John Malveaux: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. & USC Honor Dorothy J. Hayes, Retired Music Educator

[Dorothy J. Hayes (The Carillon, June 2012, Georgia Laster Branch, NANM, Inc.)]

John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Los Angeles Alumnae, Upsilon, and Tau Delta chapters in collaboration with USC Center for Cultural & Student Affairs 2012 Kwanzaa Community Award Celebration on December 7th honored retired music educator Dorothy Hayes.

Dorothy Hayes was inducted into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority 50+ years ago while attending Tennessee State University. She later earned a master’s degree in piano performance from St. Louis University and another master degree in music education from University of Southern California (USC). Dorothy served in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 31 years. She earned a Bravo Teacher of the Year in the Arts Award. Dorothy is founder of the Georgia Laster Branch (NANM) Spotlight on Youth annual talent showcase and she is widely recognized for preparing students for local and national competitions. Dorothy Hayes has dedicated her life to music and young people. She has taught and tounced generations of accomplished musicians and performers.

The celebration included a performance of the South African song ‘Allunde’ featuring the Los Angeles Alumnae Delta Choraliers, drummer Taharka Anderson and audience participation under the spirited direction of Dan Ellen Joseph. Dan Ellen divided the audience into three parts (feet movements, claps, and voice) for an exhilarating call & response experience akin to some Negro spirituals. Dan Ellen also holds a master degree from USC.

Anticipating Dorothy Hayes was earning an extraordinary income for her tireless work, a young person once asked her what was her income. Dorothy’s philosophy is do the work day by day for GOD’S pay. Unfortunately, the sponsoring organizations did not include a bio of Dorothy Hayes in the printed program.

John Malveaux