Manchester, NH-May 10, 2006-In an effort to bring music back to the community, Stinnett Academy of Music performed for student audiences at Manchester Central High School yesterday in the school’s intimate McAllaster Hall. Following the performance, Jim Stinnett, Musical Director of S.A.M. lead a lecture and demonstration in conjunction with Stinnett Academy’s resident performance group, Below C Level. The members of Below C Level: Shane Alessio, Amherst, MA; Brent Rusinow, Milwaukee, WI; and Grant Stinnett, Candia, NH were featured. Faculty drummer and guest artist Thomas Arey, Tolland, CT joined the group for the event.


Each member played a solo composition and answered questions ranging from the techniques that were used for each piece to the kind of electronics on their equipment. The school’s goal in this clinic was to “…teach students that music can be a key to the hearts and minds of students while teaching them the discipline they will need to succeed in any endeavor they may pursue,” said Jim. Jim also especially thanked Band Director at Central High School, Ed Sterling, Candia, NH for inviting Stinnett Academy to Central High. He went on to express Stinnett Academy’s wish to partner with Central High School’s music program in the future to help enrich the lives of future musicians in the New England area.

Stinnett Academy Of Music is a non-profit organization dedicated to the teaching and performance of quality music. All styles and genres are included in the curriculum at S.A.M., with an emphasis on contemporary music. “My goal is to develop a program focused on helping each individual student learn how and what to practice to reach his or her goals.” The S.A.M. faculty includes: Tom Arey, Rob Gourlay, David Howard, Everett B. Pendleton, and Jamie Stinnett.