CRENSHAW HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT Iris Stevenson Music Wing 5010 11th Avenue • , 90043 • (323) 290-7708 Dr. Sylvia Rousseau, Principal Iris Stevenson, Vocal Music • Al Tarver, Instrumental Music

Crenshaw High School Elite Choir is a non-profit organization based upon the principle of Shared Experiences and Common Ground™. We believe in creating a "classroom without walls". Music with an international flavor and intercontinental travel is emphasized as the exploration of Common Groundthrough worldwide learning ensues. Global exchanges are ac- tively pursued, greatly encouraged, and anxiously anticipated as the prospective classroom setting unfolds. We are multi-generational, multi- cultural, multi-lingual and based on a family concept.

Under the direction of Professor Iris Stevenson, the Choir has been considered "Ambassadors of Goodwill". Their unique musical flair in various genres and youthful presentation have delighted audiences since 1986. As “Goodwill Ambassadors” to England, they gave a thrilling Command Performance for HRH Prince Charles of Wales at St. James's Palace after his US visit to Crenshaw High School. During that same tour, the Choir performed for the Royal Family of Prince Rainier in Monaco. Command performances have entertained President Kim Dae-Jung and the General Assembly of Korea, the Congressmen of Japan and numerous Heads of State.

Crenshaw Elite Choir has competed fiercely during the World Choir Games. We began our cultural exchange by winning the Jamaica Jazz Festival held in Montego Bay, Jamaica from 1987 - 1991 and the Worldwide Music Festival held in Nice, France from 1992 - 1996. During the 2002 Busan Choir Olympics held in Busan, Korea During October 19-27, 2002, we were honored with two gold medals and proclaimed Overall Olympic Champion. Our triumphant return to the 2006 World Choir Games in Xiamen, China produced stiff competition from over 400 choirs and 85 nations. Once again, we were favored with one Gold Medal and two Silver Medals in highly competitive categories. In Graz, Austria, the Crenshaw Elite Choir was featured in the worldwide premiere of “We Are The World” ORF-TV broadcast. During the toughest competition, we were awarded the Silver and Bronze medals.

Professor Stevenson presented a paper on the historical aspect of Crenshaw High School Elite Choir's influence on Europe during the "April in Paris" 1996 International Music Conference at the Sorbonne. • The Ministry of Education in France, under the leadership of President Jacques Chirac began to sponsor teaching segments with their Music Teachers in 1999. • In 2000, Crenshaw Choir’s Tour included brilliant performances at Sejong Cultural Center and featured a Command Performance for the unification of the 100 families between North & South Korea. This concert included the Heads-of-State of South Korea, North Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Our musical responsibilities included a five-year series of Unity Concerts, television appearances in the participating countries and workshop/ teaching segments for educators and students. • During the millenial tour of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, Crenshaw ‘s Choir performed two (2) Command Performances for this Tibetan world leader while singing the Tibetan National Anthem. • April 2003, Crenshaw opened the Centennial Celebration of Korean Comunity at the Hollywood Bowl in the Korean Language. • Other summits include the celebration of the signing of The Maastricht Treaty in the Netherlands. • June 2009, Crenshaw Elite Choir performed for President Barack Obama in Los Angeles and had a private audience with him after his speech. Thrilling! One Elite Choir representative visited President Obama’s grandmother “Mama Sarah Obama” at the family residence in Kenya with Congresswoman Diane E. Watson dur- ing December of 2008. • July 2011, Cren- shaw Elite Choir traveled to Beijing & Shanghai, China with the Los Angeles Urban League, as an integral part of President Obama & First Lady Michelle Obama’s inia- tive to open and improve relations with the new upcoming young leaders of this generation. Sponsored by UPS, Mattel, Starbucks and several businesses, we were able to establish lasting friendships and performance opportunities. • April 2012, Crenshaw Choir returned to the Hollywood Bowl to celebrate ten (10) years of Korean Community Celebrations.

In December of 1993, the movie Sister Act 2: Back in the Habitstarring Whoopi Goldberg, was released. This movie was inspired by the life and music of Professor Iris Stevenson and the Crenshaw High School Elite Choir. Fujisankei TV has just aired a highly rated documentary about Crenshaw High School Elite Choir entitled Angel’s Flight.Two additional documentaries, Madonna’s I Am Because We Are and Rapping With Shakespearehave included the Crenshaw Choir.

We have also been afforded "high visibility" due to performances with various guest artists: Stevie Wonder • Chaka Khan • Ray Charles • Take 6 • Kirk Franklin • Prince • Whitney Houston • Mariah Carey • Jennifer Hol- iday • Jennifer Hudson • Meredith Brooks • Queen Latifah • Jessye Norman • Dianne Reeves • Paul Simon • Ice T • Brian McKnight • Shirley Caesar • Cho Young-Nam • Smokey Robinson • Carole King • Billy Crystal • Robin Williams • Whoopi Goldberg • Lou Rawls • Peabo Bryson • James Ingram • Roberta Flack • Michael Bolton • Josh Groban, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Ludacris, Ozomatli at 2012 Playboy Jazz Festival, et al.

