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MBAA Faculty

OUR FACULTY

From the Villages of Africa, Opera Houses of Europe, the Hollywood & New York stage and film to Stax and the clubs of the Mid-South to the art galleries of Africa, the West Indies, and the East Coast, our teachers are gifted performing and visual artists as well as caring and imaginative educators. Our distinguished pre-conservatory training prepares young people for further studies in the arts or a lifetime of arts appreciation.

DANCE & MOVEMENT FACULTY

Once you’ve danced, you always dance. You can’t deny the gifts that God sends your way.
— Judith Jamison, dancer-choreography, artistic director for Alvin Ailey Dance Theater

Our Dance & Movement program offers many classes for ages 2 to senior adults. From African to European-based ballet, dance improves confidence, coordination, rhythm, posture and relaxation. It lets students explore the creative aspects of movement. All classes are suitable for boy or girls. Dance attire is required. Students perform in public, including a yearly dance recital. Serious dance students are encouraged to take several classes a week. As students progress, instructors will assign them to sequential levels based on ability.

		EBONE’ AMOS – BALLET, JAZZ, TAP,ACROBATICS MUSICAL THEATER started dancing at the age of 9 at Gerri Leatherwood School of Dance where she studied ballet, tap and jazz and performed at numerous charity events and dance concert and events in the city including Africa in April and the Midsouth Fair.. She continued to push herself to the limit by learning other types of dance such as modern, swing and musical theater movement. In 2006, she became a company member at Midsouth Dance Academy as an apprentice under Ayanna Shelton. With the company, she competed and placed in many competitions such as Co. Dance, LA DanceForce and Star Circuits. In 2007, she graduated from Millington Central High School and is now a junior at the University of Memphis majoring in Dance Education and minoring in Early Childhood Education.
		DORSE’ BROWN – JAZZ, TAP & HIP-HOP From a 5th season appearance on “So You Think You Can Dance”, Dorse dancing career began at age 7 in his native Arkansas being mentored by Clarence Michael Tidwell at the Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High. Currently a dance major at the University of Memphis, Dorse has been a leader at the Museum of Black Arkansans & Performing arts Center and was president of B.A.D. (Builders of A Dream) Little Rock King Team a community-based organization which teaches principles of non-violence. In addition to teaching dance at the FireHouse Community Arts Academy, Dorse’ performs professionally with Infinity a hip-hop dance group which he founded in affiliation with the Urban Alliance Dance Association. .
		DELALI POTAKEY - BALLET, JAZZ, TAP, DRAMA & MUSICAL THEATER Broadway/Hollywood– bound, has served as a choreographer/instructor for the TN State University Showstoppers—Music Department The Amun Ra Theater’s Performing Arts Academy and the Fisk University—Mini College. Her educational background includes most recently a stint at the New York City Academy for Dramatic Arts after completing her degree in Theater from TN State University and pursuing her MFA at DePaul University—Theater School.
		VANNETTE ISHMAEL-BALLET, TAP, CHORUS LINE, and BALLROOMThis local dance prodigy returned from retirement to join the dance faculty at the Firehouse. Starting in the 1950’s at age 3 with local dance educators, Addie Owens, Cecilia Westley, Roberta Ratcliff, and the legendary Ms. Peggy (Rufus Thomas’ tap dance partner), Ms. Ishmael mastered the techniques and skills of classical ballet, tap and chorus line dance. She performed solo and in dance concerts throughout Memphis at colleges, schools, at national teacher conventions and once-famous Memphis landmarks such as the Handy Theater and Ellis Auditorium. Ms. Ishmael has shared her love of dance with hundreds of youth through private lessons and at the Memphis Park Commission’s community centers.
		TONI MASON-HAYES- CREATIVE MOVEMENT, PRE-BALLET, TAP, HIP-HOP, JAZZ, -began performing at 8 for Memphis’ community centers’ majorette teams. She became a member of Melrose High School Golden Roses majorette squad,served as a choreographer and coach for the Melrose Majorette team.  She has also been the in e dance teacher at Newberry Elementary Schools’ Afterschool Care Program. Ms. Hayes has a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of Memphis and is currently pursuing, a Professional Studies degree in Dance Education and maintains her dance studies with  Project Motion Contemporary Dance Company and Collage Dance Collective.

MUSIC FACULTY

There are so many things to be considered in making music. The whole question of life itself . . . I know that I want to produce beautiful music, music that does things to people that they need.     —John Coltrane, US jazz musician, composer, band leader

Because each student is different, we aim to help the adult students, parents and children choose the best program for the family. Our goal is to foster a lifetime love of music. Organized courses of instruction leading from very beginning study to advanced performance levels.  Students learn theory, techniques and performance skills and are expected to participate in periodic recitals.

