At age 6, Joseph London began piano lessons on an electric keyboard and about a year later, the family was bequeathed a piano. At eight, he began to practice music at the Duquesne University Mary Pappert School of Music’s City Music Program, where he took theory classes, eurythmic classes, as well as piano lessons. Joseph also began singing and performed regularly in their performance class. He took piano lessons through the University of St. Thomas’ Music Preparatory program for more than two and a half years. Joseph also volunteers at Catholic Charities and plays as an opening act for regional artists at a Community Concert held at a special luncheon for elderly and disabled community members. Joseph has played in Dr. Krystofiak’s fall and spring recitals each

year. In both 2013 and 2014, he had the honor of playing at the annual all-school UST Music Preparatory recitals. He competed in the Houston area’s Texas Music Teachers Association student music contest and won first place for solo piano. Joseph plans to compete at TMTA’s state convention in June.

Katerina Sawyer, 14, plays saxophone, bagpipes and clarinet and will be attending the Awty International School in the fall. She founded an all-girl band called the Polka Dots, who play for retirement homes, hospitals and places she says “need cheer the most.” Katerina is also a member of the Galveston Historical Foundation and plays regularly at Dickens on the Strand and Historic Homes Tour Day. Last year, she was invited to play with the National Chamber Orchestra in Almaty, Kazakhstan – an incredible honor for this young musician. In 2014, Katerina also made her debut as a soloist when she was invited to play at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts and she performed at the Children’s Museum of Houston, which was televised on KTRK-TV, Ch. 13. She has shared the stage many times with the artists of Music Doing Good and continues to hone her skill as a budding and philanthropic young musician.

Chase Smith is currently a freshman in the classical piano department at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He attended music magnet schools throughout his education including Parker Elementary and Johnston Middle School, and always balanced music with the Gifted and Talented Program, Vanguard Program or Pre-Advanced Placement classes. By the second grade, Chase had already created an original piece of music, which he performed in a piano recital. Additionally, he played the marimba, snare and bass drums in Parker Elementary School band that won a state competition in San Antonio. During middle school, Chase played the acoustic guitar and piano for three years. In the spring of 2013, he began private piano lessons

for the first time, whereas prior, he received lessons only in a school setting. Last year, the Smith family received a generous donation of a piano for their home. Chase volunteers his time in the community each weekend as part of a worldwide Bible educational work. He also enjoys running and playing basketball.

Nathaniel Zhang is a freshman at Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas. Born in Houston, Nathaniel displayed exceptional musical talent from an early age. He has been playing piano since he was six years old and is currently studying piano with Mr. John Weems. He won numerous awards in a variety of competitions: 1st place in 2015 Texas State University Young Artists Piano Competition, winner of 2014/2015 HYAC, 2nd place in 2015 Blinn College Young Artists Piano Competition, 1st place of 2014/2015 High School All-Region Piano Competition, finalists at TMTA in 2013 and 2014, semi-finalist at MTNA in 2013 and finalist in 2014 and 1st place in 2013 Clear Lake Young Artists Piano Concerto Competition. Additionally, Nathaniel has been a Music Doing Good scholarship recipient in 2013 and 2014.

Besides piano, Nathaniel is also the concertmaster in the Sinfonia Orchestra at Clements High School. He has participated in the TMEA All-Region Symphony Orchestra from 2012 to 2014 and has still continued to join in the 2014-2015 TMEA High School Region Symphony Orchestra. During his free time, Nathaniel loves to volunteer at

local communities such as helping school orchestra teachers and students and performing at the local events and several different non-profit organizations and nursing homes.

Aaron Kaufman “Hands Down” Dashboard Confessional

Aisha Ussery

“Slow Hand” Pointer Sisters

Anita Kruse

“I Want to Hold Your Hand” The Beatles

Helen McDonald

“In Your Hands” Jason Mraz

Julie Lambert “Hand in My Pocket” Alanis Morissette

Lisa Elliott

“Hands” Jewel

Kenneth Gayle “Touch The Hand Of Love” Renee Fleming & Yo Yo Ma Marie Bosarge

“Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” Diana Ross

Phillip Hall

“Grandma’s Hands” Bill Withers

Ray Younkin

“Clap Hands” Tom Waits

Rodney Waters

“One Hand One Heart” Leonard Bernstein

WHAT’S ON OUR PLAYLIST?

This quarter’s playlist was curated by our staff of songs with the word “hand” or

“hands” in the title. We hope you enjoy some of our favorite tunes.

