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StoryCraft part 1: I am music

Antonio Stinson is sitting in chair in the center of the photo, wearing white pants and holding a microphone. He sits with others in the activity room at the Grant Center.
Antonio Stinson (center) records himself during StoryCraft, a youth storytelling initiative and collaboration between BPR and Asheville Writers In The Schools and Community. Also pictured: Clement (left), artist mentor Liz Garland, and Tori (right).

In the first part of StoryCraft, we learn about the origins of the partnership with BPR and Asheville Writers In The Schools and Community, and we introduce you to one of the youth poets – 15-year-old Antonio Stinson, now in the 9th grade at Asheville High School. During StoryCraft’s summer 2021 storytelling workshops, Antonio used the writing prompt “Who am I?” to develop a powerful poem that uses musical structure and composition to explore the role music plays in his life.  

“I want people to think about good times, when things were good, because that is what it is for me - music helps me be free, and it helps me have fun.” --Antonio Stinson 

Click the audio above to hear StoryCraft Part 1: I am music 

Learn more about StoryCraft here

StoryCraft is featured in AWITSC’s annual El Arte de la Abundancia (The Art of Abundance) virtual showcase Saturday November 20th at 8:00 PM and in-person exhibit at the Arthur R. Edington Education & Career Center November 19-21. Reserve your free ticket here; COVID safety protocols are in place with limited viewings Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

I am music  

By Antonio Stinson 

I am music, because that is what I am.  

I am music because that is what I know.  

I am music because that is what I do.  

I am music because that is what I know how to do. 

I am music because that is what I'm born into.  

I am music because that is who I am.  

I am music because that is what I want to do.  

I am music because my life is a constant song just stuck on repeat waiting for things to pan out. I am music because I feel like I don't fit in anywhere in the world.  

I am music because music frees me from the real world.  

I am music because my life is a constant beat and I’m ready to shift the tone.  

I am music because my life is like a book ready to get on the next chapter. 

I am music because I feel like nobody understands me whatever I'm telling them and I'm ready for them to turn up the volume so they can hear me.  

I am music because I am like a newborn baby being told what to do.  

I am music because that is what describes me.  

I am music because that is what I make new friends with.  

I am music because that is what I discovered how to do.  

I am music because that is what I connect with.  

I am music because that is what I have fun with.  

I am music because that is my passion.  

And I am music, because that is my key to life.  

Credits

StoryCraft’s 2021 talent includes: Liam, Age 13; Clement, Age 12; Anderson, Age 12; Lorelei, Age 13; Isaiah, Age 11; Davaughn, Age 13; Jaydin, Age 13; Azia, Age 14; Tamia, Age 14; Emily, Age 14; West, Age 13; Emillia, Age 14; Keiya, Age 13; Ahmaria, Age 12; Antonio, Age 15; Tori, Age 15; Zaryah, Age 13; Payton, Age 13

StoryCraft 2021’s artist mentors include CocoEva Soleil LuzGuerrero Alcazar, Elizabeth Garland, Micah Mackenzie, Cass Herrington and Catherine Komp. Project managers and producers include Sekou Coleman, Micah Mackenzie and Catherine Komp. 

Thank you to Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center Staff for welcoming StoryCraft during the summer 2021 program and assisting with the StoryCraft sessions: Jessica Johnston, Facility Manager; Alic Wynn, Facility Supervisor; Khadeesha Crumbly, Zuke Samon and Corden Floyd, Summer Program Staff.

StoryCraft is part of the America Amplified initiative, a national public media collaboration focused on community engagement reporting.

Funding for StoryCraft comes in part from: Asheville Writers in the Schools, BPR’s McGuire Fund for Journalism, America Amplified, Asheville Area Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program and the North Carolina Arts Council Arts Equity Project.

Catherine Komp joined Blue Ridge Public Radio in September 2020 as the organization’s first Director of Content, leading BPR’s talented team of local journalists and content creators, overseeing national programming and facilitating collaborations and engagement initiatives.
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