"An Instrument of Unity"
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| Table of Contents Index Introduction
About LAMW Honorees Music Links Calendar of Events Souvenir Journal Events Highlights Music History Synopsis Through the Years Historical Highlights A Musical Panorama Contact Sign our Guestbook Educational Links: Jazz & Blues History Black History Index Black History Classical Music Kids Domain Music History Asian History & Culture Latin History & Culture Gospel and Southern Gospel Folk & Country Music Classical Music and History  |
LOS
ANGELES
MUSIC WEEK
DECEMBER 1 TO 11, 2005     The Artistic Mission of Los Angeles Music Week Fulfilling the motto, "An Instrument of Unity, " Los Angeles Music Week serves all the residents of the Greater Los Angeles area, including its surrounding basins. The performances, projects and events impact people of diverse cultures, ages, ethnicities, religions and socio- economic groups. The scope of events offers Angelenos opportunities to hear musical genres that they have never experienced and invites them to explore venues in various parts of the city. The educational activities of LAMW are enabled in elementary, middle and high schools through various interactive resources. LAMW takes an active role in Los Angeles' cultural tourism industry by offering a wide variety of performances that showcase the city's musical heritage. Due to the drastic
cutbacks in music curricula in schools over the past decade, the
majority
of the city's children know little or nothing about the rich musical
heritage
of the city they live in and have no scope of the musical genres
available
to them, from classical to jazz to ethnic musics. Many children
have
very few musical skills or lack the resources for acquiring them.
LAMW's program elements, such as field trips, in-school presentations
and
opportunities to interface with living musical legends, broaden musical
understanding and have created musical bridges between the communities
over the past six years. The sponsors and
partnerships
listed on this page dutifully enable LAMW to accomplish the
educational
goals and facilitate field trips for the school children in order to
link
music with other aspects of culture and learning. The children
derive
so much pride and motivation from learning how many famous musicians
from
all aspects of the music business grew up in their own
communities.
Face-to-face dialogue with successful living legends gives them the
impetus
to explore their own God-given talents and capabilities, inspiring them
to learn. The Children's Day field trips open up a world of
amazing wonder and possibility. In the words of
Founder/Executive
Director Margie Evans describing the 1999 Children's Day event,
"Serious
joy was had by these wonderful children." One parent,
accompanying
her child to the California Science Museum trip, commented, "This is
what
it's all about, giving children a chance to succeed." During the
2001 LAMW celebration at the Warner Grand Theatre, selected schools
were
elated to receive a cash donation of $500 for their music departments,
while parents, honorees and children raved about everything from the
musical
performances, to the unique LAMW t-shirts provided by
Target,
to the superbly tasty sub sandwiches from the Busy Bee in San
Pedro. |
Gary St. Clair, 50, has been
the finance manager for the Los Angeles Postal District since
September, 1992.
He is responsible for the management of Los Angeles' annual budget of more than $500 million. Prior to his appointment as finance manager of Los Angeles, he held the position of budget manager for the Van Nuys Postal Division for 13 years. He also served two years as Procurement Specialist in Van Nuys. Mr. St. Clair started his career as a postal clerk in Portland, Oregon in 1970. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in foreign languages from Portland State University. Mr. St. Clair likes to listen to music, specifically, the Blues, in his leisure time. He is an avid music historian and advocate for music education. His dedication in community service helped local schoolchildren learn about music, and its local contributors, through his participation in the events of the 5-4 Optimist Club in Los Angeles, California. Children met and interacted with many celebrities, various city, state and national representatives during the diverse activities, such as Respect for Law, Youth Appreciation Week, Essay Contests, Oratorical Contests, and teaching the children the value of philately, or collecting stamps. Mr. St. Clair's hands-on assistance as a Board Member of Los Angeles Music Week has been instrumental throughout its years of service.
In the above photograph:
LAMW President Vicki Evans,
USPS's Financial Manager Gary St. Clair, and belated principal Dr.
Kattie Prejean, congratulate Jester Hairston for being honored by Los
Angeles Music Week, after the honorees were greatly moved by the
outstanding choral tribute performed by the 52nd. Street School
Chorus. Director William Marshall taught the honorees' works and
historical significance to the chorus to pay tribute to the
songwriters and conductors at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. |
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In
Tribute to Gary St. Clair
By Vicki Evans, LAMW President When I consider these fourteen years of Los Angeles Music Week’s service, I remember those who have so generously shared their heart, time, talents and contributions with us. Mr. Gary St. Clair was such a treasure, not only to LAMW, but also to the United States Postal Service in his unrivaled capacity as the finance manager for the Los Angeles Postal District, a position he has held since September, 1992. As a board member of Los Angeles Music Week, along with Mr. Larry Dozier, the compassionate USPS Communications Specialist, he shared his wise insights with my mother, Margie Evans, to inspire, encourage and enable this organization’s goals by coming on board to assist in whatever way was needed. Mr. St. Clair often reminded Mom that opportunities, as well as challenges, are like doors, for depending on which side you grasp the doorknob, you can either open the door or close it. Gary shared his resources as well as his avid love for music, frequently chronicling its history in the city of Los Angeles. A strong advocate for music education, he invested his time in Los Angeles Music Week through his sharing with children the excitement of music instruction, live orchestras, great conductors, and honoring the talents of many excellent children’s groups in several historic venues, such as the 5-4 Ballroom and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles. His dedication in community service helped local schoolchildren learn about music, and its local contributors, through his participation in the events of the 5-4 Optimist Club in Los Angeles, California. Children met and interacted with many celebrities, various city, state and national representatives during the diverse activities, such as Respect for Law, Youth Appreciation Week, Essay Contests, Oratorical Contests, and teaching the children the value of philately, or collecting commemorative stamps. In short, when all is said and done, Gary St. Clair left an indelible impression on music history through his faithful participation in Los Angeles Music Week. His memory lives on its vibrant continuation. |
Ticket price(s): $35, $30
(Groups of 10 or more)
$25 (Students/seniors/UCLA faculty and staff)
$15 (Children 5 to 15) Children under 5 free
Ticket info: UCLA Central Ticket Office 310-825-2101 -or- www.tickets.ucla.edu
Miscellaneous info: Casual seating on the grass and
bleachers. Ample parking available.
Savor delicious food from different parts of the world.
Dr.
Solomon Burke,
a 2002 LAMW Honoree,
is a Board Member of
LOS
ANGELES
MUSIC WEEK.
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Los
Angeles Music Week
has Rare Commemorative
Limited Edition Postal Caches:
Sets of the Last Eleven Celebrations
Now on Sale for $5.00 or
$10.00 a set!
Orders based on availability.
Order now by contacting
melamw@earthlink.net,
Fax 310-670-6908,
or Phone 310-670-6898.
Contact:
Margie
Evans, Executive Director
Los Angeles Music Week, Inc.
Email: melamw@earthlink.net
Post Office Box 451146
Los Angeles, CA 90045-8511
Phone: (310) 670-6898
Fax: (310) 670-6908
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