~Mentorship Matters Throughout my life, I have had the guidance of people who believed in my gift, before I was completely aware of what God had given me. These are the people who were very instrumental in making sure that I gained knowledge and experience on my musical journey.

Dr. Andre Thomas began his professional career at the University of Texas in Austin (1981-1984) while finishing his doctoral degree. He then began his long career at Florida State University. He served as Director of Choral Activities, Professor of Choral Education, as well as Owen F. Sellers Professor of Music at Florida State University.

In addition to his collegiate teaching career, Thomas conducts various choral organizations throughout the United States and internationally. He currently serves as the artistic director for the Tallahassee Community Chorus. 

Internationally, he has conducted. in Australia, England, China, Estonia, Israel, New Zealand and many other countries. Thomas has conducted 49 All-State high school choirs, and has twice conducted the World Youth Choir.

Thomas' influence ranges beyond conducting, as he is the author of various choral education editions. An active composer, he has been published by seven publishing companies. His writing frequently addresses the struggle of becoming a black “classical” composer, as well as the challenge of performing ethnic music (spirituals and gospels) with integrity.

From guest professorships at universities, clinic sessions for professional organizations, and teaching at Florida State University, Dr. Andre Thomas continues to implement his teaching philosophies all over the world. 

Carolyn Henry is the Artistic Director of the C.H.A.R.M. School, a private music studio for voice and piano students ranging from ages 4-18 years of age.  The acronym, CHARM, stands for “ Carolyn Henry's Academy of Religious Music”.  The purpose of the studio is to educate the next generation to read music and keep the traditional hymns, anthems and spirituals alive. The lessons enable students to accurately read piano and vocal music scores.

Mrs. Henry is a retired music educator. She served in the Georgia public school systems of both Thomas and Berrien County.  During her 37-year tenure she directed music and drama for every grade level, plus served as director of Community Choir at Thomas University and Adjunct Instructor at Georgia Southwestern University.  Her students excelled and received numerous Superior ratings and first place scores in non-competitive and competitive performances.  They travelled and performed extensively to places such as Carnegie Hall.

Mrs. Henry has also served as adjudicator for over 25 years in Georgia, Florida and Alabama, where she judged classical, show choir and religious competitions.

Mrs. Henry has served as Minister of Music at the historic First Missionary Baptist Church of Thomasville, Georgia, for over 30 years and has been serving in the church for 50 years.

Mrs. Henry is an original member of the Georgia Mass Choir. She is presently active, and serves on the Board of Directors of that organization.  In addition to that honor she was blessed with the opportunity to be one of the selected members to perform in the movie, "The Preacher's Wife," starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.

Mrs. Henry earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Fort Valley State University, a Masters of Music Education from Valdosta State University and attended University of Georgia for advanced studies in Vocal Pedagogy.  She received additional training in Choral Conducting from renowned conductors Mr. Rodney Eichenberger and Dr. Andre Thomas of Florida State University.

Mrs. Henry's professional, musical and community affiliations include:  Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), Music Educators National Conference (MENC), American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the South Georgia chapter of The James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), and a charter member of The Thomasville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Mrs. Henry treasures the fact that she is a member and pianist of the Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF). This affiliation strengthens her relationship with God, and allows her to grow in, learn about, and testify of His Goodness.

Mrs. Henry is married to Reverend Curnell Henry; they have one daughter Carla Henry.
To donate in honor of Mrs. Henry, https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=A50_WdpKbsqLzTzqCWNcDz1f15C-oK_nZr13TSSDcgsSPlOH_kl4Q_kqrRhXlpcU03mfidGi2c0GSVkw 

Fred Allen was a musical prodigy with a brilliant mind was born in rural South Georgia. At three years of age, Fred Allen could play Mozart sonatas on the piano without missing a note. But in spite of his obvious talent, his parents discouraged him from expressing his creativity and intelligence. Forced to fend for himself through his adolescent years, Fred knew that if he was ever to make something of himself, he would need to find a way to rise above his broken background. With incredible effort, and a few miracles along the way, Fred managed to do just that, eventually earning acceptance into The Julliard School in New York City. While simultaneously attending Juilliard, Union Theological Seminary, and Columbia University, he also began directing a local church choir, where he caught the attention of the music industry.

During the musical revolution of the 1960s, Fred earned numerous Grammy nominations and built a growing reputation within the industry. Later, he took a job as a high school music teacher in his hometown of Thomasville, Georgia, a community of only 30,000 people. Fred never could have imagined that his new role would not only transform his life but also change an entire community forever. 

As a product of that community, I was introduced to Mr. Allen and his wife, Winnie, by the Frances Williams. While in high school, the Allens introduced me to various genres of music and taught me how to correctly apply technique to each genre, while respecting the style. Once I got into Show Choir and Music and Drama Troupe, I performed everything from "Alleluia" to 'O mio babbino caro" to "Summertime" to "God is Trying to tell you something" from The Color Purple!! I was also taught how to compete and took home nearly every first place prize in solo and ensemble, and various other competitions.

Mr. Allen suggested that I attend FSU's summer music camp at the age of 15, where I was offered a full scholarship by Dr. André Thomas. Mr. Allen prepared me for that moment! 

He and his wife, Mrs. Winnie Allen, have poured so much into me and they have both been consistent mentors to this very day,  I am humbled that he saw something in me that I didn't know was there and introduced me to so much. I am honored that I had his blessing of naming the scholarship in their honor. Last, but certainly not least, I am encouraged to continue honoring my journey, while pouring into the future.
Mr. Allen has taken his final bow and I will continue to applaud his life and legacy, while honoring his wife. 

 The late Frances Greene Williams was a wife, mother, grandmother, educator, musician and community leader. She received a scholarship to attend Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) and she graduated with honors in 1959. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. For her graduate training, she attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, where she earned a Masters of Music degree in Vocal and Piano Performance. She began her teaching career at Virginia State University in 1960 and continued her career for over 40 years in her home area of south Georgia in the public school system. She was a 1956 initiate of the Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was one of the charter members of the Thomasville Alumnae Chapter. As an educator, Mrs. WIlliams spearheaded various initiatives and philanthropic efforts throughout the community. Mrs. Williams served her community in various music ministries and was known for her beautiful soprano voice and gift of playing organ.