aboutus

Our Instructors

About Us

We in no way imply that we are experts, but we
believe that if we can in some way inspire a young
person to explore their God given musical talent,
then our job is simple. We hope that through the
use of our musical talents, we can continue to
inspire youth.

If you are Sophomore in high school thru college
and have a desire to share the knowledge of your
instrument with a young person, join our team.
You must be able to work with children, read music,
and be proficient in your instrument and willing to
perform outside of Simple Gifts. Auditions,
references, and background checks are required

KAY JAY JAMES - PERCUSSIONIST

I was born in North Charleston, SC on May 10, 1991. As a musician, I
started learning how to play drums at the age of 9 and have steadily been
getting better as time has progressed. In the 6th grade I was accepted into
Rollings Middle School of the Arts. At Rollings, Theatre Arts was my core;
however, I was also involved in the middle school concert band. It was from
being a part of the concert band where I learned how to become a
productive percussionist instead of a simple drummer. I learned how to
play snare drums, bass drums, and keyboard instruments (with the
exception of piano.) After 3 years of training and practice, I left Rollings and
soon attended Fort Dorchester High School, where I joined the Fort
Dorchester Marching Patriots and soon became Pit Captain of the Front
Ensemble. As a sophomore, my placement was supposed to be on Bass
Line; however, I ended up as the Lead Snare of the Fort Dorchester Drum
line. After a year of intense training at the Fort, and considerate weekly
training in South Carolina State University each year, I consider myself ready
to teach those who share my same passion for music and use their talents
for the Glory of God. I am now 16 years old, Drum Sergeant of the entire
drum line, and push myself to the limit in order to help others reach their
potential. As a junior in high school, I plan on mastering my skills, but also
help others master theirs as well.

Akayla Ford - Piano

My name is Akayla. I'm 16 years old. I started taking piano
lessons in second grade at the age of six. Later I advanced my
studies by going to the North Charleston School of the Arts from
6th grade to 8th grade. Then I switched to Academic Magnet
High School to further my education. I still play piano but recently
started taking lessons for organ so that one day I can play at a
church. I've found that practice really does make perfect and if
you really love your instrument, practice won't feel like an
obligation anymore. It will be more like having fun. I am a junior.

Faith Davis - Guitar/Violin

I have been playing guitar for about 4-5 years now. I love to sit
down in a silent room and write songs to play and sing on my
guitar. I was trained in classical but now I like to pursue my
instrument in contemporary Christian. My older brother taught me
how to play violin when I was ten years old, I'm 16 so that would
be about 5 years ago. I use violin as my major at my school ,
Charleston County School of the Arts. I am a Junior. I have
ventured into playing other instruments in my past, such as:
saxophone, piano, double bass etc., but I've seemed to have
caught an interest more in guitar. I love small kids and I love to
learn new things my self. What i find to be the best feeling in life
is knowing that you can do something, knowing that you can do it
well, and knowing how to go back and show someone else.

Wanna Know More?

Alexis Brightharp - Violin

I'm a senior at the Charleston County School of the Arts, where
my major is violin. I am in many different extra-curricular and
youth ministries, along with school club activities. I have been
playing violin since I was 4 years old. I have been at the School
of the Arts since the 6th grade, but prior to this I attended Ashley
River elementary and was involved in the strings program. I am
apart of the Berke band flag twirlers. I enjoy teaching little kids
the art of violin. I have done outside performances such as
weddings and even playing at my church.

Brittnay Mitchell - Piano

I'm a Junior at the Charleston County School of the Arts. I have played at my
church, in weddings, and other programs. My goal is to become a concert
pianist.

Trey Stokes - Piano

I'm a 9th grade home schooler. I've been playing piano for over 5 years. I
also play with my church music group. I enjoy sharing my gift with children.

Gary Washington - Cello/Bass guitarist

I'm age 16, I play the Bass guitar at Heart to Heart Ministries. I
have been playing music for 6 years. I started with the violin,
double bass to cello and electric bass. I also play in a drum line. I
am co-captain of the line at Timberland High school. I have
received a scholarship to study at the College of Charleston on
the cello. I am apart of the Charleston academy of music honors
program. I was first bass advance all county from 2006-07. I
made first cello 2006-07. I was invited to tour Orlando, Florida
due to my auditions. I was orchestra president 2005-06. I have
played at festivals, parties, jazz gigs, and invited to perform at
weddings, churches and schools. I performed at South Carolina
State football stadium. I have a lot to share with a student and I
look forward to teaching.

Tamica King - Violin

My name is Tamica, and I am 16 years old. I am a sophmore at
Timberland High School. I have been playing the violin for 6
years. I have a scholarship to the Charleston Academy of Music
Honors Program from 2003 to present for the violin. I was Vice
President in my school orchestra for 2 years. I have played at
my church, as well as other numerous concerts and I have also
played in local festivals. Even though I want to be a
pediatrictian, I still plan to countinue with the violin as my hobby.

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Carlene Benn - Violin

My name is Charlene. I am 16 years old and have been playing
the violin for many years. I have received a scholarship to study
at the College of Charleston on the violin. I am apart of the
Charleston Academy of Music Honors Program. I am actively
involved in a strings ensemble. We perform at different venues.
I enjoy performing with the violin. I have been a peer instructor at
my school, where I had the opportunity to instruct under the
supervision of my teacher. I enjoy children and sharing the gift of
music.

Bobby Downey - Percussionist

I have been playing drums for 9 years. I started playing
when i was 5 years old. I started playing at my church on the
bongos. I am now an active musician for my church. I used
to be the percussion leader in band at my school. I play in a
group with Faith Lyn. I also play a little xylophone, snare and
other percussion instruments. I attend Fort Dorchester high
in honors classes. I play for the glory of God and I want to
teach my students to find their talent and play for the glory of
God.

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