ALLISON MILLER, COMPOSER, MUSIC DIRECTOR (ink) & DRUMMER

NYC-based drummer/composer/teacher Allison Miller engages her deep roots in improvisation as a vehicle to explore all music. Described by critics as a charismatic and rhythmically propulsive drummer with melodic sensibility, Miller has been named “Top 20 Jazz Drummers” in Downbeat Magazine. Her band, Boom Tic Boom, is a 2014 recipient of Chamber Music America’s “Presenter Consortium for Jazz Grant” and is proudly sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation. As a side-musician, Miller has been the rhythmic force behind such artists as Ani DiFranco, Natalie Merchant, Brandi Carlile, Toshi Reagon, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Patricia Barber, Marty Ehrlich, Ben Allison, the Meredith Vieira Show, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. She is the musical director of Speak, And Still You Must Swing, and Celebrate and co-leads Honey Ear Trio and Holler and Bam. Allison teaches at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in NYC and endorses Yamaha drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth heads, and Evans drumheads.

BRANDON MCCUNE, COMPOSER, MUSICIAN

For the past 25 years, Brandon McCune has worked as a Professional Musician (pianist, organist, drummer, trumpeter, bassist, vocalist, and choir director) serving as a principal music instructor, composer, counselor, arranger, and performer with a special concentration in the jazz, classical, and gospel genres.

Brandon was selected through a national audition as a 1998-1999 U.S. Jazz Ambassador to Africa, where he traveled abroad representing the United States performing public and private concerts, master classes and workshops. He has worked as a band leader, music director, or as a sideman for artists such as Buster Williams, Abbey Lincoln, Terence Blanchard, Nneena Freelon, Betty Carter, Miki Howard, Wynton Marsalis, Bruce Williams, Freddie Hendrix, Chrisette Michele, Ted Dunbar, Larry Ridley, Russell Malone, Lenora Zenzalai Helm, Mark Gross, Antonio Hart, Orbert Davis and many others.

Brandon has served as Minister of Music for several congregations in NJ. He currently serves as Assistant Musical Director for all music ministry programs at Shiloh Baptist Church (Plainfield, NJ). His leadership acumen is demonstrated in his founding of BASIC Inc., a non-profit umbrella for Gospel Music entertainment, music education, and various other arts related entities. He, along with Pastor Amir Ballard, co-founded the "Just Cause" concert series which brings together the music departments from different congregations for an annual Praise & Worship celebration.

He can be heard on many recordings. A partial listing includes: Brandon McCune (“Tell the Story, MAC5 Records), Nneena Freelon ("Blueprint of a Lady", "Live", “Tales of Wonder" & “Home Free", Concord Records), Abbey Lincoln (“Over the Years", Verve Records), Charenee Wade ("Offering: The Music of Gil Scott-Heron", Motema) Kahlil Kwame Bell (“Duality"), Freddie Hendrix ("Jersey Cat" Sunnyside), Bruce Williams ("Private Thoughts, Passin' Thru), Rondi Charelston ("Sings of Life", "Resilience", Motema), Lenora Zenzalai Helm (Voice Paintings, MidLantic Records), Alma Micic (“Introducing Alma" & “The Hours"), Gregory Kilpatrick (“Come On Over"), and Pam Purvis (“I Had A Ball").

His education was garnered at Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Brunswick, NJ, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1997. Privately he has studied with jazz luminaries Kenny Barron, Betty Carter, Mulgrew Miller, Abbey Lincoln, Larry Ridley, and Ted Dunbar.

Brandon is currently serving his community as the Music Production instructor at Newark Vocational Technical High School.

JONATHAN MELVILLE PRATT, COMPOSER

Jonathan Melville Pratt is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, director, producer, and visual artist working in many genres including pure music, film, theater, modern dance, ballet, and fine art. Jonathan attended School For Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating at the top of his class in 1997. He then went on to attend and earn his bachelors of music in 2001, studying operatic performance with Glenn Siebert and “interdisciplinary composition” with many esteemed faculty at the North Carolina School of the Arts.