2015 ISSUE 2 PLAYLIST

HANDS

MUSIC DOING GOOD WITH SCHOLARSHIPS(CON’T.)

4203 Yoakum BoulevardSuite 200Houston, Texas 77006

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PA I DHOUSTON, TX

PERMIT NO 2454

QUARTERLYNOTES

2015-16 Scholarship Winners are the largest class to date. These young musicians exemplify the dedication and talent of future professional musicians. We are so proud to welcome them to the Music Doing Good family.

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 • SPRING NEWSLETTER 2015

Check out our new website!

www.MusicDoingGood.org

Civil rights activists and community leaders, Reverend William A. Lawson

and wife Audrey, established the William A. Lawson Initiative for Peace and Prosperity, under which WALIPP Preparatory Academy operates.

A Public Charter School, their mission is to provide a comprehensive education in a

single-gendered environment based on four cornerstones: Relevant cur-riculum; Rigorous instruction; Respect for self and others in the learning community; and Reciprocity, or give and take, of ideas and talents.

Targeting middle school male and female students, the Academy is an authentic (real-world) learning community. It uses a creative academic curriculum to build student success and to develop the total person.

A fortuitous meeting with WALIPP Executive Director, Cheryl Lawson, pro-duced a visit to this wonderful school and an introduction to the music teacher, Ms. Stewart. She submitted a request for instruments to outfit

IT WAS ALL IN A HANDSHAKE!

Students at WALIPP perform on their new drum set.

(continued on page 4)

MUSIC NOTES FROM MARIE

“Feel good about linking hands in a human chain for good causes.”

– Russell Baker

We rely on the education system to produce well-rounded, well-edu-cated and motivated young people to take over this country’s future endeavors in business and govern-ment. With the rising cost of accred-

ited colleges and universities, soon many children will not have the opportunity to attend. So where does that leave us? How will we be able to trust that our future leaders are capable? In whose hands will we be leaving the country?

According to the College Board, the average cost of tui-tion and fees for the 2014–2015 school year was $31,231 at private colleges, $9,139 for state residents at public colleges, and $22,958 for out-of-state residents attend-ing public universities. This does not even include room and board, books and other incidental fees and costs.

Of course, Music Doing Good wants all of the children we serve to study music on a professional level, but the truth is that some will not. But music can very well be the entre or reason for a scholarship that will ensure that they obtain a college degree. For many of the children who participate in our outreach programs, they would be the first in their families to graduate from college. It is the goal of Music Doing Good’s President’s Leadership Council to make sure that those “firsts” are numerous.

So to echo Russell Baker’s eloquent statement, let’s link hands for this good cause. Let’s educate and motivate our young people to become the leaders of tomorrow.

QUARTERLYNOTESVOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 • SPRING NEWSLETTER 2015

Targeting middle school male and female students, the Academy is an authentic (real-

world) learning community.

Bill Baldwin, President, Boulevard RealtyWhat are you hoping accomplish as a member of the PLC?As a PLC member, I hope that we continue to grow in our mission to expand opportunity for students wishing to not just develop, but then keep their musical talents in Houston. The city is known for so many great things, but I don’t think we can underscore enough the strength of our artistic community and the level of investment we are willing to make in our younger generations, and this is one way to contribute to it directly.

Did music impact you as a child? …in what way?Being that I am not gifted with any musical talent whatsoever, music impacted me as a child through the personal experience of enjoyment rather than participation. I have so many fond memories of listening to music with my parents and around the house. It always seemed to be in the background of what was a very happy childhood for

me, whether it was cleaning the house or watching my parents sing and dance with one another.

What’s your favorite story of how music has had a positive impact on the life a child?Also throughout my childhood, watching football was at the center of our family life, and so along with that came the performance of the band. I was always fascinated by how music in that setting could really uplift the spirit of the activity, elevate it from just a game to an experience for us all. It made me value the feeling of coming together, championing around a cause or event.

How do you think music can help the next generation?Music will help the next generation first by providing those with musical talent the opportunity to participate in what is already a thriving music scene in Houston. They will join a long tradition of great Texas musicians of all genres. In a more general sense it will also keep the culture of art appreciation in Houston alive by giving us a continuing source of pride and in our home-grown talent.

