Bio
The Passion to PERFORM
At home in the world of performance, Penelope has studied with the masters, honed her technical abilities through countless hours of dedicated work and developed a strong experience-based, live performance presence. This commitment has led to opportunities for Penelope working as a performer in in countless venues across the globe. (Centers For Spiritual Living, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, International Assoc. for Jazz Education). At home performing as a soloist as well as a member of a large ensemble, Penelope delivers her music at the highest standards.
The Heart of a TEACHER
Not all who perform can or want to teach. Penelope has a deep desire to bring out the inner talents of students, young and old. The patience to nurture the natural gifts of others so they emerge and grow comes from the desire to help others develop and grow as artists. For over 5 years she has maintained a studio of students many whom discover the importance of creativity, theory, and repertoire as ingredients for success in academics and the arts.
The Skills of a LEADER
Penelope has developed and led many music and arts programs. She has taken them from infancy and grown them to become top-quality performance organizations bringing joy to performers and audiences alike. Leading a program of diverse, individuals passionate about their craft is a challenging and intricate process. Creating an inclusive music and arts program requires the same skills as making any complex, multi-faceted organization thrive. Penelope has a stellar track record of developing and leading high performing music and arts programs many times over.
Credentials
Penelope Williams Music Program Leader-Pianist-Vocalist-Teacher
PROFILE
Seasoned Leader who amplifies the mission and executes on the vision of the organization as Director of Creative Arts playing a strategic and collaborative role which:
• Cultivates and nurtures strong relationships within the church community - choir members, teachers, musicians, friends of the arts
and other partners
• Develops a strategic vision for programming, choir, outreach, and events
• Assumes the responsibility of arts leadership in the church community
• Exercises an innovator’s DNA —observing, questioning, experimenting, networking and associating
• Recruits and retains high performing artists, instructors, aligned with the mission of the church
• Supervises and evaluates arts staff/volunteers to ensure the highest level of professionalism in Dance/Poetry/Choir/Band
• Provides professional learning opportunities supporting individual needs and goals.
• Oversees the day-to-day operations in the Creative Arts Department - communication channels, schedule, meetings, performances, events, calendar, and facility spaces.
Relevant Professional Experience:
Director of Creative Arts Spiritual Living Center Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 2010-present Music Director –
International Conferences – Centers for Spiritual Living 2010-2013
Music Minister - Unity North Atlanta Church, Marietta, GA 2005-2009
Production Coordinator - Events and Facilities, Georgia State University 1998-2004
Music Director Atlanta, GA - Atlanta Church of Religious Science 1999-2004
Interim Director - Vocal Jazz Choir, Georgia State University 2001-2002
Rising Star Records, Atlanta, GA, Promotions and Concert production 1996-1997
Direct Professional Impact:
• Expanded music and dance programs to include House Band, and Vocal Ensemble of 20 vocalists
• Produced/directed a contemporary music conference in New Orleans, Vancouver, Orlando 2012-2014
• Produced local Festival with national artists and choirs
• Expanded Creative Arts program to include Poetry competition, Dance Ministry and Vocal Workshop
with Glee Singer
and Vocal Coach, Gerald White and National artist, Levi Kreiss
• Produced Bi-Annual talent showcases for social interaction and talent discovery
• Recorded self-produced CDs with numerous featured artists and choir
• Created and produced the Summer Youth Creative Arts Camp
• Produced a bi-annual, 3 day Choral Festival which assembled multiple choirs, from around the country
and engaged with activities, workshops, home stays, festival performances
EDUCATION:
Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 2001-2004
Master of Music in Jazz Studies: Concentration on pedagogy,
Performance/improvisation. Research concentration on the work of Mary Lou Williams
Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 1995-1998
Bachelor of Science in Music Management and Marketing
MODERATOR, CULTURAL CURATOR & PANELIST- Women in American Music
International Association for Jazz Education - Moderator/Panelist 1999-2004
Researching Legendary Jazz Artists: Featuring
The musical repertoire of Mary Lou Williams
Religious Science International Annual Conference - Presenter 2003-2004
Vocal Improvisation Workshop: Music as Language of the Heart
American Jazz Museum-Women in Jazz Conference - Panelist 2000-2001
The Music and Life of Mary Lou Williams
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - Moderator-Panelist 1999-2001
Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival
AFFILIATIONS:
Chair: IAJE Women’s Caucus 1999-2004
International Association for Jazz Education
Board of Governors 2002-2004
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences-Atlanta Member 1981-2001
American Federation of Musicians-Atlanta Chapter 148-462
Notable Performances and Venues
• President Jimmy Carter
• Ambassador Andrew Young
• Wayne Dyer
• Deepak Chopra
• Marianne Williamson
• Dr. Billy Taylor
• Maurice Hines and The DIVA Jazz Orchestra
Notable Performance Venues
• John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
• MLK King Center
• The Alliance Theatre
• Numerous United States and International performance settings
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