Jonathan’s compositional work has been performed and presented nationally and internationally in many venues and festivals including The Guggenheim Museum, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, American Dance Festival, Solo Dance Festival-Tanzemesse, Yerba Buena Center, The Public’s Shiva Theater, The Abbey Dublin, The Museum of Modern Art, Salvador, Brazil, Carnaval, Salvador, Bahia, Symphony Space, The Kitchen, The Apollo, Baryshnikov Arts Center, and more.

Collaborators and Commissioners include: Keigwin and Company, Brian Brooks Moving Company, Camille A. Brown & Dancers, Mimi Garrard Dance Company, Tiffany Mills Company, The Public Theater, The Abbey Theater, The Old Globe Theater, Instituto Sacatar, Alayna Stroud, Hillary Franklin, Helen Simoneau, Brian Mertes, Sean Sullivan, Trish Casey, Marcia Johnson, Kennis Hawkins, Will Rawls, Janusphere, Ingrid Graham, Celia Rowlson Hall, Kate Spade New York, Keller NYC, LaMama, Princeton University, The Juilliard School of Drama, and Juilliard School of Dance. Jonathan founded Robot Church in 2009 and serves as Artistic Director and Resident Composer.

www.jonathanmelvillepratt.com www.robotchurch.org

JULIETTE JONES, COMPOSER, VIOLINIST

An avid performer and highly sought-after freelance artist, Juliette Jones has established herself as a consummate musician. A multi-genre acoustic and electric violinist, she performs as a live and studio recording artist; and works extensively with solo artists, bands, and DJs, as well as dance and theater. A BMI composer, Juliette also works as an arranger and has contracted for a number of live, television and multimedia events, including the Film Society of Lincoln Center's 51st New York Film Festival live presentation of the original Grand Theft Auto V score. She has taped or performed for the Golden Globes, The Tonight Show and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, NBA All-Stars, MTV Unplugged, Saturday Night Live, BET Honors, the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Good Morning America. Juliette has performed with a veritable list of "who's who" in the music industry including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Justin Timberlake, Janelle Monáe, John Legend, Toshi Reagon, Pharrell, Common, Frank Ocean, Hit-Boy, Florence + The Machine, Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, Ryan Leslie, Kid Cudi, Tye Tribbett, Richard Smallwood, Kim Burrell and Sheila E. For more information, please visit: www.julesonstrings.com

JUSTIN ELLINGTON, COMPOSER, PIANIST

Justin began his professional career in Atlanta, GA as music director for dance and theater companies around the city. Now based in NYC, Justin continues to develop his craft as pianist, composer and producer and has worked with some of the most heralded and creatively groundbreaking artist in the world. He has had the great fortune to travel the world sharing and developing his art and recognizes the many blessings that he has had and is thankful that it continues. Justin is pleased to make his debut with Camille A. Brown & Dancers. www.justinellington.com/

MONIQUE BROOKS-ROBERTS, COMPOSER, VIOLINIST

Monique Brooks Roberts is a violinist hailing from Louisville, KY. Now residing in the New Jersey/Philadelphia area, she is intent on making her mark in the soul/jazz fusion circuit with her sultry and sensual violin work. Influenced by a plethora of 90’s RnB artists, her music oozes soul, rhythm. Her playing is often described as emotional and provocative - and there’s little surprise why. With over 26 years of experience under her belt, the violin has become an extension of herself; a visceral medium through which is she is able to express the emotions which words cannot. While she is successfully carving out a niche in her own right, her music echoes influences of Sade, Robert Glasper, Air, and Erykah Badu to name a few. Monique has had a busy and fulfilling career, having performed and recorded for many notable artists including Alicia Keys, Common, Jill Scott, Mos Def, Diana Ross, Arethra Franklin, J. Cole and many more. She was also a touring member of the Philadelphia String Quartet for 7 years. She has also featured on live television on multiple occasions, appearing on VH1 Storytellers, CBS Late Show With David Letterman, BET Bobby Jones Gospel Show and the BET Honors. Monique has played at Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center, Theater at Madison Square Garden, The Newport Jazz Festival, The Willingboro Jazz Festival, The Kimmel Center and plenty more. Monique works closely with cherished husband, and producer/musical director Aaron Brooks Roberts, who provides the foundations of the tracks which Monique lays her violin talents over. So far, she has released an album in 2007 with her former neo-soul/jazz band TruVibe, entitled ‘Tru Beginnings’. Today, she is on the grind again, working on a solo album that is set to launch in Spring 2018.

