ALL OF THE ABOVE
HIP HOP ACADEMY
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: March 2023
Click the above picture to see a recap of AOTA at Black Violin
Hello Friends and Family, today we write to you inspired and "fueled to prove them wrong."
Last night, 50 of our students, teachers, staff, family, and friends gathered to experience Black Violin!
Kev Marcus let everyone know the point of the night was not the fun, the entertainment, or the party...no, what he hoped we would take away was this:
He and fellow member Wil B were bullied in school for spending hours practicing the violin instead of the then-popular sports or activities. Black Violin, now two-time Grammy-nominated musicians, want people to be inspired to...
"Think outside of the box! Do what you love and use that to break stereotypes! Practice, practice, practice what you love and use it as fuel to prove them wrong."
After experiencing a night with Black Violin, I get even more so why GEARUP and the Lansing & Wavery School Districts asked our Griots to facilitate conversations around self-expression through music. We know this topic is important, but to also have seen it played out in this tangible way as an AOTA family was a moment none of us will soon forget.
On that note of thinking outside of the box...let's get into some updates on our Winter Programming and out-of-the-box collaborations with our amazing community partners!
Program Update
Student/Parent Interview
Meet Rahila. She's a student in Intro to DJing and a parent of one of the youths in our programming.
As you watch, I'd like to note that she's not the only one impacted in this way. My son attends classes and other AOTA parents and I share Rahila's sentiments with stories of our own.
These aren't just words we email each month. They are stories of real lives being impacted and this wouldn't be possible without your support!
From Rahila, myself, and many other students and parents, THANK YOU for donating, volunteering, and sharing AOTA with your friends.
~ Carla Brooks, Marketing Coordinator
Community throughout the Winter
It's no secret that Michiganders love to hibernate throughout the winter months. However, we understand the importance of a year-round connection.
Above is a snapshot of how the Winter 2023 sessions went for our students, griots, staff, and instructors. Amid the proverbial hibernation, we ran weekly classes, danced, made music, and connected with the community.
One of the songs will be performed by the B.A.R.S. students on March 13th at the Youth Open Mic Night at Sweet Encounters Bakery in Downtown Lansing.
Click the below image to see a clip of the students writing and collaborating together on their new song:
Click this picture for the song recap
Community Collaborations
AOTA Griots and Black Violin
As mentioned above, through MI GEAR UP and the Wharton Center, AYO Griots Anthony and Josiah, facilitated conversations with 9th graders at Lansing and Waverly Highschools.
The feedback was great and the team was impressed by the preparedness of the guys.
They each facilitated 13 sessions apiece. The 50-minute sessions included topics surrounding self-expression through music, an introduction to Black Violin, and sharing their work as artists themselves.
The guys reported that each visit was a success and their confidence grew after each session. They can't wait for their follow-up visits this month!
LSO (Lansing Symphony) and AOTA Griots
To say the AYO guys were excited to hear their music played by the Lansing Symphony Orchestra is an understatement.
Then, on top of that, get to perform with them...there just aren't enough words! The night was grand.
Here are some videos to get a feel for it yourself:
Click the above image linked to the first time AYO Griots heard Breath of the City played by the Lansing Symphony Orchestra
Click the above image to see a recap of the Robin Theatre night with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra.
Student Highlight
Heiress, Youth B.A.R.S.
"In the Youth B.A..R.S. class we like to practice a form of Educational Transmission, where all parties transmit information to investigate and learn from.
Heiress embodies this spirit whenever she's in our space. She is a generous listener and is always willing to contribute to the conversation and collaboration.
Heiress has shown leadership and bravery in the program by being willing to try new things even if it's her first time encountering them.
We are so excited and honored to be able to have Heiress in our Youth B.A.R.S class."
~ James Gardin, B.A.R.S. Coordinator
Staff Highlight
Rebekah Pumphrey
There's no doubt that when she sees this she will say "What!? There are so many other people to highlight!" And although we absolutely agree there are many to share about, we would be remiss not to shout her out with a megaphone and say,
"Thank you for keeping us organized and moving forward!"
Rebekah spends each week volunteering at our Breaking classes and for many, that may be all they know of her role at AOTA. Her main role though is the Administrative Coordinator and she functions as an organizational powerhouse as well as a foundational member of the events committee.
Her roles are vital and most of the time can go unnoticed by the public eye. So, this month we celebrate you and give you your flowers in written form, Rebekah!
Thanks for all you do!
Join the Building Committee
If you haven’t already, please consider being a part of the “Five Won Svn Building Committee” Monthly Donor Club.
Becoming a monthly donor in one of our 3 tiers comes with a few perks, tokens of our appreciation.
The value of your support is nearly impossible to articulate, but...we HAVE to do something seeing as you're so phenomenal!!!
See the tiers below:
#Build517
It will never get old to say THANK YOU for your continued support as we #build517 together!
Old school appreciation, new school application.
#EachOneTeachOne
#Build517
