Mr. H.B. Barnum

Ceo and Founder

 

This unique organization was created by the internationally known Musical Director, Mr. H. B. Barnum.  Realizing that children respond and learn through music, H.B. created the perfect program that enhances children’s academic performance and social skills.

H.B.’s life has been dedicated to helping those in need. His Adopt-A-Senior organization has helped subsidize the Los Angeles Senior Citizen Nutrition program for almost 20 years, providing essential supplies and services. Along with the Joy-In-Jesus Ministry and Life Choir, Adopt-A-Senior serves a Thanksgiving Feast complete with musical entertainment, for the homeless, senior citizens, and anybody else who stops by. 

Initially his annual Golf Tournament was created to help raise funds for the Adopt-A-Senior program. While this is still its main objective, it has now also evolved into a much anticipated  attraction where nearly 2200 golfers and hundreds of volunteers have participated over the years in a day of fun, games and service.

In a career spanning over 50 years, H.B. initially started out as a recording artist. He has released two albums, including his Top 40 hit Lost Love. As producer and arranger he has collaborated with the who's who of acts. He has arranged music for Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Lou Rawls, Frank Sinatra, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, The Temptations, Nancy Wilson and Puff Daddy. His music has been used in movies s.a. Pulp Fiction, Confessions of a Sorority Girl and The Taos of Steve.

Today he continues as the Musical Director for Aretha Franklin as well as working and performing on shows, s.a. American Idol, David Letterman, Jay Leno, The Academy Awards, The Grammys, The Tonys, Oprah, and many more.

 

 

Ms. Denise L. Cook, The ORACLE

Instructor and Choreographer

 

Smiles abundant, energy spewing every which way but loose, Denise L. Cook, AKA The ORACLE, is a joy to watch on stage. Whether singing, acting, dancing, reciting her sincere and profound poetry or working behind the scenes as a choreographer, producer or stage manager, Denise pays attention to detail.

As an instructor and choreographer for The Special Program, she teaches children dance routines and coaches them in acting and reciting. With her over 24 years as a certified teacher, she brings a plethora of teaching styles and techniques geared toward the core of our program.

Her many credits include stage performances including West Side Story, for colored girls who have considered suicide, When the Rainbow is Enuf, Shades, Somebody Oughtta Tell God Thank You, God’s Trying To Tell You Somethin’ and Legends and Traditions to name a few.

She has choreographed Dream girls, Shades, and countless dance concerts for the many schools she has taught in throughout the years. Her television credits include a two season run on BET’s comic view “The Blackberry Inn”, as the feisty ‘Ruthie-Ann’.

“Anything is possible as long as the cause is right and the spirit is willing.” Denise L. Cook, The ORACLE

 

 

Ms. Lovette Lea, M.A., Ed.

Educational Consultant

 

With over 32 years of experience as a teacher and school administrator in the educational system, Ms. Lea has become an expert in the development of standards-based curricula. 

Ms. Lea leads professional development seminars to teachers and staff in the area of Language Arts and writes curricula for linguistically different Middle School children, ensuring that lessons and strategies are standard-based and culturally relevant.

The unique combination of her lifelong passion for education along with her success as a Gospel Artist, make her a great addition to our organization. As the educational consultant for The Special Program, Ms. Lea developed our instructional strategies according to the principles of a standards-based educational program.

Ms. Lea is a graduate of Howard University School Of Education of San Francisco and is currently attending  National University.

 

 

Ms. DeBorah Sharpe-Taylor

Stage Presence and Vocal Coach

 

‘Deb’ has been an instructor to vocalists for well over 20 years.  Beginning with church choirs as a teen, she has guided voices throughout her professional life. 

Thanks to her, the students of The Special Program, are taught proper vocal technique, and performance dynamics that will be crucial not only during their final live stage performance, but will help them with public presentations for the rest of their lives.

Many of Deb’s students have gone on enjoying amazing careers in the music industry, including, parts in the Lion King at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, recording contracts with Universal and studio recording sessions for Michael Jackson and Bryan McKnight.

Her impressive roster includes vocal coach credits on the 4x Tony Award nominated hit Broadway musical, “It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues” and she conducted the Children’s Choir that honored Harry Belafonte at the Image Awards in 1999.  She teaches at the All About Kids  Performing Arts Conservatory’s vocal division, and Macy Gray’s MGray Music Academy.

Ms. Sharpe-Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, and with a Minor in music from Oral Roberts University. She is presently pursuing her MBA at The University of Phoenix.

“I desire to inspire voices that intend to leave a positive mark on the music industry, as well as provide a solid foundation for the beginning student, young or old. ” DeBorah Sharpe-Taylor.

 

 

Ms. Lé Nona ‘Lynne’ Walton

Instructor and Program Administrator

 

“I’ll create your dreams into reality you’ll treasure forever….”

This is the motto of Lé Nona… an Actress, Singer, Creative Consultant and CEO of Very Eunique Enterprises, as well as a Writer, Producer, and Director of her production company Forever Treasures.  As a singer, her vocal range allows versatility in musical styles.  She has performed at Karnawal 2001 in Poland, with Barry White in Italy and throughout the United States.  Her performing credits include H.B. Barnum’s LIFE Choir, The Lion King, Jerry Lewis Telethon, Image and Grammy Award Shows, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, Lou Rawls Telethons, The Greek Theater with Aretha Franklin, Hollywood Bowl, House of Blues and Las Vegas.  Stage credits include The Gospel Truth, De Obeah Mon, Queen of the Star Dust Ballroom, and Stop Cheatin’ on God’s Time.  Ms. Lynne has performed with musical greats like The Platters, Harry Belafonte, Stevie Wonder, Marilyn Mc Coo and Billy Davis, Sweet Divas, Brenton Wood, Al Wilson, Gladys Horton’s Marvelettes, Andrew Tosh, Champagne, and Danny Tucker’s Old School Revue. 

With The Special Program she has found the perfect vehicle to display her unique talents.  Here she can utilize her Film, Stage, TV, Video, Print, Concert and Production credits to teach children professional skills and the history of Music. 

She holds a degree in Television Production and has been involved with Industry Unions dealing with contracts and music clearance.

Lé Nona says… “Sharing my talents through The ‘Special Program’ experience, and seeing the development and success of each student, is my dream fulfilled.”