MUSIC
Women in Jazz
Penelope Williams, piano and voice
Featuring guest artists
Koku Buie
Marla Feeney
Emrah Kotan
Cheryl Kaye Marshall
Matt Miller
Jaqueline Pickett
Justin Powell
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Performing Arts Studio Department of Music 1804 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322
Welcome to the Performing Arts Studio in the Department of Music.
404.727.6445 | music.emory.edu | music@emory.edu
Cover Design: Lisa Baron | Cover Photo: Mark Teague
Program
I Dream in Living Color Carmen Lundy (b. 1954)
Jazz Ain’t Nothing But Soul Norman Mapp (1928-1988),
Sojourn Penelope Williams (b. 1957)
Yatra-Ta Tania Maria (b. 1948)
Drummer’s Song Geri Allen (1957-2017)
Circling Gretchen Parlato (b. 1976)
Lawns Carla Bley, (1936-2023)
Walkin’ and Swingin’ Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981
If You Really Are Concerned Then Show It Billy Taylor (1921-2010)
Oh, Lady Be Good George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Biographies
Penelope Williams, MM, piano/keyboards/vocals. A longtime resident of Atlanta, her musical residencies have included The Ritz Carlton Atlanta, Omni Hotel, Hotel Nikko, among others. Her love of music keeps her active as an instructor of jazz and performance, at Emory University, Global Village Project, and The Lovett School. Additionally, she is Creative Arts Director with Spiritual Living Center Atlanta, and Founder of Gratitude Jazz Foundation, raising awareness of women jazz musicians, composers, by providing a positive and supportive environment – a haven for artistic growth.
At home in the world of performance, Penelope has studied with the masters, honed her technical abilities through countless hours of dedicated work and developed a strong experience-based, live performance presence. This commitment has led to opportunities for Penelope working as a performer in countless venues across the globe, including Centers For Spiritual Living, The Kennedy Center, and International Assoc. for Jazz Education. At home, performing as a soloist as well as a member of a large ensemble, Penelope delivers her music at the highest standards.
Not all who perform can or want to teach. Penelope has a deep desire to bring out the inner talents of students, young and old. The patience to nurture the natural gifts of others so they emerge and grow comes from the desire to help others develop and grow as artists. For years, she has maintained a studio of students many whom discover the importance of creativity, theory, and repertoire as ingredients for success in academics and the arts. Penelope has developed and led many music and arts programs. She has taken them from infancy and grown them to become top-quality performance organizations bringing joy to performers and audiences alike. Leading a program of diverse individuals passionate about their craft is a challenging and intricate process. Creating an inclusive music and arts program requires the same skills as making any complex, multi-faceted organization thrive. Penelope has a stellar track record of developing and leading high performing music and arts programs many times over.
Koku Buie has provided voiceover services for schools, churches, and children’s author book read aloud. Her voiceover and on screen work was featured in a 2024 Instructional/Educational short film that won a Southeast Emmy Award. “Professor Inquiry’s Museum Adventures”
Koku, graduated with honors from North Carolina Central University majoring in Theater with concentrations in Performance and Education.
As a performer in Metro-Atlanta, she has presented two very popular one woman shows performing as the Ruby Bridges and Mary Macleod Bethune. She has also written several educational programs and performed them across school district supporting science and language arts curriculum. As a featured storyteller, she has written and performed for The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and performs regularly
for major venues including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Site, The Atlanta History Center, The Atlanta Botanical Gardens, The Atlanta Children’s Museum and many schools and community venues. As an Educator, Teaching Artist, Storyteller and Writer of over 30 years, she once served as the Official Teller for the National Black Arts Festival and The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Festival. /Koku@mamakoku.com
Marla Feeney is a multi-instrumentalist based in Atlanta for 24 years. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and a Master of Arts from University of Iowa. Marla has played in pit orchestras and bands for Alliance and Fox Theater productions, symphony and pops orchestra settings, and wedding and corporate events. She has played in jazz groups including Joe Gransden’s Big Band, The Bonaventure Quartet Gypsy Swing Ensemble, and Emrah Kotan’s New Anatolian Experience (Turkish jazz fusion). She performs with her own Marlatov Cocktails Klezmer Band, and plays regularly in church and synagogue worship ensembles. Marla owned and operated Sandpiper Music Studio in Marietta, GA for 17 years, where she taught privately. She also conducted East Cobb and Roswell New Horizon Pops and Jazz Bands for several years. Prior to coming to Atlanta, Marla taught as an adjunct faculty at several Midwestern colleges, and here in Atlanta, at Agnes Scott College. Currently, Marla teaches privately in the Atlanta area, and freelances with several groups. Look for future projects on www.marlafeeney.net
Emrah Kotan, an accomplished and versatile musician, hailing from Turkey, has established himself as a distinguished percussionist with a rich blend of classical training and contemporary jazz expertise. Graduating with a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Georgia State University in the United States, Emrah’s musical journey knows no boundaries. Emrah’s performances have graced illustrious stages across the globe, from the vibrant Istanbul Jazz Festival and the captivating Singapore Jazz Festival, to the iconic Montreux Jazz Festival and the legendary Blue Note in New York. His artistry transcends genres and cultures, reflecting a profound and unique musical sensibility that captivates audiences and peers alike.
Resonating harmoniously in the vibrant Atlanta music scene, Emrah is a highly sought-after musician, earning acclaim for his exceptional talent. His rhythmic prowess is not only showcased in his own musical projects, but he also serves as the dynamic drummer/percussionist for esteemed Grammy award-winning artists, India.Arie and Jennifer Holliday, recipients of both Emmy and Grammy Awards.
