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Name	Message
Dennis W. Thompson II Amsterdam, the Netherlands	Wow, such a great site. Where to begin? It looks like I can spend hours here, which is of course ideal! A site with substance! Den

Dr. Karen Walwyn Washington, DC	The news letter looks fabulous. I look forward to reading more on these very successful artists of color!

Gwendoline Y. Fortune Gainesville, FL	Rashida, Your question as to the origins of classical musicians of color relates to a comment I make in the series. Classical actually means,for me, beauty, enduring, and drawn from a wellspring of creativity. This is not unlike any indigenous music and art, but just as many musicians have drawn on their village-indigenous simple folk tunes that they, then, hone to complex compositions and the bes, most practiced singing voices ad instrumentalists perform, having learned and been encouraged by the more experienced elders. I suggest that this is the basis and essence of what becomes classical. I speak of jazz "standards" as being "classics," more than merely "pop-tunes. An enduring quality, a quality that speaks to the soul. This quality of creativity is more than a form of composition or style of even "school" music and musicians. I'd say that musicians of African--any heritage--thus are or can be classical musicians. Perhaps, it boils down to dedication, diligence drive and dream. For me, considered this way it is not merely European and subsequent American adaptation of European forms and styles that make the music and the musician "Classical." We have always been classically oriented in all our diversity, from African village to plantation, to Roland Hayes, the Fisk Jubilee singers, Marian Anderson to you and the plethora of young classical musicians of color, today Listening to much contemporary classical music (we'll say nothing of hip-hop) it came to me that when humans heard natural sounds the music reflected those sounds, even beyond trying to stretch or change the forms in the early 1900s. How many contemporary composers and performers--say, much of the mid to late 20th century heard natural sounds to emulate? When I listen to much modern-post modern classical music I hear cacophonies of urban and technical sounds--not even the park pigeons make beautiful sound. Just thinking. Gwen

Brent	Thanks so much for the newsletter. It is lot to digest for a "non-classically" trained person such as myself . It is quite informative though, so now I know just a little bit more.....and "knowing is half the battle " Keep 'em coming!

Wilmer Wise Brooklyn, New York	It warms my heart to see black brass players in symphonies. When I joined the Baltimore Symphony in 1965 the picture was bleak. Today, look around at the improvement. There is still work to be done.

Gail Black	Shida - The site looks GREAT! I like the fall color of the site; there is a lot of interesting reads too. I did not read everything because I wanted to be sure the links connected to something. Many of your articles draw the reader into wanting more info; you need a few days to read the monthly news letter. I was able to check all of the links; they are fine. I look forward to reading more tomorrow when you send it out to the world. It's ready to go! p.s. I love Bradford's eyes on his site. CUTE!

SONJA	This looks like you worked REALLY hard putting it together. You have so much information for activities happening all over and that's amazing!

Robert W. Williams	Thank you!

Nevilla E. Ottley	So glad to see an agent for people of diversity in the classical music arena. Maybe someday some of our students who now sing arias from opera and oratorio may be supported by your company. See our website and what we are doing tomorrow at: ** />leymusic.org

Gwendoline Y. Fortune Gainesville, Florida	The new format is excellent but everything you do is superlative. My regret is that none of the excellent performances are near to Gainesville. FL. Three Mo Tenors were at the UF Phillips Center but I did not learn of the program until too late. I am nostalgic for Chicago. Kudos to you.

Jann (Janette Moody) Detroit, Michigan	Thank you for your email AND WONDERFUL PRESENTATION. Please keep me informed and make me a permanent part of your email/mailing list. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Cornelius Johnson Chicago, IL	Dear Rashida, Amazing job. I now feel much more connected to other artists of color. It is inspiring and informative to see what is taking place with our artists. Keep up the good work. Also, thank you for having me on your list. I also have a website, if you would like to connect that with my name. It will be updated and revamped very soon, but it is there.

Laura English-Robinson Atlanta, Georgia	I always enjoy the contents of this "Society" Your work is appreciated and applauded! Happy Birthday...and many more Birthdays and Articles!

Terri Allen	THIS IS FABULOUS! I love it. I am confident everyone else will also. Thank you for including Victor in the special birthday issue. The article was very good. God bless you in your ministry and congratulations.

