A New Miss KCGC & Mr. KCBC for 2008

Arlana Coleman retires from KCBC/KCGC Board

TWO OCTAVES

The Kansas City Boys Choir and The Kansas City Girls Choir held their11th Annual Scholarship Banquet on August 3, 2007. The banquet was a complete success! A special highlight of this year’s banquet was the naming of a new Miss KCGC and Mr. KCBC for the upcoming year. The winners for 2008 were revealed: Mickael McNeil was named Miss KCGC 2008, and Logan Smith was named Mr. KCBC 2008. Both choristers will be the spokes-person for their respective choirs. The honor of represent-ing the choir is taken very seri-ously by the choristers. The criteria to be considered for the role of Miss KCGC and Mr. KCBC includes leadership skills, community service hours, atti-tude, attendance, and dedica-tion. Runners Up for both posi-tions were also determined.

Second runner up for Miss KCGC 2008 was Ms. Brittney Spratt and First Runner Up was Ms. Alex Harvel. Second Runner Up for Mr. KCBC was Austin Washing-ton, and First Runner Up was Kevin Harvel. The winners and Runners Up are all voted on by the staff with the final decision is made by Artistic Director Mr. Ah’Lee Robinson.

AT&T and serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Kansas City. She also works with United Way, The SCLC, Black Achievers, and is owner of AJoy Event Planners. We will for-ever be grateful for Ms. Coleman’s contributions to our organization. Her professionalism and dedication will truly be missed!

Ms. Arlana Coleman, former First Vice Chair of the KCBC and KCGC, retired her position in August of last year. Ms. Coleman came to the KCBC organization as the Budget Director in 1999 and was voted to the board as Treasurer in July of the same year. Ms. Coleman retired from

Inside this issue: CPR & First Aid Class Winter Concert Highlights

2

Serving Our Community Chicago Road Trip Come See Us

3

Nyla & Rasson Wofford Jeainnie Brown Retires Friends of KCBC & KCGC

4

Highlights from Banquet Meet Mr. KCBC Meet Ms. KCGC

5

Black History Month Activity Welcome New Board & Staff Spring Concert 2008

6

Highlights from 2007 Concert Scholarship Banquet 2008 Alumna Azia Alexandria

7

Notes from Mr. Ah’Lee 8

FIRST QUARTER 2008

Volume 3, Issue 3

Mickael McNeil is crowned Miss KCGC 2008 by last year’s winner Natoshia Coleman.

Logan Smith, Mr. KCBC 2008, is congratulated by staff member Ms. Jessie.

Choristers Nyla and Rasson Wofford landed roles in The Wizard of Oz at the Starlight Theatre. Story on Page 4..

Logan and Mickael represent at the American Royal Parade.

Don’t miss “Remembering the

Greats in ‘08” Call (816) 474-SING for Tickets.

The 2007 Winter Concert, “A Fireside Christmas”, was held on De-cember 9, 2007 at The Paseo Fine and Performing Arts Academy. Choristers performed traditional holiday songs as well as updated versions of familiar holiday tunes. A special performance of “Mercy On Me” by graduating senior Natoshia Coleman brought down the house in the second half of the show. This was Natoshia’s last per-formance with the KCGC and she made it memorable for all who were in attendance. The audience also enjoyed a rare perform-ance by Artistic Director and Founder Mr. Ah’Lee Robinson when he performed “Mary Did You Know”. Both choirs joined him. Although the weather outside was frightful, inside The Paseo Fine and Per-forming Arts Academy it was absolutely delightful!

KCBC and KCGC Participate in CPR & First Aid Class

Page 2 TWO OCTAVES

On October 13, 2007 the KCBC and KCGC along with staff, parents, and friends participated in a two hour CPR and First Aid Class taught by the MAST Ambu-lance Emergency Team. Each participant that completed the course received a bro-chure and complimentary CPR and First Aid Wallet Card. There were several choristers in attendance at this life-saving workshop and everyone had a great time learning what to do in case of an emergency. Board Member Ms. Cheryl Coleman and Staff Admin. Ms. Inetta Childress arranged for the MAST Ambulance staff to conduct the classes at New Haven Baptist Church.