ROBIN BRAMLETT, COMPOSER, BASSIST

Robin Bramlett is a recording artist and bassist who is primarily self-taught. Her debut CD and 2013 release, This Is My Life, is an instrumental autobiography that combines her musical experiences throughout her career while staying true to her first loves, jazz and neo-soul. Other than two covers (Teena Marie’s Square Biz and Slave’s Steal Your Heart) Robin wrote and produced the entire project. She is also touring with the all female jazz ensemble, Jazz In Pink, which is led by keyboardist Gail Jhonson. In addition, she has also performed and/or recorded with Karen Briggs, Althea Rene, Eric Darius, Jeanette Harris, Jessy J, Brian Culbertson, Dave Koz, Chrisette Michelle, Shanice Wilson, Miki Howard, Pete Escovedo, After 7, Jon B., Malcolm Jamal Warner, just to name a few.

SCOTT PATTERSON, COMPOSER, PIANIST

Scott Patterson is a pianist and composer of incomparable talent. Pittsburgh Tribune-Reviewdescribes Patterson’s playing as, “a masterly blend of virtuosity, singing style and beautiful voicing.”His blend of classical, soul and rock music is futuristic, emotive and luxuriant.

Since 2012 Patterson has toured with Camille A. Brown & Dancers. He is a contributing composer of the Bessie award winning Mr. TOL E. RAncE and Brown’s critically acclaimed work, BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play.

Patterson’s work extends beyond dance. He is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Afro House (afrohouse.org), a music-driven performance art house based in Baltimore, MD. At the center of Afro House stands the Astronaut Symphony, a contemporary music ensemble that creates symphonic performance art pieces, such as Patterson’s sci-fi tone poem Ebon Kojo: The Last Tribe.

As a music director he worked closely with award-winning playwright Marcus Gardley during the Williamstown Theatre Festival and served as music director for a production of Dan Dietz’s Clementine in the Lower 9. He has also worked with Tony Award winning music director and composer Daryl Waters at the Dallas Theater Center. His acting credits include the role of Duke Ellington in Tom Minter’s Blues for a Royal Flush, as Chorus in Dan Dietz’s Clementine in the Lower 9 and General Ebon Kojo in Ebon Kojo: The Last Tribe.

As a Piano Performance major Patterson studied under Richard Fields at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and Phillip Kawin at the Manhattan School of Music.

TRACY WORMWORTH, COMPOSER, BASSIST

Tracy Wormsworth is a world renowned bass guitarist in the music and television industry. Her career began as a member of the New Wave band The Waitresses, and subsequently toured and with Phyllis Hyman, Sting, Roberta Flack, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne, The B-52s, jazz violinist Regina Carter, vocalist extraordinaire Rachelle Farrell, jazz great Wayne Shorter, and many other artists. She has played on recordings by Joan Osborne, The B-52s, The Waitresses, Regina Carter, Lena Horne, Paula Abdul and others. Tracy has jingle recording credit; appeared in film and has extensive live (and taped) television and recording experience.

Tracy was a member of the house band on The Rosie O’Donnell Show, which aired for 6 years. As part of the “Rosie” show she played with everyone from Mary J. Blige to Liza Minnelli, as well as accompanying all of the major Broadway show performances that were featured yearly on the show during Tony season. She also subbed on “The Conan O’Brien Show” in the bass chair and has appeared on “The Arsenio Hall Show”, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, “Late Night With David Letterman”, “The Craig Kilborn Show” and “The Today Show”.

Wormworth is currently playing with The B-52s and has done several world tours with the band. She recorded with the band on “The Flintstones” soundtrack and on their album “Good Stuff”. In 2008, she was listed as a full band member on their album “Funplex”, and is featured in their Live DVD “With The Wild Crowd”, released in 2012.

