students at HSPVA Photo courtesy of Blue
she became “instrumental” in helping to provide a “little love offering” for each visiting artist.
Goode was also instrumental in creating an inclusive cross culture of people who supported the Black History show
“One of the things that I found myself doing was talking to everybody about it. Anybody that would listen,
” she says.
In doing so, it motivated students and their parents, of all ethnicities, to attend the show and even offer to work as volunteers Under her leadership, PBH voted to change their name to the Parents of Black History Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Committee (PBH-CDI) She recalls, “There were so many great supportive parents, one of the things that we voted on as the committee was to allow other people to be more of a part of Black History because it was supposed to educate everyone about the contributions of Black Americans.” Her impact wasn’t limited to Black History, though. Because of her work with HSPVA’s school store and her affiliation with PBH, she earned a seat on the PTO board and eventually became PTO President
As PTO President, Goode worked with then-Principal Dr Scott Allen to “do a lot of things that were needed behind the scenes–again, with funding–and just to make sure that we had what we needed to move into the new campus.” Although a lot was provided by the school district and by HSPVA Friends, several pertinent items still remained on the wish list ahead of the school’s relocation to downtown Houston in January 2019 She explained that, since PTO’s school supply fundraiser had been so successful the year prior, “there were things that we had an opportunity to purchase within our budget that they could carry into the campus… for instance, the lighting for the theater.”
Goode’s term as PTO President ended the spring of 2018 (when Callie graduated), but she was asked to remain actively involved for an additional year. In October 2018, The HSPVA Black Alumni Network was established with Mignonne Anderson Goode as its Founding Advisor
While Goode has spent most of her adult life as a consultant, Blue has only recently come to realize the power of her influence and just how great the desire for it is. Before that first show in 2017,
CONVERSATION
Alene Haehl Coggin (left) and Mignonne at the VIP Reception for BAN’s 2022 Homecoming Weekend
Mignonne and Callie (as “Jamaican Munchkin”) at HSPVA’s 2015 production of The Wiz
With BAN President Denise Ward (right) at BAN’s 2022 Homecoming event
she was convinced that teenagers weren’t going to need her help with anything. She couldn’t have been more wrong. In the last seven years, she’s even been able to work with some of the students she taught at MacGregor and bask in their progress. “That's another reason why I like being over there, ‘cause I like to see my babies from second grade Now they're up on the stage I'm so proud of them,” she says
As music director for The Humphreys School of Musical Theatre and The River, both Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) programs, Blue continues to work with the city’s youth. The River’s mission is to provide “accessible arts education to individuals with disabilities and their siblings.” When speaking about her work with them, Blue says it’s “way more rewarding than anything I've done because those kids are absolutely amazing You may think that they can't do what they do, but they can do it It just fills your heart with joy, watching them ” She mentions that Rozie Curtis–now an HSPVA Theatre teacher–helped get her involved with TUTS after collaborating with her on several musical theatre shows at MacGregor and the YMCA of Greater Houston.
Recently, she took advantage of yet another opportunity to support young people. She accepted a new position as the Minister of Music at Bethel Institutional Missionary Baptist Church, her home church in Houston’s Southpark area It’s truly a full circle moment When the pastor asked if she would return, she felt called to give back and be present for the young and musically inclined in her community “I don't see us nurturing the kids like we used to,” she says Before, kids were often called up to sing or play in church and it helped develop their skills “Maybe some kids don't have that person that can see that in them and help them along. So, you know, maybe I can be that person.” That’s part of what motivates Blue.
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 12 CONVERSATION
Rozanne Curtis (left) and Blue at BAN’s Harlem Nights After Midnight Gala
BAN President Denise Ward (left) presenting Blue with BAN’s 2024 Alumni Legacy Award
With fellow HSPVA alumni educators: Mekeva McNeil (left) and Courtney Jones (right)
At the current Kinder HSPVA Campus
Blue with fellow HSPVA alumni: Christie Campbell (left) and Freda Humber (right)
Blue at BAN’s 2023 Holiday Jam
But what motivates a parent to stay involved with a school even after their child has left it? For Mignonne Anderson Goode, her “why” is three-fold First, she says, “I love God's creations– whether they know they are His or not–and wherever I can add value and just really share His light, that is what I try to do.” Secondly, “I truly do believe in education, all sorts of education.” When one of the school’s directors explained to her some of the reasons that many students weren’t able to stay in the Black History production, Goode and the other parents worked to implement study halls and tutoring sessions that would occupy students’ time during lulls in rehearsal Thirdly, she felt like a mother to many: her own daughter but also several of her classmates She says, “If they called me Mama Mignonne, or Miss Mama, or whatever nicknames they were calling me, I really felt like we had a community of children that were like a family that we were responsible for and to.”
