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A Message From Our Founder |
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Greetings!!!
My name is Dr. Hollie Hood-Mincey. I am a vocal music instructor in the Baltimore City School System. I have a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Music. And hold a Masters and Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership. I have worked over twenty-six years in the field of education; which includes serving as a principal for eight of my twenty-six years has an educator. I bring with me a wealth of knowledge and experiences in the area of education. Additionally, I am so excited about the opportunity to share wonderful educational and musical experiences with our children.
I really enjoy working with children and believe wholeheartedly that music is a means to opening up areas in the brain that help children to understand different concepts in creative ways. I have developed many school and community music programs all over the state of Maryland.
I am the CEO and founder of YES2 (Youth Educational Singing Society). YES2 has been in existence for over 6 years. Originally, I founded YES2 as a means to provide performing art opportunities to at-risk and underprivileged students in Baltimore City. Today, YES2 provides opportunities to students ages 4 to 18 from all over the Baltimore Metropolitan Area.
The Singing Sensations Youth Choir operated under the YES2 umbrella and services approximately 150 students, pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Nearly, 80% of these students qualify for free lunch by federal standards. Many of the students come from single parent households or are raised by grandparents and other family members and/or live in public or substandard housing.
Despite these challenges, most of the children in our performing ensembles have managed to rise above their personal struggles during school hours by excelling academically, socially and artistically. Students in YES2 have demonstrated extraordinary talents and gifts in the arts. However, most of our students would never have an opportunity to show case their talents in such grand way. YES2 and the Singing Sensations Youth Choir seek to change that. Recently, YES2 and the Singing Sensations Youth Choir formed a partnership with the Morgan State University Fine Arts Department. As a result of this partnership the Singing Sensations Youth Choir was featured in the University's 2009 production of the musical "Sarafina".
Researchers have already made available many studies that support the need to include the arts in education for every student. We know firsthand that music can have a positive influence on the academic and social achievement of urban students. The Singing Sensations Youth Choir presents a great opportunity to strengthen the bond of partnership in the arts between Baltimore City and County Public Schools, Maryland State Colleges and Universities, as well as, with Educational Institutions Nationwide.
Lastly, the Singing Sensations Youth Choir could use your support!
Each year, the Singing Sensations Youth Choir goes on two major tours. The annual cost for YES2’s Tours and Programs is overwhelming for one person to incur alone. Therefore, I am asking you, your organization, your companies and your churches to help make our organization and this year's tour a success.
We have approximately 60 students who tour as part of the Singing Sensations Youth Choir who need your financial support and sponsorship. Please support us in our efforts to provide these opportunities to our children.
All donations and contributions are TAX DEDUCTIBLE!!! Thank you in advance for your support of our children! For more information please see our “Make A Donation” and “Contact Us” Pages. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Hollie Hood-Mincey Founder/Director, Music Educator |
