Occupation
Professional Pianist, Music Director, Band Leader, Composer, Educator, Producer, Arranger
Education
BA in Jazz Studies Wayne State University (2010)
Associates Degree-General Studies Oakland Community College (2007)
Associates Degree-Liberal Studies Oakland Community College (2007)
Northwestern High School-Detroit, MI, (1979)
Interlochen National Music Camp-Interlochen, MI (1976-77)
Positions held as of 2010
Detroit Federation of Musicians local 5 Executive Board, 2010-present
President AMAC Records, 2002-present
President In-Accord (a 501© 3 Organization for youth music students), 2003-present
Ushers New Look camp Selection Committee - 2007-present
Detroit Branch NAACP ACT-SO program mentor and selection committee, 2006-present
Entertainment Commission Task Force -City of Detroit. 2006-2009
Performed the duties of Music Director with national acts
The Temptations (Music Director) 1998-2007
The Four Tops (Music Director) 2001-2002,
Anita Baker, 2003
Velveletts (Music Director) 2008-present
Jean Carne (Music Director) 2008-2009
The Jones Girls ( Music Director 2007-2008
Norman Connors, 2008
Ali Woodson (Music Director) 2008-2010
Martha Reeves (Music Director) 1983-present
Penny Wells (Music Director) 2002-present
The Spinners,
Mary Wilson and the Supremes, (Music Director) 2005-2006
Jennifer Holiday ( Music Director) 1997
Etta James ( Music Director) 1995-1996
Kim Weston (Music Director) 1982-1985
The Shirelles
Freda Payne ( Music Director) 1995-1997
Detroit Bring it (Artistic Director) 2006-2009
G.C. Cameron (Music Director) 2006-2008
Fellowship Chapel (Detroit) 1995-present
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church (Detroit) 1984-1990.1996-1999
First Community Baptist Church (Detroit) 2007-persent
First Baptist (Monroe) 2005
Affiliations
Detroit Federation of Musicians, Entertainment Commission -City of Detroit, BMI, NAACP, United Negro College Fund
Arrangements
, The Temptations, Penny Wells, The Spinners, Freda Payne, Martha Reeves, Kim Weston, Bloomfield Michigan Symphony, 100 Year Celebration of the Car (Detroit), Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Symphony Orchestra, Nevada Symphony Orchestra and many more
Accomplishments
2010 The Loughead-Eldredge Endowed Scholarship in Piano
2010 Finalist for the American Federation of Musicians Diversity award
2008 Certificate of Appreciation City of Detroit for work with Detroit Bring it
2008 Spirit of Detroit Award for Performing in Benefit for Motown Museum
2007 Outstanding Coach Award for work with Detroit Eagles
(Think Detroit, Little League Football)
2007 Certificate of Appreciation City of Detroit for work with Detroit Bring it
2006 Winner of the Detroit Music Achievement Award,
2005 Detroit Music Awards Domination,
1992 Winner of the Hennessey Jazz Competition with Crock Pot,
1991 Winner of the Hennessey Jazz Competition with Gwen Lassiter
1976 Scholarship to Interlochen Center for Creative Arts
Discography
Al McKenzie – A Reason to Be --AMAC Records 2006
Al McKenzie – Is It Love—AMAC Records 2002
Ron Tyson- Christmas CD ---AMAC Records 2005
The Temptations- Awesome --Motown 2004
Crystal- Rain—Byran records 2003
A Touch of Blue –The way you do the things you do--(Australia) 2007
Annett Fowler-AMAC Records 2005
Oleta Adams- Evolution --Arista 1993
Randy Scott- Words less spoken --R and R Records 2004
Penny Wells – Shine—AMAC Records 2002
Ray Alexander - Down to earth--Raybound-1995
B.B. Queen - Queen records---1993
Fellowship Chapel Gospel Chorus – AMAC Records--
Steve Michael Newby- Rejoice---1995
Larry Crockett- My Wish AMAC Records----2005
Charmaine Elliott- Love eyes---AMAC Records 2010
The Four Tops
Cd’s Produced
The Temptations, Penny Wells, Martha Reeves, Larry Crockett, Ron Tyson, Annett Flowers, A Touch of Blue, Detroit Bring It, 100 Year Celebration of the Car (Detroit)
Teaching Experience
Private piano lessons, Washtenaw Community College, Kids & Jazz, Detroit Public Schools Masters Clinic, Olivet College, Vancouver High School-Vancouver BC, ACT-SO Program NAACP.
Musical Mentors
Arthur Lebrew, Teddy Harris, Charles Coleman, Ernie Rodgers, Cliff Monear, Rob Pipho, Earl Van Dyke
Tours
Throughout the US, England, Germany, Berlin, Paris, Belgium, Canada, South America, Bermuda. Australia, Hong Kong, St. Thomas VI, Puerto Rico
Community involvement
NAAACP Act-So Program - Selection Committee Advisor- A showcase for Detroit area residents. Finalist advance to the national level competitions.
Usher’s New Look Camp- Detroit Chapter Selection Committee 2009 - A showcase for Detroit area residents. Finalist advance to the national level competitions, held in Atlanta.
Wayne State University- Jazz camp 2009
Detroit Bring It- Board Member 2009 - A talent search competition for Detroit area residents.
In-Accord – President & CEO - In-Accord is a 501© 3 non-profit organization, which promotes and encourages young music students through mentoring and support. In-Accord’s involvements include, but are not limited to:
Kids & Jazz – A free music workshop for Metro Detroit music students held at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge every Sunday.
If Only for One Moment – middle school and high school students are showcased to be considered for the Teddy Harris Scholarship Award.
The Teddy Harris Jr. Award - Provides scholarships to Interlochen Center for the Arts.
A Legacy of Excellence Award - Is presented to a person which has exhibited a commitment to the nurturing and development of music in the community
The Spinet - In-Accord’s newsletter, which highlights young musicians, events, and information
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