2007 Winter Concert Successful Despite Inclement Weather

MAST Ambulance Paramedics Maria McAhan & Janet Brown demonstrate CPR. Paramedic Maria helps chorister

Krishana Owens with her CPR technique.

The girls, Ms. Lynn, & Ms. Tola take advantage of a photo opportunity back stage.

Mr. Ah’Lee and the choirs perform “Mary Did You Know”. The boys are all smiles as they prepare for their performance.

Last fall our choristers took their first joint trip to “The Windy City” - aka Chicago! The boys and girls had a lot of fun and enjoyed all of the sights and sounds of this beautiful, exciting metropolis. Eight chaper-ones accompanied the choristers while they explored the city. Some of the choristers enjoyed shopping downtown while others sampled some of Chicago’s great restaurants. Once back at the hotel, it was time to hit the swimming pool for more fun! A memorable time was had by all. The boys and girls look forward to this year’s joint road trip later this fall.

Come See Us Choristers in the News

KCGC & KCBC TAKE ROAD TRIP TO CHICAGO

Community Service Coordinator Ms. Diane Scott works with the KCBC and KCGC choristers each year to fulfill their commitment of 50 hours of community service work per year. Community service and volunteer work is an important part of our commitment to our youth and is an integral part of our mission statement. The following volunteer projects were completed for the second half of 2007. Do you have a community project that you would like us to consider? Contact Ms. Diane Scott at (816) 474-SING for more information.

KCGC alumni Azia Alexandria, one of five graduating seniors honored at our 12th Annual Scholarship Banquet last year, is in the news. Azia, a Freshman at Spellman College in Atlanta, GA, recently received a let-ter from Congressman Emanuel Cleaver’s office informing her that she has been selected to receive The Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Foundation Education Award. This education scholarship is one of many that Azia has been awarded. This young lady makes us all very proud. Azia’s advice to others who are planning to attend college: “Be sure you apply for all of the scholarships and grants that are available to you….there is a lot of money out there...you just have to ask for it.” Way to go Azia! You are truly an inspiration to us all!

Join us for these upcoming events:

KCBC/KCGC April 4 7PM Metropolitan Baptist Church SCLC

KCBC/KCGC April 6 2-4 PM Young Audiences Meet & Greet

KCGC April 13 6PM Morning Star Baptist Church

KCBC/KCGC April 19 7PM (Private) South Africa Freedom Day

KCBC/KCGC April 20 5 PM Paseo Academy Spring Concert ‘08

KCBC June 7 8PM KCI Airport IAAP Conference

KCBC June 22-28 Kingston, Jamaica Cari Festi

For information regarding bookings or auditions,

Please call 816-474-SING.

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

Page 3 Volume 3, Issue 3

COMMUNITY SERVICE

July 2007 Back to School Warehouse Project

August 2007 No Project

September 2007 No Project

October 2007 Marathon & Walk-A-Thon

November 2007 No Project

December 2007 Salvation Army Bell Ringers

The KCBC & KCGC in Chicago!

Ms. Jeainnie Brown, a long time supporter, friend, and volunteer with the KCBC and KCGC, retired her position as Treasurer of the organization last year. Jeainnie is employed with Sprint as a Project Manager for Corpo-rate and internally funded projects that im-pact finance systems. She is also involved in several specialized activities such as the Chris-tian Dance Fellowship in which she was elected as Missouri State Coordinator in Janu-ary of 2005. We wish Ms. Brown much success in the future and we thank her for her service.

