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A talent or skill used in unique ways can lead to a lifetime of success. Dr. Dawn K. Batson, AKA Dr. B., interviews past students and other professionals who successfully live their joy. Each episode highlights career possibilities, so tune in - use your joy to rise!

CHECKING IN WITH DR. B.

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You have to dream - Carlon Lyons  is Checking in with Dr. B.
53:52

You have to dream - Carlon Lyons is Checking in with Dr. B.

Carlon Lyons is Checking in with Dr. B. Check Dr. B's website https://www.keepyoujoyandrise.com Born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Carlon Lyons began his musical journey at age 9 at the Southern Marines Steel Band Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago, under the director Mr. Malamo Joseph. Carlon’s first performance was in 1994 at the National Panorama Competition held in Trinidad yearly. His love for the art form grew and he began taking part in competitions and events. In 1997 he placed 1st in the “Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival” Steel Pan Solo Category playing Chopin’s Nocturne in E♭major (Op. 9 No. 2). Carlon later joined the Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra focusing on the steel pan with his new musical family. After completing his Secondary School education, he was awarded a scholarship to Florida Memorial University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree under the direction of Dr. Dawn K Batson. He left his home to go on to become a musician, educator and performer. In 2006 Carlon was offered a job as a Steel pan music teacher during the summer break at the ‘Sol Fest Performance program’ held in Key West, Florida. In Key West he performed at local bars, clubs and hotels, The Inn at Key West, The Island Dog, Sloppy Joe and Irish Kevins to name a few. He also played at Mallory Square as a street performer. After completing his degree, he moved to North Broward and worked as DJ and musician at the Mardi Gras Casino for many years. He retired as a DJ and returned to Trinidad to live and become a businessman and entrepreneur. In 2017, he started his company Carlon Lyons Music Group, where he teaches and produces music to anyone with a desire for music education and performance. Carlon Lyons https://carlonlyonsmusicgroup.com/ speaks about his many experiences and the people and entities that have influenced his journey. Southern Marines Steel Orchestra https://www.facebook.com/p/Southern-Marines-Steel-Orchestra-100063570849663/ Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra https://www.facebook.com/Skiffle/ All Stars Steel Orchestra Curry Tabasco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xg_Z0IWNGk Union Clayton Bay Secondary School https://www.facebook.com/p/Union-Claxton-Bay-Secondary-100084515713264/ Orville Wolsey Florida Memorial University Nora Revelin Steel Your Heart Band https://keysweekly.com/42/steel-your-heart-pan-band-embraces-goombay-festival-vibe/ George Victory https://www.keysnews.com/paradise/george-victory-key-west-is-like-trinidad-without-the-mountains/article_6997c5b0-856d-11ee-aa1c-f3b8413dd9ad.html Sol Fest https://solfestfl.com/ Trinweld Inc. https://trinweldinc.com/ YTEPP Limited https://www.ytepp.edu.tt/ Thank you for viewing! Visit our Jumpstart Networking Forum at Keep Your Joy and Rise and follow us on Instagram.
Challenge yourself to change - Sherrese Moise is Checking in with Dr. B.
41:36

Challenge yourself to change - Sherrese Moise is Checking in with Dr. B.

