ATLANTA, GEORGIA - February 8, 2010 - Rarely would one find a youth symphony comprised of enthusiastic musicians who perform Beethoven's "Allegretto" and Michael Jackson's "Thriller" on the same bill. Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia is just that . . .a rarity. David Robinson III, one of metro Atlanta's most priceless gems, co-founded the Dekalb Youth Pops Orchestra in 1985 with educational music pioneer Chester Griffin. Five years later, David Robinson founded the William Grant Still Memorial Youth Orchestra which is now renamed Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia. In celebration of its 20th Year, the orchestra, joined by alumni from years past, will perform at 6:00 pm on February 20th, 2010 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center.
Working together harmoniously, David Robinson III, a 27-year veteran teacher in DeKalb County Schools and Chester Griffin formed the genesis of a concept (Black Youth Orchestra) that has withstood the test of time. Over the past 20 years, the lives of hundreds of student musicians have been forever impacted by the training and exposure received as students and performers with Sinfo-Nia. Ken Ford, a nationally renowned electric jazz violinist is one of those alumni and will be a featured guest for the concert. Hosted by Atlanta's Radio and TV Personality, Reggie Gay, proceeds from this Reunion Concert will fund the orchestra's third trip to Africa, further enhancing the students' cultural enrichment.
Sinfo-Nia's talented, young instrumentalists perform a variety of traditional and multicultural music, while exploring numerous opportunities for travel, music proficiency, scholarships, and career exposure. Although unusual, it is quite refreshing to encounter an orchestra whose repertoire includes classical, jazz, gospel, reggae, ragtime, and movie themes, as well as internationally influenced pieces. This is largely attributed to David Robinson's keen ability to compose musical scores uniquely suited for his orchestra. Sinfo-Nia's Dance Company further enhances the aesthetic experience, combining ballet, modern, jazz, pointe, African, and hip-hop styles. Under the direction of Alycia Robinson, Sinfo-Nia has one of the few dance companies in the country to perform accompanied by its own youth orchestra.
Sinfo-Nia has performed for numerous celebrities and public officials in the past, including former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, former Governor Roy Barnes, former Atlanta mayors, Shirley Franklin, Maynard Jackson, and Andrew Young; actors, actresses, and activists, Cicely Tyson, Harry Belafonte, Dick Gregory, Jasmine Guy, Monica and many others.
For more information about the Reunion Concert or to book a performance or interview, contact Alycia Robinson at 404-328-0840 or www.stillwatersyouthsinfo-nia.org.
|
Please, Join Us for a Magical Evening Celebrating our 20th Year 