APRIL 2009 

  

2009 has already been quite exciting in terms of student performances. The Omaha School of Music was honored to participate in the Martin Luther King Unity Service at Salem Baptist Church. The National Black Anthem "Lift Every Voice" was presented in quite a different way by our students under the direction of Janet Ashley, OSM's Music Program Director.  In keeping with the humanities elements of our fine arts program, OSM students presented the origins of "The Black National Anthem," which was originally a poem by James Weldon Johnson entitled Lift Every Voice and Sing. The poem was later set to music by the poet's brother, J. Rosamund Johnson, and became known as "The Black National Anthem."  

  

In the cold snowy month of February, our piano, voice, violin and drama students in collaboration with the George Walker band warmed the hearts of the Omaha community at two jazz and blues recitals. They were held at OSM Studio # 2 located on the Turning Point campus and at the WH Thompson Alumni Center. Our students did an outstanding job under the great direction of Alene Ramsey, D.Kevin Williams, Janet Ashley, and Steve Kelley. We were also please to have Natasha Brown of Orchestra Omaha.  The Girls Inc. students did a fantastic job and we look forward to collaborating with other Omaha youth agencies in providing music and performing arts education. 

  

Also in February, two of our students shared their vocal and piano talents with the Omaha School Board. The Board responded most enthusiastically and offered great words of encouragement. The Omaha School of Music understands the value of partnering with school districts and being able to assist with improving academic outcomes through our after-school music and performing arts education programs.        

  

Upcoming events include our annual spring recital and a fantastic summer camp.   Parents should register their students very early, because summer camps fill up fast.   Stay linked to our website for more details. 

  

We have been fortunate to be able to provide music and performing arts education scholarships to some of our students as a result of funding and support from the Nebraska Arts Council, Sherwood Foundation, Nebraska Humanities Council, African American Unity Fund, Omaha Community Foundation, Spirit of Faith Church and private donors.  We thank them all for their generous contributions that permit students from all racial and socio-economic backgrounds to celebrate learning through music and performing arts.  

  

Permit me to thank our staff for doing such a wonderful job with our students. We appreciate the instructor's diligent work with them, their understanding that each student learns differently and letting them know through your love and encouragement just how much you care.  THANK YOU!