Nana Dadzie Accra	Can you tell me it is not true.?ALFRED ADDAQUAY AND THE OGUAA YOUTH CHOIR PERFORMS ORATORIO TO STANDING OVATION An oratorio is a large musical work, which contains a succession of choruses, arias (solos), duets and recitatives with orchestral accompaniment. It is also a musical drama in which the choruses and duets serves as commentary while the narrator?s recitative relates the story and connects one piece with another. That is what Addaquay has done and named ?Laudate? which comprises 32 classical songs. Alfred received a standing ovation from a large audience which listened to his work live at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), last week Friday. The audience included the Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, Professor K. N. Andam, Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, Very Rtd. Rev. Nuh Ben Abubekr, Methodist Bishop of Kumasi, Very Rtd. Rev. Yinkak Sarfo, Anglican Bishop of Kumasi and Rev. Otuo Acheampong, Presbyterian Chairman of Kumasi. Alfred was accompanied in the live performance by the Oguaa Youth Choir of Cape Coast, which was conducted by Ebenezer Appiah-Danquah and other soloists. The soloists were Seth Lartey, Martin Appiah, Fei Ebow Ocran, Theodore Kennedy Duodu Dankwa, Gloria Kwakye Acheampong, Constance Wilberforce and Edith Gertrude Awotwi Pratt. Addaquay?s ?Laudate? was composed, written and arranged by himself, making it a first of its kind perhaps in Ghana. In addition to that he has in his repertoire a lot of compositions in the vein of Gospel, Highlife, Christian Carols and Anthem. He had the first live performance of his ?Laudate? at the auditorium of the University of Cape Coast in March last year where the premiere last two hours. Alfred is a first year student at the Department of Music at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). He was born on September 17, 1985 in Kumasi to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Addaquay. He had his basic education at the KNUST Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Kumasi before gaining admission to Mfantispim School in Cape Coast. He had distinction in Music at the SSSCE at Mfantispim School, which he completed in 2004. He started playing the organ at a tender age of seven and has been a regular player of the organ at the Kumasi Wesley Methodist Cathedral whenever,he is on holiday.He has an album with the Oguaa Youth Choir of Cape caost.

Anthony cape coast	At just 21 years of age, Alfred Patrick Addoquay has composed an Oratorio, yes, here in Ghana

Oteino Vumapile oakland, ca	I am so happy that you are doing so much great work! What a great find! Please keep up the great and needed resource. You have my support. Oteino Vumapile

Secret Admirer 2	You're doing an amazing job! Continue to keep your eye on the prize

Lior Navok	Hi Rashida! Sorry not to write earlier! I am glad to see that you are now heading a very important foundation! I am less happy to see that such a foundation needs to exist, as if to promote or bringing to awareness great musicians, that only found themselves surrounded by a society that could not or only partly accept them because of their color. I wish it could be different.

Nilwona Chicago, IL (USA)	Rashida, After seeing this site, I must say that I'm honored to know you and look forward to working with you! Great job!

Gwendoline Y. Fortune, Ed. D.	This is a site you may find valuable. Loads of information in its links. Added to ** we may have the possibility of rekindling the light, something of beauty, not merely for people of color, but Americans, as it should be. Given the short shrift that talent beyond the "popular" receives, renaissance can be initiated. Join the conversation. Thanks, gwen

Destiny Oakland, CA	Greetings Rashida!!!!!! Girrrrrrrrl ya know that I am smiling ear to ear to see myself as the featured artist on your site!! Thank you! Both concerts were on HIT! Saturday with my band, A Band of Angels smoked! 6 of OakTowns hottest musicians: Tarika Lewis on electric violin, Troy Lampkins on electic bass, Bill Norwood on trap drums, Tacuma King on percussions, Cliff Gamble on keys and piano, and Bobby Young on guitar (s), and MOI! We turned some Irish jigs into Jazz jigs in 6/8 Then we took a EWF tune, 'Might People' turned it into D minor groove to introduce the Band members-- the solos were smooth and unique the audience was grooving with us and were surprise at the energy a harp could bring to the music. Big fun!! Sunday @ Chapel of the Chimes spiritual deep folky funky feel -- Me & Bobby had a 30 minute hit-- 'Elijah Rock' funky chant and then my original 'House on the side of the Hill' into Jimmi Hendrix "Little Wings" big Surprise on this one! Needless to say I am still high from the weekend and in preparation for this weekends private dates and rehearsals for upcoming concerts at months end-- thanks for letting my harp brothas and sistahs know about me!!! Much Love Destiny **

Martha NJ	Hi Rashida. Nothing makes me happier than to share special events from my sisters and their families. You, of course, are extremely special and I wish to you the best on this adventure. The site is beautiful.... a bit slow, but it is well put toghether and easy to follow.. this coming from a tech head... I will surely be sharing this with my freinds and family. Buena Suerte Chica! Best of luck Girl!!!

Secret Admirer	This site looks wonderful!! I'm so very proud of you. And the fact that you did it all by yourself... tres cool. CONGRATS!!!

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