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From the walls of Graves Hall, an unassumingly inspiring Morehouse residence hall, a musical performance group was formed. Marlon Booker, Julian Booker, and Gary Clark, all juniors at Morehouse College call themselves Gold Shades. The trio creates a versatile sound charmingly equivocal to their diverse backgrounds. The group started from a small acapella choir called the Hilltones. The three bonded over their shared love for music and instruments. They play over ten different instruments some of which include the drums, clarinet, ukulele, piano, cello, flute, French horn, and the dizi flute. Gold Shades’ chemistry outside of the studio is something truly special. Although Marlon and Julian Booker are identical twins, all three young men consider themselves family. “I’m the third twin,” Clark said. He added that the trust and connection between the three helps the group dynamic a lot because they know each other’s voices well. They chose to call themselves Gold Shades because as Clark puts it, “it sounds regal,” and yet it’s still very marketable and catchy. However, the trio is more than catchy; they are captivating. This past summer, Shades made it through Amateur Night at the historic Apollo Theater in New York City with rousing applause. “When we walked in the restaurant afterwards, people just started clapping,” Clark said. Gold Shades experienced something that only the most talented musicians have survived. It takes real talent to please the boisterous crowd at The Apollo, and the trio did not disappoint. They use big-stage the best performers that we can be.' Julian said. Largely inspired, Gold Shades is shifting to focus on the depth of their music, which already provides an alluring and unpredictable sound. “The Apollo taught us about the style of music that we want to focus on,” said Marlon. With that in mind, Gold Shades is looking to change from contemporary to a more soulful style. “It’s something people wouldn’t expect from us, Clark said. As artists, the three believe it is their duty to provide a positive message through their music. The three young men aim to achieve unity through music, and thus work tirelessly to improve their sound. “We want to bring communities together through our art,” Marlon said. Be on the lookout for this dynamic trio. They are sure to leave a lasting impression. YouTube: Gold Shades Music Twitter: @goldshades Gold performances as motivation to improve. The experience at the Apollo showed us how to he Morehouse College and VH1’s Save the Music a Benefit Concert By: Alexis Dulan C2016 The educators and students of the Atlanta University Center are collectively committed to servicing both local communities and the nation in profound ways. September 5th marked the date in which Morehouse College and VHl’s Save the Music Foundation hosted a benefit concert to raise funds for the foundation. The event was held at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center, a $20 million building designed in honor of the musical legend who would have been delighted to see music unite so many people. Funds raised during the concert will be used to purchase instruments and to fund music programs that expose children to the world of music through crafting talented musicians. Morehouse College students and students from the AUC showcased their individual talents through music and performing arts. As service is an important part of the missions of the schools within the AUC, this was a unique opportunity to give back that allows students to express themselves through the arts. Just because the event is over doesn’t mean you can’t do your part to save the music. Visit; http://www.vh1savethemusic.org/ Follow them on Twitter @vh1savethemusic Facebook; VH1 Save the Music Foundation FALL MUSIC FESTIVALS & CONCERTS FESTIVALS A3C (All 3 Coasts) Music Festival: Dates: October 2-6 Featured Artists: Ghostface Killah, Questlove, Bun B, Too Short, Schoolboy Q, A$AP Ferg, Young Dro, Meek Mill, Talib Kweli Prices: S60 through September, $75 through October & at the door A3C also has platforms in education, film, style, pro audio, art, technology, gaming, sports, break-dance. Check the website for more. Website: www.a3cfestival.com Candler Park Fall Fest Dates: Saturday, September 28, 2013 12:00pm -10:00pm Sunday, September 29, 2013 12:00pm -8:00pm Prices: Free Admission Put on by the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization, live bands and artists will perform over the weekend. Other events include, 150+ artist booths, a kids’ area, and a 5K run. Website: http://atlantabuzz.com/event/candler-park- fall-fest/ Concerts (Check the venue websites for info on pricing) John Mayer & Phillip Phillips 9/27 7:30pm, Aarons Amphitheater at Lakewood, in Atlanta 20 FACTS About Todays College First-Year Students The Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA released its annual survey of nearly 220,000 freshmen, who attend 1,555 four-year colleges and universities. The following are facts about first-year college students who graduated from high school in 2011. • 76% of first-years were accepted into their No. 1 college. • The No. 1 reason students gave for attending their chosen schools was they have a “very good repu tation.” Only 18.2% said national magazine college rankings were “very important” in their decision. • 71% of students rated themselves as either being in the top 10% of students or above-average in their academic ability. • 69.5% of incoming students received grants or scholarships as compared to 73.4% in 2010. Only 26.8% received $10,000 or more in scholarships versus 29.2% in 2010. • More than 28% said they frequently felt over whelmed by all they had to do. • 42% of first-years expect to earn a master’s degree. • 55% of first-years attend school no more than 100 miles from home. • 55% of students took at least one Advanced Place ment class and 21.7% took at least five AP courses. • About 50% of first-years earned a grade point aver age no worse than an A- in high school. • In their senior year, 46.5% of the students frequent ly or occasionally fell asleep in class. • Only 39.5% of first-years reported that they studied at least six hours a week as high school seniors. • More than 37% selected a college that’s no more than 50 miles away from mom and dad. • During a typical week in their senior year in high school, about 30% of the college-bound students did no pleasure reading. • 21 % of first-years estimated that their parents earned at least $150,000 a year. • There are more liberal first-years (27.6%) than conservative students (20.7%). The majority of stu dents describe themselves as “middle of the road. • 25% of first-years said they would need math tutoring. • While many students live near enough to bring their laundry home, only 14% of first-years attend college 500 or more miles away. • 18% of students estimated that their parents earned less than $30,000 a year. • Paying for college is a “major” concern for only 12% of first-years. • Opinions about same-sex marriage have changed significantly, with 71.3% of first-years supporting the right to marry versus 64.9% two years ago. . OTHER IMPORTANT FACTS • According to a new study released by financial services firm Sallie Mae, • More than 6 in 10 students strongly agree that taking out loans is a better option than skipping college. • 34% of 18 to 24 year old students took out federal loans, a 4 percent increase from the year before, and a 9 percent increase from 2008-2009. • Student borrowing was at its highest rate in four years, adding up to 18% of the total spent, up from 14% in the 2008-2009 school year. The average fed eral student loan taken among students surveyed was $7,874 for 2011-2012; average private student loan borrowing totaled $8,096. • As many as one in three first year students doesn’t make it back for sophomore year because of financial concerns, academic struggles, and family concerns. • Parents, families and friends contribute to the 77% graduation and retention rate of Spelman students. HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT SPELMAN COLLEGE... GIVE TO THE ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN! Lionel Richie, 9/27 8pm, Chastain Park Amphitheater, Atlanta Fall Out Boy &. Panic! At the Disco, 09/28, 7:30pm, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park, Alpharetta, Ga. The Weekend, 09/30, 7:30 pm at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, Atlanta J. Cole & Wale, 10/4, 8:00 pm at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, Atlanta Toro Y Moi, 10/16, Time TBD, Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta India. Arie, 10/18, 8:00 pm, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta Janelle Monae, 11/26, 8pm at The Tabernacle in Atlanta