Category: In Our Own Words

Gene L. Magee Jr. was a Theatre Student in 2000-2002.
Here’s what they had to say:

I always wanted to be a performer at Nickelodeon Studios at Universal Studios Florida, but didn’t know how to do it.

After graduating high school at Redan in Stone Mountain I joined the Navy.

After 3 years of  service I was honorably discharged and decided to use my G.I. Bill money to take acting classes by enrolling at Georgia Perimeter College Clarkston and majoring in children’s theater.

I took as many classes as I could in the theater program and was taught by Landon Coleman, Eric Thibodaux Thompson, and Sally J. Robertson.

While at Peremiter I performed in 2 seasons of children’s theater through practicum. I only had to do 1 but I loved it so much I took it again. 

I also did my only Shakespeare play The Comedy of Errors directed by Scot J. Mann, at the Clarkston Campus. 

Although I didn’t get my degree, I still had the necessary tools to get my start and chase my dream of being a performer at Nickelodeon Studios. 

Not only did I eventually make it to Nickelodeon, I was the last cast of the Universal Studios side of the company. From that point on, I’ve flourished as a performer at Universal Orlando Resorts for 20 years and in that span also was a performer at Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and many top big name companies as an emcee.

To this day I credit Georgia Perimeter on giving me a strong foundation as a performer /emcee and my success is a reflection of my time there. 

Marcelino Medley was a Music Student in 2013-2016.
Here’s what they had to say:

Ever since the realization of the energetic and fragile sounds in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 at a young age, Marcelino Medley began an exhilarating voyage seeking to understand the emotions of sound, the production of sound, and the sophistication of the permutation of sound. After completing his associate degree in music at Perimeter, Marcelino went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in composition at the GSU-Atlanta campus and then a Master of Music degree in Composition at the University of Arizona.

Marcelino has participated in and written music for organizations such as the Georgia State Undergraduate Research Conference, The Composer Exchange Series (University of North Carolina), and the Flute New Music Consortium Festival (University of Arizona). One of Marcelino’s compositions titled “Generations” appeared on KOLD News 13 new station in Tucson, Arizona. Inspired by the unique sonority of modern music, Marcelino continues to pursue his own musical style applying the concepts of pitch class set theory, construction of compositional design, and the transformation of sound.

 

“During my time at Georgia State Perimeter College, I had the pleasure of interacting with highly knowledgeable and passionate faculty members. One faculty member is Slava Prudchenko. My most meaningful and impactful experience was our musical discussions before Wind Ensemble rehearsal. These discussions allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of music on composition, history, performance techniques, and the different philosophies in music. Also, these discussions help foster our admiration for Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s music.”

Nicholas Wynn was a Music Student in 2014-2017.
Here’s what they had to say:

Nicholas Wynn is currently pursuing a Masters in Viola Performance and Pedagogy at the Peabody Institute and has plans on continuing his education in Doctoral Studies. He is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Houston, where he received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Viola Performance. He is a dynamic and energetic music educator and professional symphonic musician, with over sixteen years of performing experience. He is currently the Violin and Viola Instructor at the Gilman School and Patterson Park Academy of Music in Baltimore, Maryland. Previously, he served as an InterPlay Artist-in-Residence, where he worked closely with University of Maryland-Baltimore County undergraduate music majors to provide instruction and guidance through various teaching projects, including master classes, chamber music coaching, and audition preparation seminars. He has performed in numerous ensembles such as the Texas Summer Music Festival, Green Mountain Chamber Festival, as well as the Sphinx Audition Intensive hosted by the New World Symphony. During his time at GSU-Perimeter, Nicholas studied viola with former Atlanta Symphony Violist and Perimeter Instructor of Music Amy Leventhal.

“I am beyond thankful for the support I received at GPC. I am extremely grateful for my teacher, mentor, friend and support Amy Leventhal and the wonderful faculty and staff in the music program. Thank you for always rooting for me, I am forever grateful.”

Cole Smith was a Music Student in 2012-14.
Here’s what they had to say:

Cole Smith began teaching in 2017 and is currently the Band Director at Washington County High School in Sandersville, Georgia. He also serves in the 116th Georgia Army National Guard Band. Smith is currently pursuing his doctorate in music education from Liberty University. He earned his master’s degree in music education at the University of Georgia, his bachelor’s degree in music education from Georgia State University, and his associate’s degree in music education from Perimeter College at Georgia State University. As a first-year teacher, Smith presented at the 2018 Georgia Music Educators Association Conference in Athens, Georgia, entitled “What I Wish I Knew: That First Year.”

While at Perimeter College, Smith learned from outstanding teachers and faculty who are true experts in their respective fields. From playing saxophone in the Perimeter College Jazz Ensemble with Greg McLean and performing with the Perimeter College Wind Ensemble under the direction of Slava Prudchenko long after graduating to attending concerts and recitals featuring faculty such as Dr. Brian Bonin, Cole Smith learned about performing and teaching by working with excellent teachers and professional musicians. Perimeter College at Georgia State University provided him with the knowledge and skills to succeed as an educator and a musician.