What are you excited for that’s coming up in the PLC’s future?I’m particularly excited that the work of the PLC will continue to rally us around a cause that is cross-geographical (throughout the city) and cross-generational. I am proud to have always been involved in organizations that make a difference within a community or population. What excites me the most about the scholarship program for MDG is that it really knows no bounds other than serving those youth who have a passion for music. It could positively the impact the life of a young person from my neighborhood just as much as it could someone from an

Music has always been an important part of Ed Jensen’s life. He began playing the trumpet at age 10 and to this day, remains active in choirs, ensembles, musicals

and choruses. The semi-retired attorney practiced as in-house Counsel with Western Electric, SC Johnson and International Controls Corporation for 20 years before going into private practice. Jensen & Associates continue to represent long-time clients and perform pro bono representation. Ed has served on the Board of Directors of Columbia Controls, Rawson & Co., Eletex, Prolex and Texora, Inc., and currently serves on the board of CME Wire & Cable, Inc. in Atlanta, GA. He has been a volunteer with Memorial Assistance Ministries, the Brookwood Community and various Interfaith Ministry programs. He is a lifetime member of the Board of Stewards for Chapelwood United Methodist Church, where he has served on numerous committees including Chancel Choir, Youth Choir, Education Commission, Youth Ministries, Bible Studies and “The Gathering,” a program for Alzheimer Patients.

MEET THE BOARD: ED JENSEN

ALL HANDS ON DECK…MEET THE PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL!

(continued on next page)

Do you have an instrument you are not using? What if you could see that instrument in the hands of a child? Find out how you can help those in need with your gently used instruments below:

musicdoinggood.org/instruments instruments@musicdoinggood.org 281.768.4900

outer area of the city, or a private school just as much as a public school. It certainly helps me personally widen the scope of my concern for opportunities for our youth to flourish.

Why is the work of the PLC important to Houston’s future?I can’t overstate the signifiance of the PLC’s work in continuing to make Houston a great arts city and increasingly a city that is known for its ingenuity in youth outreach. I am excited to see more Houston-born and -based artists emerge and share their talents with the rest of the world, while expressing their love of our city.

Evin Thayer, Owner, Evin Thayer Studio, Chairman, President’s Leadership CouncilWhat are you hoping to accomplish as a member of the PLC?To raise money for MDG’s college music scholarship fund. This will enrich the lives of students, strengthen our local university systems, and make Houston a better place to live.

Did music impact you as a child?…in what way? My grandfather was an orchestra conductor. I have always loved music!

What’s your favorite story of how music has had a positive impact on the life of a child? Music can help a young person to explore their full emotions. Music is a way to “completely” communicate.

How do you think music can help the next generation? A life without music would be like food without spice. Music is a universal way for humans to express themselves.

What are you excited for that’s coming up in the PLC’s future? I would like to grow our music scholarship program so that more Houston students can benefit.

Why is the work of the PLC important to Houston’s future? Houston needs the arts to be a vital dynamic city! When you think “world class cities” you realize that they all have fantastic arts support. Houston is at a crossroad with its future. Now is the time to build on those possibilities and certainly the art of music will be part of Houston’s future. The youth of today will be the city’s leaders and artists of tomorrow.

Music Doing Good with Scholarships not only had a record year for scholarship applications, but also for scholarship grants!

Thirty worthy students were awarded scholarships to fund private lessons, music workshops and festivals, or tuition through an educational institution. We are very pleased to introduce you to the 2015-2016 Scholarship recipients. Because there are so many, we will have to introduce a few at a time.

Steven Dong, 14, is a 9th grader at Clear Lake High School. In Michigan, he started playing piano at age 5 and continued his studies in Iowa a year later as the family relocated. At age 11, Steven was the Iowa State winner of the MNTA junior division piano competition and also won an honorable mention in the Level E Iowa Music Teachers Association state piano

competition. In 2012, he moved to Houston and became a student of Mr. John Weems. Steven won first place in the Houston Forum for Young Artist competitions in 2013 and 2014, and also became one of the finalists to perform in the TMTA state piano competition in 2014. In December 2014, he was chosen to be a finalist performer in the Houston Young Artists’ Concert at Rice University. In January 2015, Steven won an honorable mention in the Clear Lake Symphony competition. Aside from piano, he enjoys listening to piano recordings by performers such as Boris Berman and Daniel Barenboim. Steven also enjoys watching and playing basketball and football.

