Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Williams. They and their team shared their story with us below:
In January 2008, veteran music educator Lori Williams (LoriJazz) had a vision to enrich her educational experiences within DC Public Schools and motivate her students to produce and perform student-led performances. She created lesson plans that would be used in peer music instruction across the district and received a commission from the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts for her longtime commitment to quality performing arts education. This scholarship was used for instruction enhancement in areas such as artist residencies, master classes, and student concerts presented to the school and community. Positive Music for Positive Minds (PMPM) was birthed from the 2009 presentation at Wilson High School in Washington, DC, and has developed into a brand that has been utilized in schools, community groups, and music festivals as an effective means to support existing curriculum, program content, and provide individualized coaching in the arts.
PMPM is an intensive mentoring workshop and concert performance organization teaching students and participants about the essence of positive music and lyrical content through various art forms with an emphasis on Jazz. PMPM supports the ideals that the arts enrich and enhance educational and social practices and encourage students and participants to make positive decisions with an arts lens (specifically making music choices that do not degrade gender/cultures/race/religion; use excessive profanity; or encourage violence). The music and art instruction and mentoring workshops are geared toward performing arts students (primarily in middle school, high school and college).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Initially, it was an easy road. And then, the pandemic came, preventing our PMPM program from engaging with schools due to health concerns and safety. We are sharing our proposals with public schools and community groups who would like a supplemental arts program. We also have conducted virtual presentations; but believe having direct contact with students and participants has a greater impact.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Lori Williams is the President and Founder of Positive Music for Positive Minds. She is a proud mom of two children – Lauren Vanessa (Lavahi.me) and Yusef Khalil.
Here is a video that her students created to share about her positive impact on their lives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz38ys86dIk
Lori Williams is the Jazz Artist in Residence at North Carolina A&T; and former Jazz Artist in Residence at Old Dominion University.
https://www.ncat.edu/news/2022/09/ncat-taps-lori-williams-jazz-artist-in-residence.php
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe my faith and trust in GOD have opened the doors for favor and blessings. Also, being true to my purpose and striving to live the best life possible has caused the right people and opportunities to come into my life.
Pricing:
- Website for merchandise: https://lorijazz.net/
Contact Info:
- Website: positivemusicpm.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivemusicforpositiveminds/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveMusicForPositiveMinds
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/positive-music-for-positive-minds-inc-19449b22a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PositiveMusicPM
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lorijazz22
- Other: https://linktr.ee/LoriWilliams_LoriJazz
Image Credits
Lori Williams
