Rhythmic and melodious talent was on display at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis After School Performing Arts Program Spring Recital on Wednesday, April 25 at Dunham Hall Theater. Approximately 25 students, ages 6-17, performed before a crowd of family and friends.
“Being back on this stage holds a special place in my heart, because I am an SIUE music alum,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, as he welcomed the audience. “But tonight, I am Mary Jo’s husband, and you are in for a treat with a performance that includes an amazing amount of talent.” Mary Jo Pembrook, PhD, is the Performing Arts Program piano teacher.
From the movement progressions of Dunham Technique to West African, jazz and hip-hop dance steps and from the musical offerings on the drums, piano, chimes and guitar, the recital was an array of delightful artistry.
“The students did a fantastic job,” said Performing Arts Director 
Jack Williams, after the show. “The students demonstrated how much they learned under the talented training and choreography of our performing arts instructors.”
Performing arts instructors include Tyler Elder, Venezia Manuel, Mary Jo Pembrook, Andrea Smythe, Esau Toombs, D’Laurea Trice (student choreographer), Gerald Williams and Jack Williams.
“I was especially happy that we could bring the recital to the Edwardsville campus, and for the exposure for the SIUE East St. Louis Performing Arts Program students,” said Mary Jo Pembrook.
“I’m proud of all of our students,” she continued. “Almost all of the piano students memorized their music.”
“Once again the East St. Louis Center’s Performing Arts students dazzled us with their hard work, talent, and creativity,” said ESLC Executive Director Jesse Dixon. “It is wonderful to see our students’ skills in music and dance building year upon year with each of these performances. Jack, Mary Jo, Venezia, Gerald, Andrea, and Esau all did a fantastic job in teaching and preparing the students to deliver another impressive performance.”
The SIUE East St. Louis Performing Arts Program will conduct its annual summer camp, beginning Monday, June 11. The session will conclude with a performance on Friday, July 20. For more information, call (618) 482-6912.
The After School Performing Arts Program at the SIUE East St. Louis campus was founded by the legendary dancer, anthropologist, and social activist Katherine Dunham and has been an integral 
part of the community for decades. The children have been studying beginning piano and guitar, drums, bass guitar, West African drumming and various other styles of dance.
With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals - from pre-school through adult - in the Metro East. Head Start/Early Head Start and a charter high school are among the programs that offer the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. The Center also assigns first priority to encouraging, supporting and improving the educational success of the residents of East St. Louis and surrounding urban communities. The Center provides comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts.
Photos:
The chimes choir performs “Chop Sticks” arranged and directed by Mary Jo Pembrook, PhD, SIUE East St. Louis Performing Arts Program piano teacher.
Dancers perform the Caribbean number, “Wild Tales” by The Rippingtons and choreographed by Performing Arts Instructor Andrea Smythe.
Drummers perform Bao/Soko arranged by Performing Arts Instructor Gerald Williams.
Playing “Heart and Soul” are brother and sister Jason and Pillar Coates.