ABOUT

Willard J. Hines Scholarship Fund

Committee Members

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Clayton G. Williams

 

Clayton G. Williams, president born in Detroit, MI. I made my own way to NY when I attended Manhattan School of Music for my graduate studies, which I completed in 2014, where I began my professional singing and acting career. I think of myself as a full entertainer much like the versatile Entertainers of the Golden Hollywood era.  Upon graduating I've been featured in Television such as Law & Order, Blue Bloods, Bull, The Blacklist, Commercial campaigns as well as performances with noted conductors, companies such as American Opera Projects, Encompass Opera, The New York Philharmonic, Harlem Opera Theatre and Mile Long Opera. You can find more information about my professional work on my website: www.claytongwilliams.com

 

I am member of this scholarship committee because Mr. Hines was the most pivotal person in my life. Before I met him, I was shy and struggled extremely in school. Mr. Hines was my first music teacher and he showed me how music can heal, express and build your self-esteem. My grades improved, I discovered my own voice and I performed in my first Broadway show because of Mr. Hines and am now a professional artist performing all over the world. The world needs the arts because nothing in life is without music. My fellow scholarship committee members have all been touched by Mr. Hines and his work with the youth of Detroit. We have seen him change lives! We all still remember the life lessons he taught us and no matter who came into our lives after leaving his guidance, Mr. Hines made an everlasting mark! Through the Willard J. Hines Scholarship Fund we continue his legacy through this form of philanthropy assisting the new generation of leaders, teachers and performers!

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Robert Guyton

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Robert Guyton, vice president, at the age of 17 I was a high school dropout in the Detroit public school system. A friend of mine invited me to Mr. Hines after school choir rehearsal. At the time I didn’t know it was the Courville concert choir enrichment program. I went one day and even another after that. Mr. Hines excepted me in as a new choir member. We bumped heads several times because I was a high school dropout and I thought that I knew everything; however I kept coming back. 

 

I can’t remember exactly what Mr. Hines and The enrichment program did to me; but I know what it did for me. The program renewed my hope in myself. I soon enrolled at Detroit City High School. I graduated 13 years ago and now I am a graduate of Alcorn State University in Alcorn, MS. With my BS degree in music education. Additionally, I graduated from Jackson State University with a MS degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This is my testimony and I am proud to tell the world that Mr. Hines and Courville Concert Choir is responsible for me being the successful man that I am today. Equipped with life skills that I learned in a music program, I am ready to tackle the world. I am and will always be a proud productive citizen in the City of Detroit.

 

I was selected to attend the 15th annual Alpha Phi Alpha College Chapter Leadership Academy at John Hopkins University during the summer of 2011. In August 2011, I was selected as an MLK volunteer service award recipient and had the privilege to participate in the unveiling of the MLK memorial. As a part of an awesome experience, I was featured in NEXT magazine. During my tenure at Alcorn I was an active member of the Delta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., ASU Men Chorale, ASU Concert Choir, Student Support Service, Student Ambassadors, and Student National Education Association (SNEA). I’ve had the privilege of meeting and singing with such greats as; Patti LaBelle, Leandria Johnson, Marvin Sapp, Fantasia, Kurt Carr, Lashaun Pace, Cassie Davis, and Anthony Hamilton. I’ve toured almost every state singing because I have surrounded myself with positive people who wanted me to know more than my neighborhood. I lived by the motto “life begins at the end of your comfort zone!!!” 

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Sierra Triplett

 

Sierra Triplett, secretary/treasurer, I went to Courville elementary school where Willard J. Hines was the music teacher. At the age of eight he introduced me to my own talent that I had no idea I even possessed. I instantly fell in love with music and the Courville concert choir. I enjoyed being around everyone who were from all different walks of life but came together for the love of music. At such a young age I traveled across the United States singing and performing for various churches, hospitals, group homes, etc. We did it all!!

 

Mr. Hines then taught me how to lead and teach music to my peers and younger children who wish to join the group. When Mr. Hines created a summer enrichment program, I became a summer music vocal coach. It was one of my first jobs, and I loved it. I can actually say that my first job was something that truly loved to do and getting paid for it was just a bonus. Mr. Hines and I performed a father daughter bond over the years, he instilled so much wisdom in me; my goal is to spread the same knowledge and love on to the next generation.

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Shenika Sanchez, 

 

Shenika Sanchez, managing partner, a mother born and raised in Detroit, MI. Music has been part of my life as long as I can remember. It started in church with worship, watching my mother and the church choir sing. It was in church where my grandmother noticed that I have a voice, a talent of my own. It was her who introduced to me to the great Willard J. Hines. I remember her taking me around to his room and telling him "you need to put my baby in this choir." From that day on CCC (Courville Concert Choir), created by Willard J. Hines, became a big part of my life. Joining this choir gave me an experience that was priceless. Not only did he train and develop this vocal gift of mine but he helped me share it on many different stages all over America. Willard J. Hines and I grew so close that he was a father figure in my life and gave me away at my wedding.

 

I am a part of this scholarship committee because his legacy needs to continue! We need the arts in schools and the students need the support of the Willard J. Hines Scholarship Fund, I and many other were recipients of scholarship funds throughout my college journey. I also know this is something he would like me to do. I, like many others, are his success stories. Throughout this scholarship fund, I will pay it forward by helping others to gain an education and develop the gifts of arts in others.