GIVENS BACK MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
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Growing up in Newark, NJ as the youngest of seven siblings in a single parent household, we didn’t have much in the way of material possessions yet there were two things that made all the difference in the world and that was unconditional love of family and music.
Music was the catalyst that pulled me out of some of the darkest moments in my life as I remember looking forward every day to rehearsals with my school Glee Club, I expressed myself through singing as a shy little girl. Singing increased my confidence in ways that freed me from an environment that could have possibly pulled me in the direction of drugs, violence and other harmful activities that so many kids struggle with today. Singing freed me from the grips of low self-esteem and fueled me with the confidence and motivation to dream big and to not give in or give up during my difficult moments. Many times, singing was all I had to hold onto especially in times of despair and uncertainty while growing up.
Music allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and opened the doors to an environment that afforded my family the opportunity to move to a better neighborhood. Singing allowed me to experience a life bigger than I could have ever imagined. Through singing, what seemed as impossible became more than possible as it allowed me to travel to places I could only imagine as I day dreamed when looking out the window of the two-bedroom apartment my seven siblings and I lived in while growing up. That’s Why Every Child “ GETS to GO” is the motto for this Givens Back Scholarship. Regardless of a child’s financial status, YES!!! they “GET to GO”.
During my early childhood years, I was fortunate to meet a music teacher that invested her time, energy and finances that forever changed the course of my life. Along with my brothers we were exposed to a world of different musical genres from R&B, Pop and Jazz to Broadway. We were also enrolled in acting school and met well known celebrities during our travels around the country as well. The acting exposure led to us to an appearance on the popular show entitled “What’s Happening”. The Givens Kids then went on to sign a recording contract with the writing team behind Glady’s Knight and the Pips hit song “Midnight Train to Georgia”. Later, we signed another recording contract under the popular Sugar Hill Records label.
One of the greatest moments during my singing career was during the time I participated in the recording of the “Black Man” song on Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” multiplatinum album and being given the opportunity to do voice-overs on “The Wiz” Soundtrack starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. I spent most of my childhood in the recording studio or on a stage. So, when I say every child gets to go, yes, they do and we get to make that happen for them so that they can live a life to reach their highest potential.
I want our youth to know there are endless possibilities and the music in their heads can be heard by the masses and that life will open doors and windows of opportunity for them to express who they are through this musical experience as well as other experiences they will encounter in life. Music can be that spark to take them on a journey of unlimited abundance and opportunities.
Your donations for this music scholarship will provide 6 amazing kids ages 8 through 14-year-old a musical experience a 4-week session musical experience that includes the following.
1. Voice and vocal performance lessons
2. Songwriting
3. Studio recording session-their original song-video taping
4. Tips on marketing your music and effectively using social media.
5. Branding-styling
6. Final showcase
I am requesting your support in this passion project called Givens Back to make a kid’s dream a reality and to assist that gifted child who sits in the corner to guide them to know and understand they too will get to sing, perform and express themselves through a musical experience.
I am passionate about providing the same support and encouragement I received to kids in communities all over the World and I am starting in the State and City of Newark, New Jersey where I was born- The Givens Back project is just the way to bring dreams, passion and hope to our youth. I humbly ask for your help and financial support so please donate . Thank you for being a part of Givens Back with us!
Music was the catalyst that pulled me out of some of the darkest moments in my life as I remember looking forward every day to rehearsals with my school Glee Club, I expressed myself through singing as a shy little girl. Singing increased my confidence in ways that freed me from an environment that could have possibly pulled me in the direction of drugs, violence and other harmful activities that so many kids struggle with today. Singing freed me from the grips of low self-esteem and fueled me with the confidence and motivation to dream big and to not give in or give up during my difficult moments. Many times, singing was all I had to hold onto especially in times of despair and uncertainty while growing up.
Music allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and opened the doors to an environment that afforded my family the opportunity to move to a better neighborhood. Singing allowed me to experience a life bigger than I could have ever imagined. Through singing, what seemed as impossible became more than possible as it allowed me to travel to places I could only imagine as I day dreamed when looking out the window of the two-bedroom apartment my seven siblings and I lived in while growing up. That’s Why Every Child “ GETS to GO” is the motto for this Givens Back Scholarship. Regardless of a child’s financial status, YES!!! they “GET to GO”.
During my early childhood years, I was fortunate to meet a music teacher that invested her time, energy and finances that forever changed the course of my life. Along with my brothers we were exposed to a world of different musical genres from R&B, Pop and Jazz to Broadway. We were also enrolled in acting school and met well known celebrities during our travels around the country as well. The acting exposure led to us to an appearance on the popular show entitled “What’s Happening”. The Givens Kids then went on to sign a recording contract with the writing team behind Glady’s Knight and the Pips hit song “Midnight Train to Georgia”. Later, we signed another recording contract under the popular Sugar Hill Records label.
One of the greatest moments during my singing career was during the time I participated in the recording of the “Black Man” song on Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” multiplatinum album and being given the opportunity to do voice-overs on “The Wiz” Soundtrack starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. I spent most of my childhood in the recording studio or on a stage. So, when I say every child gets to go, yes, they do and we get to make that happen for them so that they can live a life to reach their highest potential.
I want our youth to know there are endless possibilities and the music in their heads can be heard by the masses and that life will open doors and windows of opportunity for them to express who they are through this musical experience as well as other experiences they will encounter in life. Music can be that spark to take them on a journey of unlimited abundance and opportunities.
Your donations for this music scholarship will provide 6 amazing kids ages 8 through 14-year-old a musical experience a 4-week session musical experience that includes the following.
1. Voice and vocal performance lessons
2. Songwriting
3. Studio recording session-their original song-video taping
4. Tips on marketing your music and effectively using social media.
5. Branding-styling
6. Final showcase
I am requesting your support in this passion project called Givens Back to make a kid’s dream a reality and to assist that gifted child who sits in the corner to guide them to know and understand they too will get to sing, perform and express themselves through a musical experience.
I am passionate about providing the same support and encouragement I received to kids in communities all over the World and I am starting in the State and City of Newark, New Jersey where I was born- The Givens Back project is just the way to bring dreams, passion and hope to our youth. I humbly ask for your help and financial support so please donate . Thank you for being a part of Givens Back with us!
Organizer
Audrey Givens
Organizer
West Orange, NJ