“Uncommon Rhythm: 'A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee’s Journey to Leadership'”

[Uncommon Rhythm: A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee’s Journey to Leadership; Aaron P. Dworkin, author; Aquarius Press, publisher (2011)]

Shortly after the launch of the website which came to be known as AfriClassical.com, we realized that our list of Composers of African Descent needed to be accompanied by a list of Musicians of African Descent. Most are instrumentalists or conductors, but one person honored with a page at the website was Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970), who stood out because he had recently founded the Sphinx Organization to provide opportunities to young Black and Latino string players. The genius of Aaron Dworkin's concept was reflected by the fact that the Sphinx Organization became a national institution virtually overnight, a point of entry allowing young string musicians of color a chance to hone their skills and participate in their chosen field of classical music.

We are proud to tell our readers of the publication of Aaron Dworkin's new memoir:

Uncommon Rhythm: A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee’s Journey to Leadership

The book has just been released by Aquarius Press, whose website is: http://www.aquariuspressbookseller.net/uncommonrhythm.html.

Aaron Dworkin provides a synopsis of the book, and tells us: “Key testimonials may be found on the website including Branford Marsalis, former Governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm and others. I hope you enjoy learning about my personal journey!”

Aaron P. Dworkin

Founder & President, The Sphinx Organization, www.sphinxmusic.org

Social Entrepreneur, Spoken Word Artist, Visual Artist, Author, www.aarondworkin.com

Member, National Council on the Arts, http://www.nea.gov/about/NCA/Dworkin.html

AQUARIUS PRESS

“Aquarius Press is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the long-awaited inspirational memoir by White House Champion of Change Aaron P. Dworkin, Uncommon Rhythm: A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee’s Journey to Leadership. Aaron is the Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization, the leading national arts organization that focuses on youth development and diversity in classical music. Uncommon Rhythm is a harrowing yet moving account of Aaron’s journey through social isolation and discrimination to found one of the nation’s cultural jewels. The book is a tapestry of stirring narrative, precious photos and poignant poems. A MacArthur Fellow, Aaron is driven by the single vision of 'inclusion for all,' and hopes that this book will inspire all people who have ever felt like outsiders to nurture their own gifts and make valuable contributions to society.”

More about Uncommon Rhythm

“Aaron Dworkin is America’s everyman and America’s exceptionalism rolled into one person; he is inspiration personified. The tapestry of his life has been breathtaking: powerful threads of talent braided with soft threads of religion and colorful threads of ethnicity, creating an extraordinary memoir that is both compelling and endearing.”

~Jennifer Granholm, (former) Governor of State of Michigan

“Success is an amazing combination of talent, hard work, and good fortune. Aaron Dworkin is the embodiment of this troika, and his story is quintessentially an American one. As his book shows, he has made the most of opportunities presented to him, and his words show him to be a visionary in the promotion of American culture to its young citizens. Uncommon Rhythm is a very informative, and inspirational read.”

~Branford Marsalis, Grammy Award-Winning Jazz Musician

Former Leader of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Band

"Aaron Dworkin is a gifted and extraordinary leader. His passion for music and unwavering commitment has transformed youth at risk, urban areas, and the world of classical music. His story and message are a must-read. You will be inspired by his gripping journey. Highly recommended!"

~Josh Linkner, NY Times Bestselling author, Disciplined Dreaming, CEO and Managing Director, Detroit Venture Partners, Professor of Applied Creativity, University of Michigan

“Aaron Dworkin is a living testimony to the power of art to bridge cultures, races and socio-economic barriers . . . a leader whose rising star shines brightly on a path that is so needed and missing in the world today.“

~Janet Brown, Executive Director; Grantmakers in the Arts

More about Aaron P. Dworkin

“Named a 2011 White House Champion of Change, a MacArthur Fellow, a Member of the Obama National Arts Policy Committee and President Obama’s first nominee to the National Council on the Arts, Aaron P. Dworkin is the Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization, the leading national arts organization that focuses on youth development and diversity in classical music. An author, social entrepreneur, artist-citizen and an avid youth education advocate, he has received extensive national recognition for his vast accomplishments. He has been featured in People, on NBC’s Today Show and Nightly News with Brian Williams, CNN’s Airport Network-Innovator Series and Anderson Cooper 360°, named one of Newsweek’s 15 People Who Make America Great , NPR’s “The Story and Performance Today,” in addition to articles in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, Washington Post and The Chronicle of Philanthropy, as well as many other media outlets.”

Book Information

“Uncommon Rhythm:

A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee’s Journey to Leadership

September 30, 2011

Aquarius Press

ISBN 978-0-9846212-7-9

6 x 9

208 pages

$19.95”

The book is available from the publisher, and will shortly be offered as an Ebook and will be sold by book sellers including Amazon.com and local book stores.