		NAOMI WILLIAMS MOODY – VOICE, KOKA BABIES®, MUSICAL THEATERSinger-actress and professionally trained authority and popular workshop leader on Vocal Health, KinderMusik, and Negro Spirituals, Moody has performed on Broadway in the production of “Porgy and Bess”, with Gregory Hines & Judith Jamison in Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Ladies” and at major opera houses, clubs and stages throughout the USA and the world. She is a soloist & concert performer in classical, jazz and sacred idioms.
		DIDEM SOMEL – VIOLIN & VIOLA Winner of the Gee Starling International Viola Competition, Dr. Somel is an accomplished violinist, composer and teacher who plays European classical and jazz. A native of Turkey, she has performed solo and in orchestras in France and stateside in Ohio, Arkansas, and California & Memphis. She has taught extensively in musical institutions as well as her private studio for the past twelve years. She is active as a soloist and chamber musician and has been a member of numerous North American symphony orchestras. Dr. Somel also has been a recording artist for various musical projects, including live radio and television broadcasts for jam-based jazz ensembles as well as showcases of her original compositions.
		KENT SUGGS – UPRIGHT BASS, DRUMS, GUITAR, PIANO, VOCALS A world-traveled musician, Suggs comfortably plays and instructs students in Blues, Jazz and Christian instrumental and vocal music. Beginning as a 15-year-old teen on Beale Street performing with Memphis musicians such as Joyce Cobb, Herman Green, Calvin and Phineas Newborn, Nokie Taylor, Isaac Hayes, Rufus & Carla Thomas. He recently returned home from a 10-year career in Las Vegas and world travel with music legends, including Gladys Knight, Drifters, Ink Spots, Lou Rawls, Little Anthony and the Imperials. In addition to teaching at the FireHouse Community Arts Academy, he is musical director at B.B. King’s Club on Beale Street and provides musical direction at several local churches.
		WILLIAM “NOKIE” TAYLOR – TRUMPET, DRUM, HOME SCHOOL BAND, MUSICIANSHIP World-traveled, Taylor has performed at London’s Palladium, Carnegie Hall and the White House and, as a Stax Recording session musician, known primarily for his trumpet skills, has recorded with Dionne Warwick, Isaac Hayes and many more. He holds Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff (AR A, M & N), graduate studies at Wayne State University in Michigan. He is a skilled, motivational teacher of all band instruments.
		LANCE THOMPSON – GUITAR Beginning as a sixth grade musician on trumpet, Lance went on to graduate from Oberlin College in Ohio and became a teacher with Memphis City Schools. Thompson has studied with noted musicians John Gaskill, Michael Scott and legendary jazz guitarist, Ed Finney. Mr. Thompson has performed with various churches and gospel groups, including the Southern Bells. Currently Thompson plays music for the Fellowship United Baptist Church.

VISUAL ARTS FACULTY -DRAWING, PAINTING, PHOTOGRAPHY, QUILTS, POTTERY & MORE

The challenge…is to find ways to use both the spiritual and material powers of art in such a way that the visual arts become a vehicle for …understanding of people.     —Samella Lewis, visual artists-educator

The Visual Arts program encourages students to observe the world around them and empowers them to articulate that world and their own imaginations, visually. Students explore the history and techniques of African-American artists living in the U.S. to learn many things about ourselves and the people and places around us. African-American Art can be traced to the art made years ago in Africa when art was made for religious and life ceremonies, festivals and everyday use.

		HARRIET A. BUCKLEY— DRAWING, PAINTING, FABRIC ARTS A highly disciplined visual artist since early childhood, Buckley is a graduate of the Memphis College of Art and has exhibited throughout the world. Her recent works include public art that can be seen daily at the Pauline and Madison trolley stop which was commissioned by the Urban Arts Commission. Buckley also has won numerous awards for her fiber arts and was featured in “Sacred Threads” a quilt exhibition at the University of Memphis. A versatile artist, Buckley uses paints, pencil, fabric, leather and found objects to create collectible works.
		MORRIS T. HOWARD – DRAWING & PAINTING A native of Dayton, Ohio, Howard began drawing at the age of five. He started by posing his brother for portraits on paper bags. Morris recalls the Art Instruction Schools TV series hosted by Norman Rockwell as an early influence: “He was the first artist I knew by name and I was in absolute awe of his highly realistic paintings. He made people look real and that had quite an impact on me. He considers mastery of draftsmanship to be the greatest asset an artist can possess. Howard graduated in 1996 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Visual Communications from the Art Institute of Atlanta and continued his studies under the tutelage of artist and illustrator Carl Owens. Morris is a member of the International Guild of Realism and looks forward to helping students of all ages develop their skills in realistic drawing.
		GLORIA FULTON SINGLETON -  FABRIC ARTS & CRAFTS (SEWING, DOLL DESIGN, RECYCLABLE ARTS) Singleton learned her sewing and art skills first from her grandmother and mother and then learned set design and decoration for annual pageants with her brother at Douglass High School. Finally, she took formal studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Ray Vogue School of Fashion and interior design at the University of Memphis. Singleton’s love of fashion, sewing, and fabric arts led her to serve as the wardrobe mistress for Ebony Fashion Fair showcasing major labels (i.e. Gucci, Giorgio, Armani, Willi Smith) to teaching upholstery at Northwest Mississippi State College and Hancock’s Fabric.  Recently, Fulton has enjoyed sharing her gifts with children at Magnolia Community Center teaching them to develop their intellect and creativity in the use of recyclable materials.
		SHANNON JENKINS – GRAPHIC DESIGN A freelance graphic designer providing clients with corporate identity, magazine logos, business cards, poster, flyers, invitations, and etc., Shannon is also an accomplished artist-educator. Her career began as a student more than 10 years ago at White Station High School.  A BFA graduate of the Memphis College of Art, Jenkins is an elementary school art teacher for Memphis City Schools. Experienced in working with special needs students (MR, Autistic, ADHD), she enjoys sharing her gifts and knowledge with children of all ages.
		BENNIE NELSON WEST – POTTERY Bennie studied pottery stoneware and raku in the New York City area at the 92nd St Y, Clay Crafts Cooperative, the Old Church Cultural Center (NJ) and the Arrowmont School of Crafts (TN) under such imminent ceramicists as David Leach, Takeshi Yasuda, and Mikhail Zain & Elsbeth Woody. West maintained CLAYSPIRITS studio in NYC and taught children’s classes at the Co-Op and the Museum of Natural History.
		LEONARD WEST– DRAWING, PAINTING, PHOTOGRAPHY He is a seasoned, painter, print-maker, and photographer whose art reflects his diverse experiences of 60+ years and studies in Laguna Beach, CA, University of Arizona, Memphis College of Art and the Santa Fe College of Art.   His paintings, sold by Taylor’s Contemporary Gallery of Hot Springs, Ark., and David Lusk Gallery in Memphis, are on display at national, international and local corporations and are in numerous private collections. He enjoys working with students of all ages.

