GADSDEN, AL, January 8, 2018 - - The Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation is preparing to host a residency by EDM violinist, vocalist, DJ, and producer DSharp. Derryck “DSharp” Gleaton is an internationally-recognized musical artist, performing in the genres of electronic dance music and hip-hop. DSharp was born in Columbus, Georgia, and received his early formal training in Anniston, Alabama. He is an alumnus of the Etowah Youth Orchestras, serving as Principal Viola in the Etowah Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Etowah Youth Symphony Honor Strings, and studied music at the University of Alabama and Georgia State University.
DSharp’s residency includes a number of educational events, including programs for the EYO and school music programs throughout Etowah County. On Tuesday, January 9th, the EYO will host a private Meet-And-Greet event at 7 PM at The Music Center at Temple Beth Israel for members and parents of members of the Etowah Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Etowah Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Etowah String Philharmonic, and the June Moore Bugg Prelude Strings.
DSharp will present two educational programs for Etowah County music students on Wednesday, January 10th. At 9:15 AM he will present a program for the members of the School String Orchestra Program in the Etowah County Schools in the Auditorium at Southside High School. A second-afternoon program is currently in development.
DSharp concludes his residency with a presentation at the annual Chairman’s Club Dinner of the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation on Thursday, January 11th at 6 PM. The Chairman’s Club is a gathering of donors who support the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation at a level of $1,500 or more per year. Each year a dinner is hosted with a speaker of note to thank the donors.
“We are thrilled that DSharp is returning to our area to tell his story and share his success with us,” said Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation executive director Bobby Welch. “We are proud that he is a product of the EYO and we hope he can be an inspiration to the area students he will encounter during his visit.”
The Etowah Youth Orchestras is a project of the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation, Inc.