Sherrese Moise is Checking in with Dr. B. Check Dr. B's website https://www.keepyourjoyandrise.com Sherrese Moise is one of the most successful and influential producers working in the film and television industry today. Sherrese was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and works in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Sherrese, launched her company as the Managing Director & Producer of SM Elevation LLC, a film, television and event consulting company. As a consulting producer, Sherrese continues to serve as producer for Bobbcat Films in a role she has maintained over the past 10 years, an Event Manager for American Black film festival for the past 21 years and Talent Logistics Producer for the past 20 years. Sherrese is currently the supervising producer for episodes of the reality docu series “Love and Hip Hop (Atlanta) (VH1), “ Couples Retreat” (VH1); and Girls Cruise (VH1). She was also the Supervising producer on Bobbcat Films TV series “ Last Call” and “ Mann and Wife” Bounce TV. Sherrese’s television film producing credits include the 2024 Hallmark Movie “ Sense and Sensibility”, “Life Size 2” (Disney), “Bad Dad Rehab”, Girlfriends Getaway and Girlfriends Getaway 2, and episodes of “ Rickey Smiley for Real” for TV One network. Her passion for education and service over the years has remained consistent and in 2022, Sherrese graduated TEXAS A&M LAW SCHOOL and has recently incorporated legal consultancy into her strategic entertainment business focusing in Intellectual Property related to special projects . Her clients include celebrities, Film Commissions and International tourism authorities, international businesses, and US and Middle East based entertainment and non-profit organizations. Sherrese speaks about the importance of volunteering, mentorship and living life with integrity. Lions Club https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-approach/club-locator Roger M. Bobb http://www.bobbcatfilms.com/roger-m-bobb/ Scott Sternburg https://www.ssprods.com/about Texas A&M University School of Law https://law.tamu.edu https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/sense-and-sensibility Thank you for viewing! Visit our Jumpstart Networking Forum at Keep Your Joy and Rise and follow us on Instagram Checking in with Dr. B
Running towards a life worth living - Gerard Boucaud is Checking in with Dr. B.
34:44

Running towards a life worth living - Gerard Boucaud is Checking in with Dr. B.

Gerard Boucaud is Checking in with Dr. B. Check Dr. B's website https://www.keepyourjoyandrise.com Gerard Boucaud is a highly skilled and experienced professional with over two decades of experience in audit, information technology consulting, and music. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Gerard has a master’s degree in business administration, a bachelor’s degree in music, and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems. Gerard has been involved with music for many years as a performer, arranger, teacher, and conductor. He has toured Europe, the Caribbean, and North America as a performer with various steelpan orchestras and ensembles. He has prepared musical arrangements for and worked with organizations and groups such as Trinity College Pan Ensemble, Arima Senior Comprehensive, Bishop Anstey High School, MAST Academy, Florida Memorial Steelband, Trinidad All Stars, Bowling Green State University, and Melo Groove Steel Orchestra. Gerard’s interest in using the Steelpan for the teaching of music led him to work with institutions such as Miami Dade County Public Schools and the College of Science, Technology, and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago where he developed and taught academic programs in Music Business, Music Theory, Music History and Ensemble Performance. He has conducted workshops and training sessions on the methodology for teaching and arranging music for the Steelpan and has been responsible for academic operations, business planning and budgets for various programs, including HAVEN Academy and Melo Groove Steelband Academy. Gerard pursues various professional interests outside of music. He is a Realtor, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Information Systems Auditor, and a Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer. Outside of his professional interests he is an avid traveler. Gerard speaks about balance in work, in life, in giving and in receiving. He also touches on the joys and hardships of travel, on entrepreneurship and the courage needed to achieve and reach set goals. Trinidad Carnival https://visittrinidad.tt Iceland Melo Groove Steelband Thank you for viewing! Visit our Jumpstart Networking Forum at Keep Your Joy and Rise and follow us on Instagram.
Some call me - The Black Yoda - Leon "Foster" Thomas is Checking in with Dr. B.
01:00:55

Some call me - The Black Yoda - Leon "Foster" Thomas is Checking in with Dr. B.

