MasterClass Recognized!

Prince George’s County Arts Organization Receives $15,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

Pamela Simonson

“Master Classes made a huge difference in my vocal development” said co-founder of the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) Pamela Simonson.

Prince George’s County’s very own, Coalition of African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) will be recipients of a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) $15,000 award for their national MasterClass Series (Feb. thru April).

CAAPA partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the nation to help convey opera and classical music to diverse groups of college students. The program provides opportunities for music and opera students to acquire exposure from Black music masters such as George Shirley, Morris Robinson, Angela M. Brown, Robert Sims, Lisa Gwyn, and Issachah Savage. Also, CAAPA will be teaming up with Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin, to help CAAPA’S High School MasterClass Series.

Smiles abound with the receipt of a second grant award.

MasterClass sessions are described as “informances” by co- founder of CAAPA, Pamela Simonson. Informances are depicted as informal performances which will enhance classically trained voices, acting, diction, and more skills for aspiring singers. The knowledge, skills, guidance, and support to students by the MusicMasters may leave an impact on the local arts community as aspiring singers prepare to audition and develop professional careers in opera, recitals and the concert stage.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) provides federal funding for arts projects.