'Broadway Revue" showcases
professor's energy
By James Jenkins
Staff Writer
Professor
Keith Drayton is more than just a vocal teacher. He is a life instructor.
Drayton
is a joy to watch. When in Bert Walker Hall, if you have a few extra
minutes, stop upstairs at the music room. If class is in session, you will
see Drayton hard at work. His energy and sincerity are contagious.
When
asked about the "Broadway Revue" Drayton’s eyes danced joyful around and a
wide smile broke out on his face before answering, “It’s the greatest group
of kids in the world, doing what they love to do.”
Having
worked on many of the college’s production’s, Drayton, who did music for
JCC’s performance of “Little Mary Sunshine,” means every word of it. Drayton
will not deceive you. He is a “tell it like it is” type of guy. This keeps
his classes filled to capacity. Many students wait entire semesters to get
into the class. Shalonte Reese, a second year student at JCC is one of those
students.
“I will
be in the class (Broadway Revue) next semester,” she said. “I wanted to do
it this semester, but I registered late and it was filled. I am going to
register early this time. I hear he (Keith) is good at bringing out the best
in your voice. I can hardly wait,” she added.
What exactly is Broadway Revue? It is a class where students study Broadway
and jazz. They then get to perform. The group sings, as well as learns about
stage presence and movement.
Drayton
is also a part of “Sing Your Heart Out,” and “Showbiz Kids.” Both are
workshops put on by the Language and Literature Arts Department. The
workshops are collectively called “Kids College.”
Kids
College is a series of interactive workshops designed especially for sixth,
seventh, and eighth graders. These week long sessions
help students develop their imaginations, voices and bodies by teaching
skills which help them grow - both as artists and as people. In
addition, these workshops come gift-wrapped in a setting that's warm,
nurturing, supportive and extremely fun.