Friends of KCBC & KCGC Association Would you like to be a friend and supporter of the Kansas City Boys Choir and the Kansas City Girls Choir? You can become a founding member of the new Friends of KCBC & KCGC Association by sending your donation to:

KCBC/KCGC

P.O. Box 412551

Kansas City, MO 64141

Or call our offices at (816) 474-SING

Choristers Nyla and Rasson Wofford Take the Stage in The Wizard of Oz

Jeainnie Brown retires from KCBC/KCGC Board

Page 4 TWO OCTAVES

The KCBC and KCGC is home to many talented young boys and girls. Two such talents are Nyla and Ras-son Wofford. The brother and sister duo performed in Starlight Theatre’s “The Wizard of Oz” last fall. Nyla and Rasson welcomed us all to “Munchkin Land” with their stellar performances. The KCBC & KCGC choristers were also present to per-form the pre-show at the Starlight. When the two siblings are not per-forming with the KCBC and the KCGC, they are busy working with their local talent agency Exposure

Models. Rasson performed at the Coterie Theatre this year in “GunPlay” and “Magic Woods” at the Lakeside Nature Center. He also performed in “Aida” at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City last summer. Nyla was cast in the all girl teen opera “One False Move” at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and also performed in “GunPlay” and “Magic Woods” at the Coterie Theatre. Look for more great per-formances from this brother & sis-ter team in the near future!

Certain contributions received for our annual scholarship banquet qualify for special recognition. No donation is too small, and remember, a portion of your contribution dollars are tax deductible. Help us to continue our mission through music. Be a true friend and supporter of our choristers by sending your donation today. The KCBC and KCGC is a 501(c)3 Not For Profit Organization.

August 1, 2008 Scholarship Banquet Program Brochure

BASS LEVEL: $1,000—$2,499 Includes listing in program brochure. TENOR LEVEL: $2,500—$4,999 Includes 1 table with listing in program brochure. ALTO LEVEL: $5,000—$7,499 Includes 2 tables with logo & listing in program brochure. SOPRANO LEVEL: $7,500— OVER Includes 3 tables with logo & listing in program brochure.

The Kansas City Boys Choir And

The Kansas City Girls Choir PRESENT

Sunday April 20 For ticket information, Please

call (816) 474-SING

Brother and sister act Nyla Wofford (third from the left) and Rasson Wofford (far right) performed in The Wizard of Oz at Starlight Theatre last fall. The two choristers stay very busy with their acting careers when they are not performing with the KCGC & KCBC.

Meet Logan Smith: Mr. KCBC 2007-2008

(Above) KCBC Founder Ah’Lee Robinson (far left) poses with Ms. Denise Jordan of the Kansas City Globe Newspaper (third from the left) recipient of the Journalist of the Year Award 2007. Also pictured: Ms. Meghan Cummings , Mr. Marion Jordan of the Kansas City Globe Newspaper, and KCBC supporter and volunteer Mr. Nima Shaffe.

Alvin Brooks displays his award for The 2007 Reverend Donald Gilmore Commu-nity Service Award. Also pictured is guest Emcee Elliott Threat, Board Member Cheryl Coleman, and KCBC Founder and Artistic Director Ah’Lee Robinson.

Highlights from 2007 11th Annual Scholarship Banquet

Page 5 Volume 3, Issue 3

KCBC Chorister Yusef Tribue, II and KCBC Associate Jordan Washington con-gratulate Gilbert Castillo of Digix, Inc. Digix won Sponsor of the Year Award for 2007. Not pictured: Matt Prusa, Digix, Inc. Owner.

Logan Smith is a KCBC favorite among his peers. The 16 year old enjoys football, track, video games, and his church youth group. He became involved with the KCBC after being asked to audition fol-lowing a performance with the Metropoli-tan Youth Choir. He attends Van Horn H.S. and is planning to attend The Univer-sity of Missouri after graduation. He en-joys alternative rock music and has a pas-sion for computers and science. Logan is the son of Mike and Kathy Smith. When

asked about his future ambitions and plans Logan answered “I want to be suc-cessful in life and live it for the glory of God.” Logan enjoys being a part of the Kansas City Boys Choir because it gives him a great leadership opportunity and a chance to represent many great young men. He is also President of his junior class at Van Horn H.S., President of the Future Business Leaders of America, and is listed in the Who’s Who Among High School Students. Congratulations Logan!