The Black Yoda - Leon "Foster" Thomas is Checking in with Dr. B Check Dr. B's website https://www.keepyourjoyandrise.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/checkinginwithdrb/ Leon Foster Thomas is a gifted international jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso. His music is a blend of his Caribbean roots with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz, creating a lively and eclectic meld all his own. Critics laud him as “the next big thing on his instrument”, “...an enthralling improvisor...” (All About Jazz); “...masterful with impeccable musicianship” (When Steel Talks); and “a benevolent wizard” (Venice Magazine). Leon’s deft and ambitious command of the steel pan has transcended beyond the instrument’s novel stereotype to being featured at world stages such as New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts (Miami), Moscow International House of Music, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Perm International Jazz Festival (Russia), Miami Downtown Jazz Festival, International Festival of Contemporary Culture (Kazakhstan), and Pittsburgh Jazz Live International Festival. He has also worked with artists such as: Hugh Masekela, Randy Brecker, John Daversa, Sammy Figueroa, Vince Mendoza, Richard Smallwood, Ky-Mani Marley, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Dolly Parton, Igor Butman, John Beasley, and many more. March 2023 marked the release of Calasanitus, the album by Leon Foster Thomas. As one of the leading steel pan jazz virtuosos in the world, Foster has gained global recognition via a plethora of accolades including winning both the solo and duet competitions at the World Steelband Music Festival, as well as releasing a series of critically acclaimed albums, most recently Metamorphosis on respected label Ropadope Records. Now he is set to showcase his inimitable talent once again, with a new body of recorded work that encapsulates the intricacy, energy, and sonic brilliance that Leon Foster Thomas creates on his instrument of choice. The new album Calasanitus, described as a book of songs dedicated to his dear mother, Hillouise Calasanitus Foster, showcases a unique blend of Caribbean influence and spirit evolving from Foster’s Trinidadian heritage, combined with dexterous and innovative jazz complexity. The compositions generate an unmistakable vibe born out of the traditions of the West Indies and seamlessly incorporate the discipline and sensibilities of modern jazz music alongside this. The result is a sound that is beautifully calming and vitally energetic in equal measure. Leon has a Bachelor of Music degree from Florida Memorial University and a Master of Music degree at Florida International University. He is currently working on his Ph.D. at Royal Holloway University of London researching Caribbean Jazz in the Anglophone and Francophone Caribbean. He continues to perform at festivals and concerts around the world, as well as conducting lectures and master classes at various educational and cultural institutions. Leon Foster Thomas Leon speaks about his journey in music, his compositions such as: I Am an Immigrant from his “Calasanitus” album Musicians such as: Ron Reid Ken “Professor” Philmore Len “Boogsie” Sharpe Marcus Swartz Bobby McFerrin Thank you for viewing! Visit our Jumpstart Networking Forum at Keep Your Joy and Rise and follow us on Instagram.
Each day I try to be a better version of myself - Le'Roi Simmonds is Checking in with Dr. B.
40:45

Each day I try to be a better version of myself - Le'Roi Simmonds is Checking in with Dr. B.

Each day I try to be a better version of myself - Le;Roi Simmonds Check Dr. B's website https://www.keepyourjoyandrise.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/checkinginwithdrb/ Le`Roi Simmonds is a steel pan artist from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, with a Bachelor's Degree in Pop Music from Florida Memorial University, and a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies from New York University. At the age of ten, Le`Roi started playing the steel pan with the Downstreet Pandemonium Steel Orchestra. Today, as an adult he specializes in performance, arranging, and education. Le`Roi presently works for the VI Superior Court Rising Stars Steel Orchestra as an Instructor/Arranger where he and his colleagues are always working hard mentoring the youth of the Virgin Islands using the steel pan, to keep children off the streets and in school. With over 20 years of experience, Le`Roi has traveled around the Caribbean and the United States, winning various awards, such as the Virginia Panorama Caribbean Festival, Florida Memorial University Research and Performing Arts Day in Miami, the Music USA Festival in Orlando, and the Trinidad and Tobago National Junior Steel Band Panorama to name a few. Some of Simmonds recorded works include steel bands such as the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra (St. Thomas), E. Benjamin Oliver Steel Owls (St. Thomas), Florida Memorial Steel Band (Miami), and St. Margaret’s Steel Orchestra (Trinidad). Le’Roi Simmonds is the Steelpan Director at the University of the Virgin Islands and teaches at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School in St. Thomas USVI. NLCB PanoGrama 2021 | Semis - Leroi Simmonds https://www.facebook.com/reel/844649540642994 Le’Roi speaks about: Pan in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Musicians - Leon “Foster” Thomas, Collins Peters, Melton Mustafa, Iman Pascall, Paul Charles, Kareem Thompson, Shenelle Abraham Florida Memorial University NYU Jazz Program The founder of Rising Stars Steel Orchestra, Chief Judge of the Virgin Islands Territorial Court St. Thomas Verne Hodge Music in the USVI: Dion Parson University of the Virgin Islands Yard Vibes Jam Band Schools: Charlotte Amalie High School Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School Thank you for viewing! Visit our Jumpstart Networking Forum at Keep Your Joy and Rise and follow us on Instagram.
Music is Life - Freddy Harris III is Checking in with Dr. B.
01:20:49

Music is Life - Freddy Harris III is Checking in with Dr. B.