That sentiment is something that has carried on into her work with the Network “For me, it is really about investing in the lives of the alumni and the students who will be future alumni so that they know they will always have this network to rely on [as a resource,] for camaraderie, for fellowship, and for encouragement.”
“I just like seeing the kids be successful and knowing that maybe I played some small part in helping them.”
As for Stephanie York Blue, she continues to teach and be involved with younger generations because she truly enjoys being able to make a difference When asked about the highlight of her career, she says, She credits Dr. Robert “Doc” Morgan and Patricia Bonner for playing a huge role in her musical development at HSPVA and for inspiring her desire to mentor up-and-coming musicians as well. To her students, she has this to say: “Follow your heart and listen to your inner voice–and this is something I'm learning now. If things don’t feel right, don’t do them, but make sure that you’re following your passion. Whatever it is that you decide to do, just love it and be passionate about it Your path will be much easier if you do what you love and not what you think somebody else wants you to do ”
BAN is forever indebted to you, Stephanie York Blue and Mignonne Anderson Goode. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your impact on our legacy and our beloved community.
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 13 CONVERSATION
At BAN’s 2022 Homecoming Weekend
Mignonne with BAN’s Executive Board at BAN’s 2023 Harlem Nights After Midnight Gala (left) and 2022 Homecoming Weekend (right)
For this issue, we would like to celebrate women who continue to thrive in freshness, women who are pioneers of change.
Check out this playlist of women who continue to innovate.
2 C u r a t e d b y M a l c o l m J a c k s o n HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 14 INTERLUDE 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 10 12 13 1 14 15
in.ter
sponsorspotlight.
Learn more about our Harlem Nights
After Midnight Gala Sponors!
Lucille's Hospitality Group (LHG) is dedicated to connecting compelling stories of the past to the hospitality concepts of the future. Anchored by the legacy of founder Chris Williams' great-grandmother culinary pioneer Lucille B Smith LHG advances her spirit of ingenuity by creating and re-imagining hospitality projects that advance cultural storytelling. Driven by their passion for exceptional food and service, their goal has always been to bring authenticity and wonderment to every community they serve
Their commitment to “feeding the future” also extends to their promise of philanthropy, which is magnified through their non-profit, Lucille's 1913. The conscious community collective is the culmination of a lifestyle driven by being of service to others, armed with a mission to empower vulnerable communities to discover a self-sustainable livelihood through food
Be sure to check out some of Chef Williams’ other endeavors: Lucille’s Restaurant, Eldorado Ballroom, and Late August.
Bryan-Michael Cox (Vocal ‘96) is an award-winning record producer and songwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful songwriters and producers in the history of contemporary R&B Recently, he has been celebrating the viral success of Muni Long’s single entitled “Made For Me” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.
Cox proudly funds the Bryan Michael Cox Legacy Award for current HSPVA seniors that exemplify excellence in their creative discipline and plan to continue their educational advancement.
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 15 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
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RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
CREATIVES: On April 20, 2024 from 9am - 1pm, the University of Houston Law Center’s Entertainment Law Clinic will be hosting a FREE copyright registration clinic. Their student attorneys will help register your original creative works so that they are federally protected. While legal assistance is free, registrants are responsible for paying the federal fees to complete registration which can range from $45 - $85.