Meet Mickael McNeil: Ms. KCGC 2007-2008 Our 2007 Scholarship Banquet was an exciting time for all, but this was espe-cially true for Mickael McNeil who was crowned the new Miss KCGC for 2007-2008. In her first year with the KCGC, 15 year old Mickael Janae’ McNeil stood out as a leader in the group. She is proud to uphold the legacy of her new title. Mickael is a sophomore at Raymore Peculiar High School and en-joys spending time with friends and

family. As the point guard on the Ray-Pec basketball team and as the first leg of the 100 meter relay, Mickael continues to show leadership and dedication in every-thing that she does. She considers it to be an honor to be named Ms. KCGC. Mickael is the daughter of Mike and Margaret McNeil who are her biggest role models. Her motto: “Always be the best you can be—stretch to be the best and don’t stress”! Our congratulations to Mickael!

Black History Month: Educational and Fun!

KCBC/KCGC Welcomes New Board and Staff Members

Page 6 TWO OCTAVES

February was Black History Month and our choristers had a great time celebrating and learning about all of the contributions that African Ameri-cans have made to the world throughout the centuries. This years Black History Month celebration was especially fun and educational for the choristers thanks to Develop-ment Director Ms. Lisa Henderson aka “Angela Davis”. Ms. Lisa used games that challenged the boys & girls to use their physical and mental abilities. Questions were chosen

from past history, news, songs, dance, TV, sports, current events, and politics. The contest was a competition of the KCBC versus the KCGC. In the end, the boys beat the girls with a huge win! “It was a great time and many of the parents joined in the fun by being a part of the audience”, said Ms. Lisa. KCBC/KCGC Chairman Mike Hobson, Sr. commented, “This years Black History Month Cele-bration was great, and the kids really, really loved it!”. We can’t wait until next February!

It is now “crunch time” for the KCBC & KCGC as they make last minute prepara-tions for their annual spring concert. This years program entitled “Remembering the Greats in ‘08” pay tribute to many great artists of the past. This is one performance you do not want to miss! Ticket donation: $15.00. For more information, please call (816) 474-SING.

kcbc and kcgc

Sunday April 6 For more information Please call

(816) 474-SING

The KCBC & KCGC is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)3 Organization.

Our organization simply could not run effectively without the dedication and hard work of our board and volunteer staff members. We consider each and every one of them a true blessing! The Kansas City Boys & Girls Choirs would like to welcome our most recent bless-ings” to our organization. Our new Board Members are Lavetta Hall, Truke-chia Smith, and Regina Toney. We also have two new Volunteer Support Staff Members: Elder Floyd Wiggins—Spiritual Advisor, and Nima Shaffe’ who will be working with the Boys Choir. Our

volunteers bring with them their unique skills and experiences that help our young men and ladies to develop into responsible, caring adults. Volunteers have the opportunity to strengthen ties across the boundaries of borders, race, gender, age and culture. Our volunteers are committed to meeting the needs of our choristers and our communities. Are you interested in being a volunteer but would like more information? Let us know what your hopes are for your volunteer experience by contacting us at:

(816) 474-SING

Choristers Prepare for Upcoming Spring Concert

Aubrie Saulsberry & Dashawn Young compete!

Ms. Lisa sports a huge afro and a dashiki.

KCGC 2008 KCBC 2008

KCBC/KCGC Chairman Michael Hobson, Sr. has extended a firm offer to Dr. Benjamin Carson to be our guest speaker at The Donald Gilmore 12th Annual Scholarship Banquet: “Building Character Beyond Tomorrow”. The banquet will be held at the downtown Marriott Hotel on August 1, 2008. “Dr. Carson’s suc-cess has been phenomenal and his modest beginnings are what makes his career and success even more amazing”, said Hobson. “We are very excited about the possibility of having Dr. Ben Carson as our guest speaker“. For additional information, please call our

office at (816) 474-SING.

Dr. Ben Carson Invited to 12th Annual Scholarship Banquet

Former KCGC member Azia Alexandria, a Freshman at Spelman College, enjoys volunteer work at a local Atlanta, GA ele-mentary school. Azia volunteers as a Classroom Assistant during the day, and tutors first through fifth grade students in the afternoons for the after school pro-gram. Judging from the smiles on the faces of these kids, Azia is making a big difference in their lives! Azia is a dedi-cated and gifted young lady who exem-plifies character and class. Thanks Azia!