LEONARD WEST– DRAWING, PAINTING, PHOTOGRAPHY He is a seasoned, painter, print-maker, and photographer whose art reflects his diverse experiences of 60+ years and studies in Laguna Beach, CA, University of Arizona, Memphis College of Art and the Santa Fe College of Art.   His paintings, sold by Taylor’s Contemporary Gallery of Hot Springs, Ark., and David Lusk Gallery in Memphis, are on display at national, international and local corporations and are in numerous private collections. He enjoys working with students of all ages.

THEATER & LITERARY ARTS FACULTY

Not only is your story worth telling, but it can be told in words so painstakingly eloquent that it becomes a song.
—-Gloria Naylor, novelist, educator

Courses in the Theater program offers a wide range of experiences in five areas of the performing arts:  Theater orientation, technical theater, vocal performance, acting, and movement.   The Literary Arts affords students the opportunity to explore various aspects of writing (i.e. poetry, short stories, novels, plays and oral traditions), to share their writing with others and to receive feedback to improve writing skills.

	NAOMI WILLIAMS MOODY (SEE MUSIC FACULTY)
	DELALI POTAKEY (SEE DANCE FACULTY)
	CARL SLAPPY–SOUND, LIGHTING, SET DESIGN A union-certified Sound & Lighting Technician, Slappy has worked as Assoc. Electrical Engineer for the City of Columbus, Ohio. A guest artist Ohio State University, Light designer for the Elijah Pierce Gallery and Martin Luther King Arts Complex, he has toured with Cross Movement Recording Artist “De Truth” and worked with numerous artists — Sweet Honey in the Rock, Yolanda Adams, Clark Sisters and Selah Dance Ministries. Carl’s recent Memphis works include: Dance Works 22nd Annual Student Performance, SWTCC’s “Hieroglyph Pictures in My Mind,” Le Moyne-Owen College Student Writer’s “Hidden in Me,” Bluff City Tri-Art Theater’s “Only One?” and Blues City Cultural Art’s Thirtieth Anniversary Celebration.  Carl is a founding member of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance.
	OLIVIA JOHNSON -  STAGE MANAGMENT, DIRECTOR, ACTOR, SINGER, ARTIST – introduced to theater at a very young age by her mother playwright-director-comic Ruby O. Gray, Olivia served as stage manager while she was in high school. She’s worked  in a number of theatrical productions  including: Arsenic and Old Lace, No Place To Be Somebody, Godspell,  & Shut Up and Dance!  Also a  talented actress, Olivia has been in several productions for Bluff City Tri-Art Theatre Company including her favorite role of the evil stepmother, Ms. Fa Fa Rella, in “Cindy D. Rella”.  She has also directed several one-act productions in churches in Memphis and Indiana including.  A View To Reason presented at the Memphis Black Arts Alliance.  Olivia is also a very gifted artist.  She is constantly perfecting her skills in decorative painting, portraits, signs, greeting cards and set construction. Her recent prints of President Obama are still available.  Olivia is also an Alto in The Emerald City Singers, an a cappella traveling gospel group. She is currently the Administrative Support for BCTC.  Of all the things she does, she counts being a mother to one equally as talented daughter, Amaia, the most rewarding.