Walk-Ins welcome, RSVPs Encouraged: loom.ly/DxcYBLo
VISUAL ARTISTS: UP Arts Studio is in search of local artists with lived experience in these Houston neighborhoods (Fort Bend, Magnolia Park - Manchester, Kashmere Gardens, or Sunnyside) to join the Artist Registry for the Mini Murals Program Selected artists are commissioned to transform drab utility cabinets by using the cabinets as blank “canvases” for their original artwork
Deadline: April 29, 2024
Learn more at minimurals org/artist-info/
VISUAL ARTISTS: The Prix Virginia is the first photography prize exclusively reserved for woman photographers regardless of age or nationality. The work submitted must never have yet been exhibited in France and must not be the result of an editorial assignment or advertisement commission.
Deadline: May 6, 2024
Learn more at prixvirginia com
CREATIVE WRITERS: The Trio House Press currently has three different manuscript awards available to poets and creative nonfiction writers Each winner receives $1,000 and 20 copies of their book, along with assistance in marketing the book Submission fees may apply
Deadline: May 15, 2024
Learn more at triohousepress.submittable.com/submit
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 16 CALL BOARD
call board.
DANCE: Klub ŻAK, the cultural institution of the Polish city of Gdansk, has announced an Open Call for this year’s international Solo Dance Contest in the field of contemporary dance The contest will take place August 26-30, 2024 in the Klub ŻAK within the 16th Gdańsk Dance Festival
Deadline: May 17, 2024
Learn more at gdanskifestiwaltanca pl/en/
ALL: Cavendish Arts Science is seeking for their Fellowship adventurous artists who explore alternative ways of knowing the world, and who work with communities that are not privileged in the mainstream The Fellowship offers opportunities for playful experimentation and the space to re-imagine beyond conventional artistic and scientific boundaries Open to all artistic mediums
Deadline: May 18, 2024
Learn more at cavendish-artscience org uk
ALL SEEKING EMPLOYMENT: Various positions are open for the Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy Visitor Center The Conservancy’s role is to “tell the story of freedom” by educating and engaging visitors about the unique and revelatory history of this largely untold chapter of Houston’s past Apply now!
Learn more at linkin bio/houstonfreedmenstown
THESPIANS: Houston’s Main Street Theater’s JEDI Artist Fellowship Program is a paid artistic leadership development program for earlycareer artists of color (Must be at least 22 years old to apply) May 2024 – August 2025 Candidates will be selected for one production on either the MainStage or Theater for Youth during the 2024/2025 season and be given access to additional professional development opportunities within the organization Rolling application deadlines apply.
Learn more at mainstreettheater.com/jedi-fellowship-program
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 17 CALL BOARD
straightA's
Tony Martin (Instrumental ‘81)
a.cknowledgements class notes.
Recently appointed to Board of Directors for Kings Amongst Kings Boston, a non-profit organization that advocates for community empowerment and mental health (top)
Dr. Thomas Porter (Theatre ‘12)
Successfully defended his doctoral dissertation (right)
Taylor Scott (Theatre ‘19)
Recently became National Chair-Elect of the National Society of Black Engineers (middle)
WalterSmithIII(Jazz ‘98)
Monica Hatter-Mayes (Dance ‘00) and Dequina Moore (Theatre ’98)
atter-Mayes choreographed the TUTS production of “Freak Out - The Rick James Story ” Moore appears in the production (far left, left).
Carmen Jones-Marigny (Dance ‘08) and MAJOR (Vocal ‘02)
At Edison Arts Foundation's 5th Annual Tutus & Tuxes Heart Work Fundraising Gala, MAJOR (Vocal ‘) will receive the Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Jones-Marigny will be recognized with the Change Agent in the Arts Award (middle, right)
Jonquel Holiday (Vocal ‘09)
Performed at the Orleans Parish Spring Healing Fair at Southern University (bottom right)
Randy “WROSIV” Palmer (Visual ‘10)
Hosted an interactive art event at the Anderson Center that focused on mental health (bottom)
special congratulations
At this year’s DocFest, saxophonist Walter Smith III (Jazz ‘98) was inducted into the HSPVA Jazz Hall of Fame alongside composer Mark Holden (Jazz ‘74) and saxophonist Warren Sneed (Jazz ‘78) Fellow alum Jamire Williams (Jazz ‘02) accompanied him on drums
Smith currently serves as Chair of the Woodwinds Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston. His latest Blue Note release, Return to Casual (2023), was his eighth release as a bandleader.
