Marsha Meekins's style of music is both peaceful and worshipful.
"Spiritual Meditations"--a melodic flute interpretation of traditional hymns with untraditional arrangements. Features such favorites as "Amazing Grace", "Go Tell it on the Mountain", and "I Want Jesus to Walk With Me". A short rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" in two part flute harmony inspires tears of pride and triumph. Marsha Meekins introduces an original composition entitled "No More Tears" which is accompanied by a poem of the same name delivering a message of hope and new beginnings. This debut CD combines jazz, reggae, blues and gospel to create a new sound for songs that have inspired generations.
The CD was produced by Deon "CleanCutt" Clark, at CleanCutt Studios in Forestville, Maryland.
About the Artist:
Ms. Marsha M. Meekins was born and raised in Richmond Virginia. She is the third child of five children born to Lafayette and Mary Etta Meekins. She began studying music in elementary school in Richmond, Virginia. Her family saw very early on that she had a very strong love for music and enjoyed playing, singing and listening to all types of music. Her father's preference for opera fascinated her as a young child.
She received her education in the Richmond Public School System, from which she graduated with honors. After studying for two years at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, she transferred to Virginia State University where she received her undergraduate degree in Public School Music, with flute as her major instrument.
Marsha taught instrumental music in the public schools in Virginia (also in her home studio as a private instructor) for several years before changing careers and moving to Baltimore, Maryland in 1994. She is now employed by the Maryland State Teachers Association.
She has played flute professionally for over 25 years. In addition to solo performances and/or guest artist appearances in numerous church services, weddings, concerts, funerals, conferences, conventions, receptions, benefits, etc., she has formed, managed and/or played with several jazz, reggae and concert bands in Richmond, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland. Her opportunities for performances have taken her to numerous locations and venues across the United States and to Europe while in college.
Marsha is an active Associate Member of Epworth United Methodist Chapel, where she serves as a Liturgist/Lay Speaker, sings in the Chancel and Mass Choirs and co-directs the "Sounds Of Praise", an instrumental gospel ensemble. She also maintains membership in her home church in Richmond, Virginia, the Good Shepherd Baptist Church.
She is currently managing and performing with "The Marsha Meekins Project", a six piece jazz ensemble, that has been performing in the club, festival and concert scene in the Baltimore/Washington/Columbia/Annapolis area for the last eight years. Performances by her with 1 to 8 musicians are available for a wide variety of venues. (solo, duo, trio, etc.)
Among her many musical inspirations are flutists Hubert Laws, Herbie Mann, Leslie Burrs, Sherry Winston, James Moody, David Newman, Yusef Lateef, D. Antoinette Handy-Miller, Joe Taylor, Glennroy Bailey, Plunky Branch, Felicia Nelson Bishop, Dave Smith, Rebekah White and her first private flute instructor, Mrs. Sharletta Branch Richardson.
Where else can you purchase a CD?
"Spiritual Meditations" can be purchased in Richmond, Virginia at Barky's Spiritual Store on First & Broad Streets and also at Mary's Pop-In Boutique in Fairfield Commons.
It is also on sale in Reston, Virginia at Heritage Fellowship United Church of Christ, and John 3:16 Christian Bookstore in Lanham, Maryland.
The CD is always available wherever this artist is performing.
She hopes to complete production of her second CD release project in Fall of 2007.
Marsha can be contacted for booking through her email address; MsFlute98@comcast.net.
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