Anita Levels Reflects On Her Time As A BTAR
This is the LAST UNISOUND BLOG YALL!
I can’t believe it’s come to an end.
Should I use the word “end”?
I think not, as the continuation of expanding the sight of how our youth see themselves in artistic communities is still a work that must continue in our region.
And our region should be honored to have collaborations such as Act3 Consulting and UniSound. This collaborative network that has its finger on the pulse of the creative needs of the community is extraordinary. “Uni” does mean one.
So, this “UniSound” convenes to assure our children, ALL children, see beyond their back windows. As children deserve to see a world reflected back to them that says, YOU BELONG. ALL children deserve this type of world.
I’m beyond thankful to have been a part of a consortium of thoughts and practices that were aligned with my own personal and artistic values.
Thank you Act 3 Consulting,
Who is Dr. Kendra Ross, Tanika Harris, and Denele Biggs, MS, MA.
Thank you for advocating Black arts in a region where at times,
Black arts are thought of on the fringes of creativity. Black Teaching Artist in Residency (BTAR) was an opportunity for me to celebrate all the things that Black Music is, which is American music and so much more! Thank you for your authenticity, your support, and your genuineness in wanting to see BTARs win.
Act3 Consulting is a force in the region and in the nation as a whole.
Thank You, 9 times!
UniSound:
In particular Lindsey Nova and Emily Bovan!
You make, making art, easy.
The framework and processes that you provided were amazing.
Thank you for always being available.
A phone call.
An email.
An opportunity.
Thank You!
UniSound Steering Committee Members:
It’s been an honor to see you in those “Hollywood Squares” (AKA Zoom Meetings)
every month. Your commitment to the vision and mission of UniSound is unwavering.
Every single one of you will be missed!
Thank You!
Pittsburgh Youth Chorus/Lee Saville-Iksic
Hill Dance Academy Theatre/ Dr. Ayisha Morgan-Lee:
Thank you for the partnership during the CROSSINGS production that stretched every creative muscle that I had and didn’t know existed.
Thank you for saying out loud, “Hey, let’s ask Anita Levels.”
CROSSINGS and the experience of exchanging and trusting my voice with your students has changed my life.
Thank you, 9 times!
All:
Thank you for honoring me in the work I have already done and emboldening me to continue my creative work. It’s been a life-altering, catalytic process for me.
There’s an “Anita before UniSound”
and an “Anita after UniSound”.
Thank you for challenging me to grow big-BIG!
I am filled with gratitude to represent and join the ranks as an official BTAR ALUM.
Signing Off,
Anita Levels
BTAR 2021-2022
