education
B.A. Public Policy Studies
Duke University - Durham, NC 1992
Masters in Theological Studies
Duke Divinity School - Durham, NC 1996
World Order Studies Program
Landegg Academy - Weinacht, Switzerland 1994
Advanced Music Production
The Recording Workshop - Chillicothe, OH 1997
experience
One Human Family Music Workshops, Inc. (OHF)
Co-Founder and Creative Director- June 1998 – present
Provide vision and leadership to the organization with strategic planning, policy development and execution. Responsible for maintaining diversity throughout the organization and maintaining the highest degree of professionalism, integrity and congeniality among its members and staff. Representation of OHF’s mission and visibility in the community. Together with the Board Chairperson and other OHF leaders, serve as the primary spokesperson for OHF to the community, media and other community organizations. Provide principal guidance and coaching for staff to ensure their professional growth and development. Build and enhance effective volunteerism and increasing membership. Composer of national OHF repertoire and Co-Director of youth performing arts program. Serve as a resource to individual chapter directors and administrative staff regarding development of local chapter choirs and their repertoire. One Human Family Gospel choirs have been established in Vancouver, Victoria, Saskatoon, Seattle, Nashville, Durham, North Carolina.
Children’sTheater Company of New York City
Musical Director and Curriculum Consultant - NYC, September 2001-present
Designed and implemented character education curriculum, using original compositions that focus on virtues, values, and citizenship. Facilitated discussions on various cultural, spiritual and ethical perspectives providing the child with an opportunity to consider ways to improve the human condition. Preparation of children for appearances on Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer and Charles Gibson & CNN, at UN Special Session on Children with Nelson Mandela; and with Harry Belafonte, Cisely Tyson and Muhammad Ali for Unicef.
Praise, Protest, & Purpose Australia Tour
Principal Performer and Clinician - February - March 2011
Designed and implemented a 6 week intensive exploration of African American Sacred Song for choral directors across Australia. Workshop modules included (1) the history and evolution of African american sacred song, (2) rote singing and ear training, (3) movement and self expression in black choral performance, (4) Understanding vocal health, (5) reverence and the understanding of appropriate concert presence. Cities visited included Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Milton, and Tasmania.
World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir
Musical Director/ Keyboardist/Vocalist - NYC, December 2001-August 2003
Served as an arranger and composer for the Give Peace a Chance Tour while traveling throughout South America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Italy and the US. Since 1986, the Harlem Gospel Choir has traveled the world sharing its joy of faith, raising funds for children's charities, "bringing people & nations together & giving something back" while performing for Royalty, President Obama, Nelson Mandela, Elton John, two Popes & at the memorial for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Airport High School Race Unity Task Force
Conference/Rally Coordinator - Columbia, SC January – April 96
Liaison between coordinating body (Human Relations Commission, Governors Office, Hannah Ewing & Assoc., and Airport High School) and the school. Responsibilities included: managing volunteers, soliciting and coordinating participating schools, directing creation of publicity, organizing of collective resources, organizing workshop leaders, developing resource materials, organizing conference day program and evening rally program and fund development.