More Highlights from Winter Concert 2007: A Fireside Christmas

Page 7 Volume 3, Issue 3

KCGC Alumna Azia Alexandria Gives Back to Community

Make a donation to The Kansas City Boys Choir or The Kansas City Girls Choir through the Donor Edge. Simply go to www.donoredge.org and type in the name of the non-profit organization you would like to make a donation to. It’s just that simple! Make a difference in a young boy or girls life today by contributing on-line. www.donoredge.org

Natoshia Coleman brings down the house with her rendition of “Mercy On Me”.

KCBC Choristers Yusef Tribue, II, Jarell Fulks, and Ja’Ron Stearns get into the holiday spirit.

Asia Barnes puts her Alvin Ailey dance troupe skills to work!

Former choristers Azia Alexandria, Johnny McClenton, II and Renoil Simpkins, III return to assist with the program and choir members.

barriers, we strive to provide our choris-ters with a diversity of music. We intend to provide travel opportunities for them, and educate them to become individuals that are community minded.

Ultimately, it is rewarding to know that we are not in the business of creating that unique “boy sound” therefore the boys that we mentor must maintain good grades, complete community service and meet all requirements expectations of them. The good thing is that even when their voices change, we retain them. It would not be conducive to allow young boys to loose membership in an organi-zation that they have been with for years. Their commitment becomes greater when they know that they can remain until they are young men.

The support from businesses, family, and community reinforces our mission which is to provide a forum for developing and enhancing the mind and to bridge cul-tural gaps through music in the classical boy choir tradition, service and scholar-ship.

Last week I spoke to a lady who said that her son, who is now a Doctor, had been a member of the Atlanta Boy Choir. Immedi-ately I was inquisitive about his life in the boy choir. Before I could ask too many questions, she immediately told me that he was kicked out when his voice changed. For many years this was the shattered life of young boys in traditional boy choirs.

In my studies of boy choirs, it has always amazed me as to why boys are dismissed when voices change. However, one must understand that there was a sound that was captured when unchanged voices came together. Today, our mission is dif-ferent and our motives have changed. Can you imagine releasing young boys today into the society without any ties to an es-tablished organization?

The Kansas City Boys Choir has developed and enhanced the minds of many young boys for over 12 years. Our roster in-cludes boys that graduated from four year Universities with honors. It also in-cludes a young man who now resides in California that scores music for movies, a gifted and talented pianist that has

played for many national artists, a fam-ily man, an insurance agent, a noted vocalist, a Spellman student, a More-house man, Rockhurst College gradu-ates, and the list goes on. The point I am trying to make is that when we retain boys in our choirs , they become success-ful individuals that give back to our community in a positive way.

In 2007 we had (3) boys to graduate from our choir; one headed for Truman State College, one to Atlanta to attend Morehouse, and the other to Johnson County Community College. We stress education in our choirs; it is not solely based on the music that we perform. Music becomes the by-product when we begin to work with each of the boys.

Over a year ago, our organization took on the great task of starting a Girls Choir here in Kansas City. Since then we have auditioned over 50 girls and we now hold a current roster of 35 girls.

It is our intent to continue to influence positively and push our choristers to excellence. With the understanding that music is universal and breaks all color

NOTES FROM MR. AH’LEE

It is the mission of the KCBC and the KCGC to provide a

forum for developing and enhancing the mind and to

bridge cultural gaps through music in the classical boy/girl

choir tradition, service and scholarship.

The Kansas City Boys Choir The Kansas City Girls Choir P. O. Box 412551 Kansas City, MO 64141

Phone: 816-474-SING

Welcome to our new Staff

and Board Members! (see pg. 6) 1ST QUARTER 2008

Volume 3, Issue 3

TWO OCTAVES

(MAILING LABEL)

We’re on the web! Check us out at

www.kcboychoir.org kcgirlschoir.org