Notes From Her

Welcome back to part three of MOC #10 Shaniee Kennedy’s interview in our COVID Self-Isolation Series! Are you struggling and looking for that light at the end of the tunnel? Listen to hear episode discuss her testimony and faith in God. It’s no secret that her and I are both Christ believers and Christ followers, so we have an honest conversation unpacking what it’s like to live a life by faith and not by sight, especially with the extremely tough times we are currently living in. Joi...

Welcome back to part two of MOC #10 Shaniee Kennedy’s interview in our COVID Self Isolation Series! Listen to this episode to hear Shaniee share the best and hardest things that come with being a music educator. From performing in the classrooms to the jail facilities, Shaniee shares the power of music! Shaniee gives great advice for how musicians can cope with their craft during COVID-19 quarantine. She discusses the importance of embracing her culture and identity as a Black woman in music...

Welcome back to our COVID Self-Isolation Series. Happy World Teacher Day! Meet MOC (musician of color) #10: Shaniee Kennedy! Shaniee Kennedy is a music educator, clarinetist, arts advocate, community servant, and former Miss California Icon! From conducting orchestras and marching bands, to successfully lobbying for music education California Senate Bills, to performing in the all-female clarinet quartet Four Play Clarinet, Shaniee is committed to serving others though the power of music. Lis...

Ixya Herrera is a Mexican music singer and daughter of Chicano activist/professor, renowned harpist, and Nahuatl Scholar Fermin Herrera. She has sung in both Spanish and Nahuatl all around the U.S. and Mexico. She is one of Mexican music’s star vocalists and gems! In Part 4 of her episode, Ixya and I discuss how she uses her artistry, style choices, and identity to embrace her Mexican femininity. She discusses breaking free from stereotypes, colorism, and over-sexualization of Latina women.&n...

Ixya Herrera is a Grammy-nominated Mexican music singer and daughter of Chicano activist/professor, renowned harpist, and Nahuatl Scholar Fermin Herrera. She has sung in both Spanish and Nahuatl all around the U.S. and Mexico. She is one of Mexican music’s star vocalists and gems! In part 3 of her interview, we dive deep into all things Mexican music and behind-the-scenes of her albums! Mexican music is not just mariachi and banda (although I love both sooo much!), but also includes a beautif...