If you’ve heard me speak about growing up in Annapolis, you’ve probably heard me talk about some of my first art classes, and that they were at Maryland Hall. As the former Annapolis High School, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts was "founded in 1979 by a group of artistic visionaries who believed the former [high school] could best be re-used as a community arts center.” They were right. Since then, Maryland Hall has been a front runner in providing creative studio space, arts education, exhibition space, and entertainment.
Image courtesy of Drawn to the Image
Starting in August, another outstanding experience will be added to this list. The first annual Music Master Classes for Aspiring Musicians from August 19-24 is open to all skill levels and instruments. Diving into three main areas: rhythm, harmony, and melody, advanced students will grow in their musical knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and expand upon their skillsets. This curriculum will be taught by professional artists, including Session Directors Greg Grainger, Gary Grainger, and Paul Reed Smith.
Image courtesy of Drawn to the Image
Paul Reed Smith, an internationally known guitar player and maker has played with artists such as Vertical Horizon, Creed, and Santana. In 2001 he was honored by the Vintage Guitar Magazine Hall of Fame. As a drummer, Greg Grainger toured with Whitney Houston for her 1988 world tour and has worked with a host of international jazz artists such as Acoustic Alchemy and Kim Waters. At the age of 14 he was awarded a scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory of Music and Johns Hopkins University, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Image courtesy of Drawn to the Image
Sitting down and chatting with Grainger and Smith gave me a heightened sense of pride for my little-big-hometown of Annapolis. When I went away to college, I took my Annapolis High gym t-shirts with me. I pinned one on the wall, and wore the other one almost once a week. I always had so much Annapolis pride. When I see the movement and creativity that has grown out of this town, I am proud. To be able to know some of the people that have created this movement and creativity is amazing. To sit down and interview the ones that have assisted in creating that legacy of movement and creativity is unforgettable.
Videography and photos courtesy of Patrick McNamara of Drawn to the Image.