WILSON R. TORRES, COMPOSER, PERCUSSIONIST

Wilson R. Torres is a New York native born and raised in Washington Heights. Wilson’s musical journey took roots at the age of 2, holding it down on the pots and pans. At the age of 3 he received his 1st drum, putting his musical journey in motion. His formal training began at the age of 12 when he received a scholarship from The New York Pops Orchestra to study with percussionist Susan Evans. Wilson is a graduate of The Juilliard School M.A.P, The Juilliard School Pre College program and F.H LaGuardia High School of Music and Art (Fame). He received his B.M, M.M in Orchestral Performance from The Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Duncan Patton and Christopher S. Lamb. Broadway Credits include Tony and Grammy Award winning musical “In the Heights”, “Les Misérables” (25th anniversary revival), “Lysistrata Jones”, “The Wiz” (Encores),“On Your Toes” (Encores) and “Cabin in the Sky” (Encores). Tours include “Lion King” (1st National), “Lion King” (Cheetah) and “Wicked” (1st National). Orchestral credits include San Francisco Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Staten Island Symphony and Albany Symphony. Wilson is a proud endorser of Latin Percussion and Sabian Cymbals.

KWINTON GRAY, MUSICIAN

Gray was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where he received a home-schooled education. He continued his education at Eastfield Community College, where he studied music. Gray is a founding member of the band Friday’s Foolery and started his own fusion group Kwinton Gray Project, both groups perform all over the Dallas Metroplex. Kwinton is currently a member of the Dallas-based jazz group The Funky Knuckles who are working on their fourth album. Gray is also releasing his debut album titled Leap of Faith with his group the Kwinton Gray Project. Gray was awarded the Dallas Observer Music Award for Best Keyboardist in 2017. Gray performs as a freelance musician playing for artists across the world. He has had the opportunity to perform at the a’ la Villette Jazz Festival in Paris with Foley, Kenny Garrett, Darryl Jones, Larry Dunn, Bobby Sparks, and Derek Winkley. Kwinton also has a love for theater; in 2014 he performed in his first musical Rocky Horror Show at Dallas Theater Center. Since then, he has conducted and played in several musicals, most recently at the Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center for the world premiere of Hood: The Robin Hood Musical and the 50th-anniversary production of Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical.

TYRONE NYEMBA SEALES, DRUMMER

TYRONE NYEMBA SEALES was born from the parents of Shawne Lee and Tyrone Seales. He received his first drum on his first birthday which laid the path to a life of culture through the arts. Nyemba received professional Djembe drum lessons from his first instructor, Gene Osborne. Nyemba would become a member of Preston Ridick’s Indoda Entsha Cultural Arts Center. There, under the tutelage of Master drummers M’bemba Bangoura, and Gregory Ince, he honed his skills by performing at various community events, and Tri-state shows, and festivals. At the age of six, he was invited to drum in Gene Osborne’s company D’jole African. Nyemba has since performed in various stages throughout the country, from California to Tennessee, mesmerizing audiences of all ages. He has graced the stage with legends Chief Bey, Papa Ladji Camara, Baba Neil Clarke, and Forces of Nature Dance Ensemble. He currently teaches drumming for The Department of Education in the city of New York, and is a percussionist for Preston Riddick’s Resura Arkestra.

MIKE RAMSEY

Mike Ramsey is a Brooklyn based drummer and percussionist known for his versatility. Broadway credits include MJ, Ain’t Too Proud, The Lion King, Once on This Island, On Your Feet, Cirque du Soleil’s PARAMOUR, and many others. Orchestral credits include The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Seoul Philharmonic, and The Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas. Live music for Camille A. Brown and Dancers, Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Experimental Dance Ensemble, The National Dance Company of Ghana, and Ballet Folklorico Cutumba. Guest clinician at Northwestern, MSM, NYU, NCCU and others. Mike is a BAM teaching artist and a founding member of AZAGUNO, a multi-ethnic African culture group created by his mentor Dr. Paschal Yao Younge. Please checkout the group KALUNGA, whose self-titled debut EP can be found on all platforms.