Collette Blakeney is an accomplished vocalist, composer, songwriter and musician hailing from Columbia, South Carolina.  A piano student from the age of five, Collette exhibited musical ability from an early age and has never lost her love for creative expression.  While the alto saxophone is now her principal instrument, Collette has concentrated exclusively on vocal performance in her adult years.  Her most recent performing experience includes:

·         Keenan Singers - W.J . Keenan High School’s Renowned  Gospel Choir 

·         ‘Saasy’ - Howard University Vocal Jazz Ensemble

·         The Crossover Band & Show - Touring band specializing in Live Jazz and R&B performances, throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia 

·         Bethel A.M.E. Church Children’s Choir, Director – Twenty-

plus (20+ Voice Choir of Children Ages 3-11) 

·         Featured Soloist, Howard University School of

Communications Graduation Ceremony, May 2004

Collette is a May 2004 graduate of Howard University (Washington D.C.) and currently works as Creative Director with Maxim Communications Group, Inc., a marketing and public relations firm in Columbia, South Carolina. Collete is a proud member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority as well as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

With a special appreciation for the art of recorded music and a commitment to perfecting of the craft of vocal expression, Collette is poised to positively impact the world!

     April Shell is from Columbia South Carolina and the oldest of three children to Donnie and Paulette Shell.  She graduated from high school in the spring of 1994 from W. J. Keenan High School.  In the fall of 1994 she started college at South Carolina State University.  While at SCSU, April was involved in several musical organizations including the Marching “101” Band, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. Her musical expertise lies in the mist of the flute and piano, with over 15 years of experience on both instruments. She received several musical awards based upon her musical ability.  However, she is most proud of the prestigious title of First Female Drum Major for the Marching “101” Band.  That title alone paved the way for other females interested in becoming a drum major on the band and it is certainly known as one of the many facts edged in stone in the history of the University. April is a proud member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority as well as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

     In the Spring of 1998 she graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics Education and started in the public education system in the fall of 1998.  She believes that public education is the right of passage for today’s youth.  However, it is the job of the educator to guide the youth through this passage.  While continuing in education, April decided to go back to school to obtain a master’s degree.  In the summer of 2003, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with an M. Ed. In Education Administration.  Thus changing her career path from teaching to administration. 

     Currently, April is an Assistant Administrator at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina, where she is still guiding her students along their journey.