Beyond his captivating performances, Emrah’s passion for music education shines brightly. He imparts his knowledge and expertise through engaging master classes, guiding and nurturing aspiring talents. His dedication has contributed to the success of numerous students who have earned prestigious music scholarships at their chosen colleges. Emrah extends his teaching to students of all ages, offering private instruction and serving as
the Director of the Jazz and World Percussion Ensembles at Agnes Scott College as well as Jazz Drum set and Percussion professor at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Emrah Kotan proudly aligns his artistry with Pearl drums and percussion, a testament to his commitment to quality and innovation. Furthermore, his influence extends to the music industry’s core as a dedicated voting member of the Recording Academy, where his discerning voice contributes to shaping the future of music. With an extraordinary blend of cultural influences, dynamic performances, and a steadfast commitment to education and innovation, Emrah Kotan’s musical odyssey continues to enrich and elevate the global music landscape.
Chery Kaye Marshall is a junior at Emory University studying astrophysics, English, and jazz percussion. Her tap dance training primarily took place at Beverly’s Dance of Gardendale under Beverly Simpson Cunningham and the Ballet School of Chapel Hill in North Carolina under Gene Medler. She has also extensively trained under tap masters Michelle Dorrance, Elizabeth Burke, and Luke Hickey, with the honor of further training from tap legends Brenda Bufalino, Dianne Walker and Maurice Hines.
In 2017, Cheryl Kaye performed with members of STOMP at The Chicago Human Rhythm Project. She is an alumnus of the School at Jacob’s Pillow and serves as the student representative on the Alabama Dance Council. Cheryl Kaye was named the 2022 NDEO Artistic Merit, Leadership, and Academic Achievement Award National Winner. She is the founder and artistic director for Alabama Rhythm Tap where she directs Alabama’s Tap Nutcracker and hosts community outreach through the art of tap dance. She has been a company member with Formations Dance Company, a professional contemporary ballet company and recently completed an internship with The Syncopated Ladies in Los Angeles, CA. Cheryl Kaye is currently training and working with Michelle Dorrance’s tap company Dorrance Dance based in NYC. She made her professional debut with the company performing in Elizabeth Burke and Luke Hickey’s “A Swing Suite” at the 92NY’s 150th Season Opening Night, as well as opening “The Nutcracker Suite” in Charleston, SC.
Matt Miller is a professional saxophonist, music educator, and journalist. A graduate of the New School University in New York City with a BFA in Jazz and Contemporary Music, and Mercer University in Macon, Ga with a Master of Music degree, Matt has studied and performed with many world-class musicians throughout the country, including The Temptations, Joe Gransden, Kenny Banks, Winard Harper, Eric Lewis (ELEW), and many others. As a journalist, Matt has written articles for the New York Times, EarRelevant, The Macon Telegraph, The New York City Jazz Record, and other publications since 2005. His website and podcast Atlanta Jazz Notes explores the Atlanta Jazz scene past and present. He is
currently working on a book exploring the life and music of saxophonist Hank Mobley. Additionally, he has taught music at Tapestry Public Charter school since 2015.
Jaqueline Pickett is a highly accomplished double bassist, known for her versatility and impressive career spanning multiple genres. Born in Somerset, Pennsylvania, Pickett’s musical journey began early, inspired by her family and community’s love for music ¹.Pickett has performed with renowned musicians, including country singer Allison Krauss and avant-garde composers Terry Riley and Pauline Oliveros ². Her experience as a section bassist with the Jacksonville, Florida Symphony Orchestra and principal bassist of the Columbus, Georgia Symphony Orchestra showcases her symphonic expertise ³. As a chamber musician, Pickett has performed with the Ritz Chamber Players and the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, demonstrating her ability to excel in various settings ³. She has also given solo double bass recitals in Johannesburg, South Africa, and universities across the United States ¹ ³.Pickett’s commitment to education and community is evident through her work as a double bass instructor at Spelman College and her role as founder and president of the League of Women Bass players. LOW B aims to support and promote women bassists worldwide, providing a platform for community building, education, and performance opportunities.
Atlanta-based trumpeter, composer/arranger, and educator Justin Powell has been active in the Atlanta music scene since moving to the area in 2013. Powell holds a Master of Music degree from University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance from Valdosta State University. Justin is an Artist Affiliate at Emory University where he teaches Jazz Trumpet/Trombone students and helps coach the Emory Big Band. He also works at Kennesaw State University where he coaches combos. He stays busy performing and recording with The Terminus Horns. The section has collaborated with internationally renowned producers and artists. They are committed to enhancing the sound of local upand-coming artists and established bands. As a performer Powell has been able to share the stage and collaborate with incredible artists including Eric Church, The Gorillaz, Josh Groban, The Floozies, American Authors, Red Wanting Blue, Shania Twain, Sister Hazel, The Isley Brothers, Bobby Feeno, Angie Stone, Chuck Israels of the Bill Evans Trio, The Atlanta Pops Orchestra, Balsam Range, and The O’Jays, just to name a few. Justin is well versed in all styles of music and has worked with several classical orchestras / brass quintets / pop and rock bands / and is a top call session player in the Atlanta area. In addition to performing live, he has arranged horn parts in a variety of styles for live performance and studio sessions.
Music at Emory brings together students, faculty, and world-class artists to create an exciting and innovative season of performances, lectures, workshops, and master classes. With more than 150 events each year across multiple Emory venues, audiences experience a wide variety of musical offerings.
We hope you enjoy sampling an assortment of work from our student ensembles, community youth ensembles, artists in residence, professional faculty, up-and-coming prodigies, and virtuosos from around the world.
music.emory.edu
