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 If you've ever doubted the healing power of music, you haven't seen Gaynell Colburn's one-woman show. Percussionist and vocalist Colburn is the founder of the Telsie B. Howard Foundation, a non-profit organization that presents health and wellness programs to disadvantaged youth. As part of the foundation's work, Colburn gives hundreds of performances a year in schools, churches, and hospitals, blending her considerable musical talents with hard-hitting motivational talks that empower youth as well as adults with the belief that they can rise above adversity to achieve excellence. And Colburn knows plenty about both adversity and excellence: This musician and motivator, entertainer and educator, survived a childhood of abuse, learning disabilities, and an automobile crash that left her paraplegic at age 16.
Gaynell's mother sensed her daughter's musical talents when Gaynell was a baby -- squirming in absolutely perfect time to jazz records - and fashioned some homemade drums for her. By the time Gaynell was 12 she was playing percussion professionally. She has since performed on Bill Cosby's CD, with soul singer Patti Austin, Grover Washington Jr., Herbie Hancock, and Dave Valentine to name a few. She has also toured with the legendary Stevie Wonder. She appears in Wonder's video "My Eyes Don't Cry" and is on the soundtrack for TV's "The Cosby Show" and "A Different World ." She enjoys a variety of musical genres -- gospel, Latin, r&b, jazz, classical, and show music. She is a concert percussionist and master programmer of computerized music as well.
But her steadiest gig is the one she's most passionate about. Since 1985, Colburn has delivered her musical and motivational message from her wheelchair, with LP congas, bongos and many other assorted LP instruments at hand and her computerized digital drums and "band" behind her.
Besides her faith, her mother, and her grandmother, Colburn remembers a time when music was the only joy in her life. She adds, "Now when I see the smiling faces of the children I meet, I sometimes see myself in some of the children who are suffering. Somebody needs to speak on their behalf and let them know that they are loved. That we do care and there is always hope. Don't give up - look up."
Equipment list: LP congas and bongos and much more
To learn more about Gaynell Colburn and the Telsie B. Howard Foundation, please visit http:www.tbhoward.org
The Telsie B. Howard Foundation
The Telsie B. Howard Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Gaynell Colburn as a tribute to her late grandmother, Mrs. Telsie B. Howard (1881-1985). This organization provides national service programs to youth communities. Their focus is to maximize one's potential in spite of their circumstances by learning to be an "anyhow" person. It serves to inspire, encourage and to teach others total wellness. "No matter what, you can make it anyhow, anyhow, anyhow" through the programs and professional services provided by presenter, Dr. Colburn. She is a physician; a dynamic world class motivational keynote speaker, and has her Ph.D. in Health Sciences and Pediatric Wellness. She is a health consultant for Pediatric Wellness, a member of the National Medical Association, as well as a vocalist and concert percussionist for Bill Cosby and Stevie Wonder. She presents motivational and educational programs to youth and groups of all ages.
Her presentations include substance abuse prevention, safety, disability awareness, healthy starts, wellness and several other programs. Her focus is on the youth, from the heart. Dr. Colburn's empowerment lectures are fortified with the total wellness concept. Her motivation for these programs stems from her tragic childhood and being a victim of an impaired driver in an alcohol-related automobile accident. Because someone else chose to drink and drive, Dr. Colburn is in a wheelchair today. These programs are supported by her educational background and life experiences. She has over 14 years of experience as a motivational keynote speaker and entertainer.
The "It's Inside" Tour is a national program which has been presented for entities such as: The White House, Hawaii's Department of Education, Department of Defense, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, Students Against Destructive Decisions, NOVA, Louisiana Highway Safety, Rehabilitation Centers, Safe And Drug Free Schools, Hospitals for chronically and critically ill children as well as adults, Baltimore Health Department, and Baltimore City Public Schools. Dr. Colburn has presented programs to groups of all ages. Through the Foundation she has appeared in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, giving performances to thousands of youth and adults. She has tremendous success with her programs in at risk communities, schools, colleges, and conferences nationwide. Any of these programs can be tailored to meet the needs accordingly.
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