Sherry Hu, 15, is a tenth grader at Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugar Land. She started learning piano at age 5 and has won numerous awards, including 2nd place in the 2015 American Protégé International Piano and String competition and 1st place with honors in the 2014 Sonatina and Sonata International Youth Piano Competition. Sherry was selected as a member of the 2014 Texas All-State orchestra and placed 1st in the 2013 TMEA Area Orchestra audition. She also took first

prizes in the HMTA piano competition (2010-2012), Sherman Clay youth piano competition (2011), and Fort Bend Piano Festival (2013). Aside from playing piano, she is an award winning soloist with the Chinese zither or guzheng. Sherry won the Judges’ Distinction

MUSIC DOING GOOD WITH SCHOLARSHIPS:Give a Hand to our Biggest Scholarship Class Yet!

(continued on page 4)

Award, Best Performance Award, and first place in the American Protégé International Music Talent competition in Fall of 2014. She has been awarded with the title of Houston Young Artist (2009-2015) and invited to play live guzheng music on KUHF 88.7FM/KUHA 91.7 FM (2009-2012). Sherry’s performance was also aired on Houston PBS Ch. 8 (2012). She has been learning violin for four and a half years and was selected as a member of the TMEA Region XII MS or HS Symphony Orchestra three times. For both piano and guzheng, Sherry has performed at Carnegie Hall.

Armir Lee began playing alto saxophone at the age of 10 during his fifth grade year of elementary school. His primary focus and education was in classical music, however, he also played in middle school jazz band over the next couple of years. By eighth grade, Armir was studying jazz with more direction, specifically with improvisation. He placed second chair in the All-City Band and first chair in the Region Band during his eighth grade year. In high school, he received invaluable instruction about jazz from teachers and peers and began playing tenor sax, as well. Sophomore year he placed second chair in the Region Jazz band and received the Outstanding Soloist award in the University of Houston Moores Jazz Festival. In 2015, Armir placed first chair in the Region Jazz

band. He also plays at various venues such as fundraisers, churches, and corporate events.

Hailey Lewis began playing the flute in the sixth grade. She quickly found passion in making music and continues to do so. Currently a sophomore at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, she works hard to accomplish her goals, such as making All-State Band, which she accomplished in February 2015. Hailey is active in the Houston Flute Club and the Houston Youth Symphony, as well as her school’s band and orchestra programs. She currently studies with Sergio Pallottelli and upon finishing high school, hopes to major in music and flute performance and on to a career as a professional musician.

Esther Liao, a senior at Bellaire High School, began playing piano at the age of four. At age six, she was recommended to study with Mr. Scott Holshouser, the principal keyboardist of the Houston Symphony. Not long after winning her first piano competition at the age of six, Esther won the Houston Music Teacher Association Concerto Competition the following year. At age nine, she made her debut with the Houston Symphony as the youngest Silver Medalist of the Houston Symphony League Youth Competition. Three years later, Ester took home the Gold Medal. Over the years she has received numerous top awards from competitions and performed as a soloist with the Fort Bend Symphony, the Symphony North of Houston, the Dallas Symphony

Orchestra, the Montgomery Symphony in Alabama, and multiple times with the Houston Symphony. In 2013, she made her Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall as the Grand Prize winner of the 2013 American Protégé International Concerto Competition in New York. Esther was named the First Prize winner of the 10th Annual Lynn Harrell Concerto Competition as well as a Texas Young Master by the Texas Senate and the Texas Commission of the Arts. Most recently, she was named the First Place winner of the 2015 Blount-Slawson Young Artist Competition and has been featured on NPR’s “From the Top” and on Houston’s KUHA Classical Radio Station. Last summer, Esther was also invited to perform at the Menton Music Festival in France as the First Prize winner of the 2014 International Music Competition Jacques Taddei. This spring, she was also named a recipient of a scholarship from Music Doing Good. Esther will be attending Princeton University in the fall where she hopes to continue her musical studies.

their new music department and Music Doing Good was eager to answer their call for instruments. We now await our first invi-tation to hear the students play!

The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) grants funds to many arts organizations across the state, including Music Doing Good.

You can support the Texas Commission on the Arts with a special “State of the Arts” license plate. The special license plate costs $30 (in addition to standard registration), and $22 goes directly to the TCA. The funds generated from these license plates will be used to fund arts programs and preserve the unique culture of Texas.

MUSIC DOING GOOD WITH SCHOLARSHIIPS (CON’T.)

IT WAS ALL IN A HANDSHAKE! (CON’T.)

“STEP UP TO THE PLATE” AND SUPPORT THE TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTS

Students at WALIPP perform with new instruments.