Wow! thanks Pheobe,for posting pictures of the choir and music dept. from 1973-76. Centennial provided great opportunities for those who would go on to pursue music professionally to really learn the basic theory of music composition and vocal technique. Mrs. Dillard & Gary Faggette were really great teachers and motivators.There are several students from the Choir & Music Dept.that have made great impactive strides in the Music Industry (for over 35 years now), and many of them are still a very vital part of the Music Industry today.I think my professional career actually started in high school as I was required to leave Centennial at a certian time usually right after 6th period and be driven to Paramount studios to tape vocal music for "The Gong Show" Chuck Barris Production" I worked as a regular singer on this show (after winning twice) for two years .Taping still available on y-tube Chuck-Barris Productions imagine that,I then joined a very popular local band at the time called" Brian & Thangs,where Centennial High Band member Phillip Charles was the lead guitar player he is still a very skilled guitarist who is in demand today.After leaving that band,they changed their name to "The Bus Boys" and wrote and recorded lots of music for the Eddie Murphy movies.I was recruited soon after High School by "Larry Graham" Graham Central Station"(Sly& The Family Stones Bass Player) and began traveling as the groups Lead Vocalist. After leaving that band I was spotted by the infamous "Stevie Wonder" and begin traveling and singing with him for more than 15 years, and signed as an artist with his label "Wondirection Records,it was Stevie Wonder who financed my professional music trainning as he gave me the opportunity to study professionally with the world renoun Vocal trainer Seth Riggs,who taught Michael Jackson,Madonna,Barbara Strisand and a host of Grammy award winning artist. Some of the Centennial High students that have thriving music careers and came from the choir dept are: Myself,recorded with:Stevie Wonder,Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones,Modonna,Larry Graham,Elton John,Temptations,,,Voncille Faggette recorded with: Gladys Knight,Andre Crouch,
Michael Jackson,David Foster ect.. Alfinette Silas: Michael jackson,Quincy Jones,Little Richard,Howard Hewwitt,ect.. Gary Faggette(Centennial Music Teacher) Musical Director and musician for Andre Crouch,Madonna,movie & film scores. Ronald Brunner,(Band Dept.) professional
drummer for scores of music recordings. These are just a few mmembers of the "Centennial High"
Music & Choir Legacy.You can google these individuals to get some of their professional recordings.
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Hey Tammie, did you write that your taping on the Gong Show is availible on YouTube? If so, can you supply the link? I would love to see it.
Thanks,
James (Najee) Williams
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