Freddy Harris III - Music is Life Check Dr. B's website https://www.keepyourjoyandrise.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/checkinginwithdrb “Freddy Harris III is an award-winning musician and music producer. He first made a name for himself as a steelpan player for orchestras and artists. He is the son of popular Trinidadian guitarist, Freddie Harris Jr, and has been playing in groups as a steelpan player since the age of just six, winning many awards for his musical skills. He was born in New York City in 1980 and moved with his parents to Trinidad & Tobago that same year. He received early musical training from his father - guitarist and arranger for Harry Belafonte who also toured with Ashford & Simpson, Peter Tosh, The Mighty Sparrow, Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. Freddy began playing the steel pan at the age of four. At six, he moved to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and began playing with Rising Stars Steel Orchestra. In 1990 he returned to the US and continued to develop his musical skills. He placed 1st in the 1993 Miami Florida Carnival Pan Solo Competition, 3rd in the 1995 Baltimore Maryland Carnival Pan Solo Competition and performed at the Manhattan Center. In 1998 Freddy graduated as the valedictorian from New York City Repertory Company High School and received a full scholarship from Something Positive, Inc. to attend Florida Memorial University (FMU). At FMU he co-arranged under the direction of Dr. Dawn K. Batson, Director of the FMU Steel Orchestra, later going on to tour with them as their Ambassador. He came 2nd at the Trinidad & Tobago World Steel Orchestra Classics Solo and performed for President Bill Clinton that same year. He has gone on to perform at countless festivals and venues worldwide, including the NAACP 94th Annual Convention Gospel Extravaganza, The Elephant room in Austin, Texas, B.B. King’s in New York, Lincoln Center, and even a private house party for Jerry Seinfield. BET’s 106 & Park, Good Morning America and MTV’s TRL are just a few of the television shows on which this professional musician has featured. Freddy is the owner & arranger of steel orchestra ‘Steel-X-Plosion USA,’ with whom he competed in the New York Panorama. Freddy is also the first steelpan player to hit over a million views on YouTube for his rendition of “Flight of The Bumblebee.” These days you can find Freddy producing, engineering and performing alongside top-name artists. Some of the names he has worked with include Ski Mask The Slump God, Timberland, and Melanie Fiona. He is also known as FH3 beats and has released a number of Steel drum sample packs with Splice.com, as well as original tracks. In 2019, he released 12 steel drum albums and 5 in 2020. He is currently planning to release more music under both Freddy Harris III and FH3 beats, produced and engineered by himself at the famous Steel Xplosion Studios.” www.panonthenet.com/tnt/2012/arrangers/ny/freddy-harris-3.htm accessed 4 August 2023 Checking in with Dr. B, Freddy Harris III speaks about: Trap Music His journey in music The influence of his father - Freddy Harris II Advice for young musicians https://www.facebook.com/p/Freddy-Harris-III-100041518908121/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fh3beats https://www.panonthenet.com/tnt/2012/arrangers/ny/freddy-harris-3.htm Thank you for viewing! Visit our Jumpstart Networking Forum at Keep Your Joy and Rise and follow us on Instagram.
I like to look past the sky - Kareem Thompson is Checking in with Dr. B.
28:13

I like to look past the sky - Kareem Thompson is Checking in with Dr. B.

