Gwen Moten at World Trade Center, the 5th anniversary of 9/11
A well known writer, A. Peter challenged me to try to fulfill my dreams of becoming a professional singer in New York. His words that stayed with me were “If you don’t try you will always wonder in your mind what if…”
I knew he was right. A few months later I applied, as a student, to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, was accepted, and moved to New York City” says Gwen Moten.
Welcoming new opportunities with an open heart and spirit has taken Ms. Moten to phenomenal places. “I came from Birmingham Alabama,” a historic place, “to the White House” she says.
Gwen Moten is Legendary. Her distinguished performing and vocal training career spans from Broadway performer to college instructor and from concert artist to choral trainer throughout the United States and five continents. She is an accomplished producer, music copyist and transcriber.
When students learn of her accomplishments, “They feel a degree of ownership that these possibilities have been met by someone,” says Ms. Moten.
“I try to get young people to see and take in and learn the importance of being open to guidance, and having an open heart and spirit.” These qualities open doors to success, Ms. Moten explains.
Was she scared when she went to the White House? Did she lack confidence and poise? Not exactly. “When I was asked by the Clinton Administration to be the American Cultural Specialist, I was prepared,” she says. It was because of having been in a Cotillion and the type of training I received there.”
Ms. Moten points to her upbringing as a marker for her success. “I was always learning by participating in character building extra curricular activities in the community, at church, and at school while keeping my grades up.”Her participation in debutante balls (Cotillions) taught her the social graces that prepared her to meet President Bill Clinton and dignitaries from around the world during the course of her singing career.
In 2008 Ms. Moten initiated a Cotillion program for Newark youth that would impart interpersonal skills. The Cotillion was 18 weeks of guidance and training. It included 30 courses to impart skills to help create positive and powerful global citizens. Any student could participate, and the selection of students who participated included 11th & 12th graders from all Newark High Schools. The City paid for everything. Students talked about how it changed their lives. “When I began to read these statements I began to cry,” Ms. Moten confesses.
The goal was for students to learn the skills to feel comfortable in real life situations, at the White House or in a business interview. “It’s the same kind of training that I received,” she says.
Ms. Moten and a team of staff members, working with Melvin Waldrop, the Director of the City of Newark’s Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services, produced the City of Newark’s first Cotillion program, held February 14th, 2009. The event was funded by the Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services. The Department hopes to host future cotillons, and is working to fundraise accordingly.
More on Gwen Moten. After a few years performing internationally, teaching and working with professional choirs in New York, Gwen Moten became Director of Newark Boys Choir. She stayed with the chorus eight years. Since 1997 Ms. Moten has held the position of Supervisor of Cultural Services for the City of Newark. As head of Cultural Services for the City of Newark Ms. Moten has initiated and produced many new programs and events. In the City of Newark Ms. Moten was honored and named ‘A Living Legend’ and serves as City Commissioner on the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission.
© 2011 W. S. Hughes
