HISTORY

In 2005 UAMA opened its doors to its first freshman class. UAMA inaugurated its signature Extended Studio (Xstudio) program in 2005, offering specialized arts programming during the school day. UAMA also established lead partnerships with Brooklyn Academy of Music, Pratt Institute, and Scratch DJ Academy, among others. Some recent highlights of Xstudio and partnership programming have included:

Meet and Greet with Lyfe Jennings

In August 2006, UAMA Freshmen and Sophomores traveled to the music studios of Sony BMG. Students met platinum artist, Lyfe Jennings, and had lunch with staff members of both Sony BMG and the Grammy Foundation. A tour of the studios followed.

Design for with Ecko Unlimited with Sweat Equity Enterprises

In Fall 2006, students in the Sweat Equity Enterprises Xstudio worked with Ecko Unlimited to create original jacket designs. They toured Ecko’s studios for a behind-the-scenes look at the different stages of design, and to meet professionals in the field. Their final designs were submitted to Ecko for commercial consideration.

Visit from Multi-Platinum Artist Bow Wow

On October 26, 2006, Students of the Emceeing and Songwriting and Music Production XStudios were welcomed by surprise guest, Multi-Platinum Recording Artist, Bow Wow. Bow Wow candidly introduced the students to his experiences in the music industry while answering their questions about his career path and the challenges of fame. Special thanks to Sony Urban, the Grammy Foundation and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Performance at Hip Hop Generation Next

In June 2007, UAMA hip hop dance Xstudio participants performed with Illstyle Peace Productions at the Hip Hop Generation Next show in Red Hook.

UAMA will graduate its first senior class in 2009. To prepare students for college and the world beyond, UAMA offers intensive college-bound programming, and is matching juniors and seniors with internship and job-shadowing opportunities. In Fall 2007, UAMA initiated its After Hours Studio program, which offers arts/enrichment courses after school. This includes Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls’ pilot after-school rock band and songwriting program housed at UAMA.

UAMA continues to build strong partnerships and programs, as we work towards our goal of becoming an arts destination and resource not only for the entire Urban Assembly network of small schools, but for the New York City community at-large.