I like to look past the sky…. Kareem Thompson is Checking in with Dr. B Check Dr. B's website https://www.keepyourjoyandrise.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/checkinginwithdrb Composer, Arranger, Steel pan virtuoso from Brooklyn, NY. Kareem got started with his family band "K.I.T Caribbean Connection" in the mid 90's. He has performed with the likes of Ludacris, Mighty Sparrow, Brian Simpson, Jessy J and is currently touring with jazz saxophonist Elan Trotman & jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles. Kareem is also a well educated graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston MA. He has performed at a wide range of jazz festivities and events including Tobago Jazz Fest, Springfield Jazz Fest, Pittsburgh Jazz Fest, MTV VMA Awards, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center & many many more. His debut album "PAN ROOTS CULTURE" is available via CDBaby, iTunes, Amazon Music with another on the way. Check ou Kareem’s “Dream Sessions” on "EIGHT HOURS A DAY" / Dream Sessions #2 https://www.kareemthompsonmusic.com/?fbclid=IwAR2gGL6BntZdk04iGDSi29SxVLbq7z7ZvKXoYT80oA0tqJz98ReMfIy4xmk Kareem speaks about Djembe The Hylanders Steel Orchestra Edgar “Pops” Fitzgerald and K.I.T Caribbean Connection Scipio “Sarge” Sergeant Raf Robertson Clive Bradley Berklee College of Music Pan, Roots, Culture Dream Sessions Thank you for viewing! Visit our Jumpstart Networking Forum at Keep Your Joy and Rise and follow us on Instagram.
Using music as a tool to refine... Khuent Rose is checking in with Dr. B
01:06:22

Using music as a tool to refine... Khuent Rose is checking in with Dr. B

Khuent Rose is Checking in with Dr. B Check Dr. B's website https://www.keepyourjoyandrise.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/checkinginwithdrb Immediately after graduating Midwood High School 16, Khuent received a music scholarship to Florida Memorial University under the tutelage of Dr. Dawn Batson. Influenced by Jazz Professor by the late Melton Mustafa and classmates Leon “Foster” Thomas and Freddie Harris III, Rose developed an inimitable style of music. Faculty eventually encouraged other venues better suited for his advanced studies. He returned to NY and was commissioned by Martin Douglas to be the Musical Director of Crossfire Steel Orchestra; he continued his studies at Brooklyn College (Music Composition) under the guidance of Dr. Benjamin Bierman and Dr. Tania Leon. In the Spring of 2010, he graduated majoring in Music Composition with a Minor in English and Philosophy. At Brooklyn College he was able to debut several works during Student Composer concerts, perform in the Jazz and Percussion ensembles, and received the De Los Mederos special award in Composition (inducted by Dr. Leon) He's been a Preschool teacher, Teaching Artist, Enrichment provider, Counselor , Minister, Comedian, Steelpan tuner and Music Teacher within the NYC school system. He is regularly commissioned by Brooklyn Conservatory Orchestra, NY Botanical Gardens and local politicians to perform and represent the Steelpan community. For over 20 years, he’s consistently been a Church instrumentalist, Musical Director and/or Choir Director. He currently serves as an Episcopal musician at 2 Brooklyn churches. He still finds time to perform with Andre White, Kareem Thompson and Baba Neil Clarke as a steel pannist, accompanist and keyboardist. Rose has lectured at Medgar Evers, Brooklyn College, The New School, Princeton and City Tech, advocates for the Steelpan community of New York and acts as a consultant to various local and international Steelpan associations. 2023 is his 9th year as Music teacher at the Achievement First Brooklyn High School Charter school in Bedstuy where he teaches Steelpan, Piano, and Music production. His unique form of Khuentertainment is engaging, thought-provoking and unforgettable. On Checking in, Khuent speaks about his formative years in music and those who influenced him; the impact of music therapy; resilience in the face of devastation; relationships between band leaders and players; orisha; music as a foundation for the future - music as a tool to refine as opposed to a tool to medicate. Check out: www.Khuentertainment.com https://www.panonthenet.com/tnt/2011/news/oped/krose-do-something-for-pan-eduate-3-28-11.htm His influences: CASYM Arddin Herbert Dwight DeSilva Felix Spengler Tania León Crossfire Steel Orchestra Martin “Dougie” Douglas WIADCA Premier Baptist Church Orisha Thank you for viewing! Visit our Jumpstart Networking Forum at Keep Your Joy and Rise and follow us on Instagram.
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