Wednesday, May 30, 2012

ON WEDNESDAY MAY 2, 2012 TOWERS HIGH SCHOOL IN DEKALB COUNTY WON A GRAMMY. THE GRAMMY FOUNDATION PRESENTED TOWERS WITH THE GRAMMY SIGNATURE SCHOOLS ENTERPRISE AWARD. This year Towers High is the only school in Georgia to win this prestigious honor. Towers received a customized Grammy and a monetary grant. "HOW BIG IS YOUR DREAM" FOUNDATION is a big supporter of Towers as well as countless schools through out the country. "HOW BIG IS YOUR DREAM " is an example of people from different walks in life coming together for the betterment of children. Jorel "J FLY" Flynn is an Drummer,Producer, Writer,Artist, and Humanitarian. He is the founder of "How Big Is Your Dream"?! foundation a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, educate, and develop our youth to excel in music. "How Big Is Your Dream"?! foundation partnered with Towers band teacher Jermaine Morell, a native of Sylvania Georgia. Mr. Morell recieved his Bachelor of Music Education degree from VanderCook College the nation only scholl devoted soley to music education in Chicago, Illinois. As a multi faceted individual Mr Morell has had the opportunity to hold a number of professional roles including Music and Arts Director for the "How Big Is Your Dream"?! foundation, Director for the production of Langston Hughes' Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz at Historic Douglass Theater, Music Teacher, Clinician, Adjudicator and Preforming Artist. Mr. Morell volunteered to serve as an interviewer for the Governor's Honors Program state auditions. Through these exceptional opportunities he has mentored and molded many young people and student. and his leadership has left a legacy of greatness to come. The evening started with the Presentation 1n of Colors by Towers JROTC Color Guard, The National Anthem sung by student Donel Heflin, he is also in the band and plays the Alto Saxophone, followed with opening remarks by JoAnn Williams-West, Principal. JoAnn Williams-West came to towers a few short months ago and in that time she has had a huge impact on the faculty staff and students. Williams-West has come to Towers with a firm hand an understanding of how to help students excel in excellence. The 2012 Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Award was presented by Joey Summerville. for the band program at Towers High School, what a great accomplishment and experience for the kids at Towers. JOEY SUMMERVILLE, Governor of the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy spoke to Towers about the award. Independent blue ribbon committee of top music educators and professionals to determine the schools that merit GRAMMY SIGNATURE SCHOOL status. Twenty thousand can apply eighteen were selected eleven were finalist and only one school was picked in the state of Georgia Towers High School in Dekalb County. I would say that was and outstanding job well done and well deserved . The students in the band put on a wonderful concert showing everyone why they received the Grammy Signature School status. Marea Melton an Summer Harris,flute concert duet in Three Movements, processional by Snell. Ayesha Thomas an Qyteirria McDaniel, clarinet 12 Duets by W.A Mozart. Woodwind Trio: Ayesha Thomas,clarinet;Summer Harris an Cydney Jordan,flute,Arioso by Leroy Ostransky. Percussion Ensemble Nicholas Anderson,Jamikael Kitt,Daniel Howell,Jarvalin Daniels,Nicholas Harrision,Michael Bryant, God of Our Father by Warren,arr. Madison. Brass Ensemble Contrapunctus by J.S Bach