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 18 CLASS NOTES
Beyoncé Thrills HSPVA Alumni With Shout-out on “Cowboy Carter”
by Terrance Turner
Music fans rejoiced when singer Beyoncé (Vocal 99)* released her new album “Cowboy Carter” on March 29. The 27-track project explores her take on country music, featuring collaborations with Miley Cyrus, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton. But the album also displays Queen Bey’s operatic side During the bridge of “Daughter,” Beyoncé breaks out into “Caro Mio Ben,” an operatic lament that expresses the sorrow of being without a loved one
This isn’t the first time Queen Bey has dipped into her opera bag; we hear snippets of her classical vocal training on the bridge of “Halo”, the final moments of “Ave Maria”, and even the backgrounds of the “Flawless” remix. But this latest musical moment carries special significance for HSPVA vocal majors. Those who attended (Kinder) High School for the Performing and Visual Arts will recognize the aria: for years, all PVA vocal majors were required to perform “Caro Mio Ben” as freshmen (Beyoncé famously attended HSPVA during her freshman year )
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 19 CLASS NOTES
a.lbums and other music news
Malcolm Jackson (Instrumental ‘10)
Recollections, is a collection of solo marimba works that Jackson composed during his time at HSPVA Available to stream and purchase on Bandcamp
Trae Perry (Visual ‘13)
Asa “BIG ACE” Davis (Instrumental ‘12)
His debut EP entitled HOLD TIGHT is an homage to southern legends like Magnolia Shorty, Big Pokey, Lil Flip, and Young Thug Streaming now on all major platforms
Check out his latest single “God’s Country” on YouTube
Brittany Michelle Taylor (Vocal ‘10)
Check out her single, “Never Again,” on all major streaming platforms
Jamal Cyrus (Visual ‘91) and Lovie Olivia (Visual ‘98)
Their work is featured in the “Multiplicity” exhibition on view at Museum of Fine Arts Houston now until May 12, 2024 (left and right).
Michael Prince (Instrumental ‘19)
Check out his latest release, LimitlessA Trap Symphony, on michaelprinceviolin com
Jalen Baker (Jazz ‘13)
Played vibraphones on Pat Williams’s new track “Afternoon Walk.”
Bryant Troy (Jazz ‘17)
Co-produced the track “Jeff and Lita” on the Lil Yachty-fronted Concrete Boys’ new album entitled It’s Us Vol 1
Jarvis Manning (Vocal ‘05)
Currently in Los Angeles covering two major roles for Geffen Playhouse’s production Fat Ham, a modern revamp of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet ” The show runs at the Gil Cates Theater now until April 28, 2024 (bottom right).
Samantha Williams (Theatre ‘16)
Catch her playing the role of Kate McGowan in the Encores! production of Titanic running at New York City Center from June 12-23 (bottom left)
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 20 CLASS NOTES E s
a.ppearances class notes.
who we are.
The purpose of the HSPVA Black Alumni Network is to connect Black alumni of The High School for Performing and Visual Arts, support alumni and current students’ endeavors, and provide resources, scholarships, and networking opportunities to champion the next generation of HSPVA artists and professionals
2023-24 creative team
STEPHENHUDSON Vocal '03
JHACOLE DUNN Vocal '94
RRANCE TURNER Instrumental '10
CHANDRAHENSON WHITAKER Theatre '96
DANIELLEKING Theatre '13
ALDARIAN MAYES Jazz '10
DJ CARR Vocal '18
CHRISTIAN WARNER Dance '12
TAWANA HUNTER Vocal '02
HSPVA Black Alumni Network | 21 WHO WE ARE
REGINA MORGAN Vocal '10
Vocal 13
CAPRA FELLOWS Vice-President Theatre '11
MALCOLM JACKSON Parliamentarian Instrumental'10
DENISE WARD President Vocal '12
KIERRA MARTIN Treasurer Dance '13
GABBY BYRD Secretary Vocal '11
EDWARD BELL Engagement Chair Vocal '10
TAYLAR LEWIS Scholarship Chair Theatre '11
HENRY ELLIS DAVIS Technology Coordinator Theatre '09
JORDAN WOODS Communications Chair Dance '13
KIANAARDOIN Board Liason Vocal ‘20