SDM Foundation for Education and the Arts
INSPIRE MOTIVATE MOVE
SDM Foundation for Education and the Arts
The Foundation is focused on nurturing, mentoring and training individuals who are interested in the performing arts as well as furthering their education. The Foundation is highly involved in shaping the youth of today, who are interested in pursuing music, other performing arts and their education, whether as a musician, singer, dancer, poet, or educator.
In the past, the Foundation has worked with various organizations, predominately churches, with the primary purpose of identifying young talented vocalists and musicians who are unable to pursue their dreams due to financial hardship. The Foundation has assisted in promoting various concerts/events to raise money for awareness, scholarships, financial aid and other assistance.
One of the Foundations main events has been JAM SESSION. JAM SESSION is a week-long enrichment camp for teens 13-18 years old. It was designed to nurture our youth's passion for the arts and provide the knowledge and resources necessary for the advance of their education and future.
JAM SESSION is an Experience like no other! The focus is on training students interested in Vocal Performance to control and use their vocal instruments in an ensemble. Sopranos, altos and tenors are taught from a diverse mix of African-American styles; including Negro spiritual, inspiration, and gospel music. Students interested in Dance are trained in various dance techniques, including ballet, hip hop, and praise dancing. Students interested in Spoken Word are trained in creative writing, poetry appreciation, and vocabulary expansion and enhancement. The program stresses artist individuality and also includes team building fundamentals to develop confidence and stage presence.
During the week-long camp, from 9 am to 4:45 pm daily, the students' schedule consists of large group sessions and rehearsals with a one-hour lunch break. The afternoon sessions feature guest instruction and lectures by noted industry professionals followed by an interactive Q&A.
The final day of camp culminates in an evening concert and reception for parents, friends, sponsors and invited guests. The funds raised during the concert, which features Grammy Award Winning Artist/Songwriter/Producer Darius Brooks and the JAM SESSION students assists in the expansion and development of JAM SESSION programming. One or more JAM SESSION students are awarded scholarships to attend future camps.
SDM Foundation for Education and the Arts is a not for profit organization and has the ultimate goal of providing educational enhancement programs by offering annual scholarships, career fairs, college fairs, and informational support to all students wishing to gain upward mobility in today's society. The Foundation and its founder will continue to visit schools in the underprivileged neighborhoods of Chicago, specifically the west and south sides of the City, discovering talent and assisting individuals in fulfilling their dreams, irrespective of their financial difficulties. The Foundation plans to continue its efforts to contribute to the community at large and is dedicated to providing the best resources in the area of performing arts and education.