Our feature stories include the September 2011 cover of the globally recognized Choral Director Magazine • The 5-page article in the Calendar section of the , and several Community circulations, such as The Wave • The Sentinel • LA Watts Times • The Korea Times • The Los Angeles Magazine • National & International publications including Jet • People • Le Jazz Hot • and many over- seas publications from England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Korea, Japan and China. The producers of several national and international television shows have featured the Crenshaw Elite Choir on their shows including 2012 Quarterfinals of The Voice with Christina Aguilera, http://youtu.be/Y9KcapIb7-U • The 2011 American Music Awards with Enrique Iglesias and Ludacris on ABC http://youtu.be/ob-4A_zjDrs• America’s Got Talent with Scott Alexander http://youtu.be/HPSqddXg55o, • Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski • Dr. Phil • Extreme Makeover: Home Edition • NBC NOW with Tom Brokaw & Katie Couric • Extra • BET Awards • HBO Comic Relief VI • HBO Chez Whoopi! • CNN ShowBiz Today • E ! Entertainment TV • KNBC, KABC, KCBS, KTLA, KTTV, KCAL, KCOP, KCET & Telemundo. In January 2006 & 2007, NBC selected us to open the Kingdom Day Parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Overseas network tapings have included France 3 • France 4 • KBS & MBC in Korea and NHK in Japan. http://youtu.be/13RYBs7YU_0

Crenshaw Elite Choir has performed as Special Guest Artists with the Southeast Symphony Orchestra (John Dennison) in the World Premiere of the choral version of "Some Trust In Chariots" written by Iris Stevenson • The Yellowjackets (Russell Ferrante) in the World Premiere of the Maya Angelou Inaugural Poem "On The Pulse Of The Morning" at the 1996 Playboy Jazz Festival • Los Angeles Philharmonic (Yvette Devereaux) with the World Premiere of "The Easter Suite" written by Joe Westmoreland & Charles May • Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (H.B.Barnum) in the World Premiere of "Stand And Be Proud" also featuring Iris Stevenson's rendition of "America" • Cerritos Symphony (Gail Deadrick) "The Colors of Christmas" • Disney's Young Musicians Orchestra also featuring the World Premiere of "The Power Of The Dream" the 1996 Olympic Theme written by David Foster • Critically acclaimed “Tribute to George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess” was arranged by Iris Stevenson and performed for Quincy Jones in May 1998. This same performance was requested at the 1998 Nice Jazz Festival as the Choir appeared with Lionel Hampton.

Our discography includes Josh Groban’s award winning rendition of “You Raise Me Up” with Crenshaw Elite Choir was recorded ”Live at the Greek Theatre” and released late 2005 • Michel Polnareff’s acclaimed recording of “When I’m In Love” and video was taped by Crenshaw for his highly successful 2007 World Tour following the original Virgin Records release in March 1998 “Je Reve D’un Monde “ with Iris Stevenson as Vocal/Choral Arr. Producer & Arranger • February 1996 Savage Rose "Black Angel" Mega Title Cut "Black Angel" with Iris Stevenson Vocal/Choral Arr. & George Duke,Producer Billboard: #1/Denmark #2/Europe Triple Platinum • November 1998 Savage Rose “Tameless” Mega Title Cut "Black Angel" with Iris Stevenson Vocal/Choral Arr. GOLD RECORD Billboard: #1/Denmark #2/Europe • October 1998 Janice Robinson “It Really Don’t Matter” Warner Bros “The Color Within Me” with Iris Stevenson Vocal/Choral Arr. • Meredith Brooks “Deconstruction” project. We appeared on the Tonight Show starring Jay Leno. Our independently produced CDs include “Changes”, “Louez-l’Eternèl”and “Church of God in Christ Centennial Celebration: The Heritage Years”

2008 “We Are The World” ORF TV’s telecast is the first European Choral Special broadcast • July 2002 Celebration of Gospel in Antibes, France on France 3 International Jazz Festival Full 1 Hour Special (French/English) • August, 2001 Live From the USA Full Concert for AFN - Korea United Nations Command ROK-US forces • August, 2001 KBS TV Variety Show “Arirang” with Cho Young Nam was the first television special featuring an African- American Choir singing in Korean • July 26 1996, France 3 “Evening at Josephine's” in Perigueux, France. The full concert aired from Josephine Baker's Chateau. Crenshaw Elite Choir provided music on Friday, June 18, 2004 at the celebration of the life of the legendary Ray Charles during the private family celebration and the observances at First AME Church which was simulcast on all networks and internationally on the internet. Afterwards, this choir completed the extensive musical tribute at the mausoleum with Joe Adams and the Robinson family. We will always be grateful to our benefactors -- Mr. Ray Charles and Mr. Joe Adams.

A tremendous honor commemorating the global work of Crenshaw High School Elite Choir has been the naming of our Music Building the Iris Stevenson Music Wing. This honor follows the naming of the new Fine Arts building in Tarare, France for Iris Stevenson by the Ministry of Education of France under the leadership of President Jacques Chirac.