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Things have been very busy these past few months.....its already October had I haven't updated my blog in nearly 4 months! So here is the pictorial review....lots of pictures....a few sound files....some videos...and even soma little personal/private information. Now...let me hear back from you!! Be well.
Darnell
PS. I am in the process of planning for my new website.....time for a face-lift....a new look...a bright new concept.....please let me know your thoughts....advice...or recommendations on how I can improve upon it. Thanks.
"For Memories Sake - Father Daughter Dance"
The Ishmel Sister's (10, 8, and 7)
Uncle Dan goes to the "Father Daughter Dance" with his nieces
Me and my brother Jamale pose for a quick pic just before attending the "Father Daughter Dance" with his girls
Jamale and his lovely wife of 10-plus year...my sister....Korienne....(don't let her petite stature and charming smile fool you.....she is a terror on a HammondB-3 organ...fa realz!!!)
She and Jamale first met years ago when she sang soprano in my community choir Life Everlasting
I always get welcome greetings and hugs and kisses from my "sweet babies".....visits back home are always therapeutic
Scenes from the "Father Daugther Dance" at Linden Charter Academy in Flint, Michigan.
Though small in number....it was encouraging to see the men there to make this priceless memory with these precious young ladies.
Some were fathers....but there was a significant number uncles, grandfathers, and other male figures among us.
This marks the second year of the event and I understand that this was a record turn out.
My nieces had been talking about their desire for us all to go for nearly 2 years.
The table favors included these little sparkling starlets that were strewn all over the dinner table. Some how the girls got the notion that these decorations were not for the table only...but worked well as personal adornments.
The notion continued that everyone should be adorned as such.....so the girls took to sprinkling me with the sparkling starlets. How could I protest?
And naturally, daddy received the lions share of the attention.
After dinner and words of expression given by each of the girls present....it was time to hit the dance floor.
Daddy gets down with babies.
Resisting the temptation to be a conservative and stuffy old stiffy.....I am compelled to cut the rug with my niece on the dance.....lol..
Yeah....there I go.....looking a bit awkward and foolish.....but feeling VERY gay...(in the old traditional sense of the word mind you.....lol)I really must learn to do the electric slide. I am an Alpha and can't even stroll....let alone step!!!
Uncle Dan dances with Jarienne....Uncle Darnell dances with JaShuna....and Janel dances with her daddy Jamale. Priceless photo....I just wish the jack-legg photographer (their mama Korienne) would have gotten our HEADS in the picture too!! LOL
It was truly a festive and memorable time.In June of 2007, I had the opportunity to attend an appreciation service celebrating the life and legacy of Rose Marie Rimson Brown. This woman has been an active and celebrated recording artist for over 50 years but has never received the recognition (or renumeration) she rightfully deserves.
Click below to see a video of Rose singing for the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and the famed Southwest Michigan State Choir
YouTube - Mattie Moss Clark "Write My Name Above"
The service was awesome. Master musicians and vocal technicians from all over the Midwest came to the small Fountain Church of God in Christ in Ann Arbor, Michigan to demonstrate their love and appreciation of Madame Brown. It was truly an honor to be numbered among them.Click here to hear my impromptu remarks. - Rose Brown appreciation service
Click here to hear my attempt at "a verse and a chorus" - Darnell sings "Christ the Solid Rock"
Years ago....we in the COGIC and Pentecostal church circles had what we called "Midnight Musicals." Basically....this was organized as a late night church service that feature Gospel music as the main focus....they generally happenend on Friday night.....and though perhaps unspoken at the time.....I am sure it was meant to be an alternative to going to the clubs....a way of keeping the young people of the streets and in the church house. In any case....these service would start late in the evening.....like around 9 or 10 pm.....though some literally did start at 12midnight....and would feature an array of local and regional talent.
Detroit was a hot-bed for these type of services and depending on who coordinated the services....you may have a program with a teen-aged Thomas Whitfield, the Clark Sisters, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and the Winans Family all on the same night!....(along with a host of other equally talent singers and musicians). Very often the programs would run over their time and there would still be singers who had yet to be presented.....so rather than denying them the opportunity to sing....or suffer through 2-3 of their prepared selections...the program coordinator would tell the singer to "just give us a verse and a chorus".
Well this meant that the singer would need to convey all aspects of ones aptitude....ability....and artistry....in 60-90 seconds.....the space of a verse and a chorus from your favorite hymn. Many good singers failed to deliver....not because of a lack of talent but because they just did not understand how to "build a song". They would either start too low and not go any where....or they would start at full throttle and have no where else left to go. Therein lies the difference between a performer and an artist. Command of ones instrument allows one to perform/present......command of ones artistry allows one to transcend and truly become the testimony of the song/lyric/music.
Pioneers like Rose Marie now how to take a verse and chorus from a simple hymn....and in a matter of 60-90 seconds will take you from 2 to 10.......(on a scale of a 1-10).....She will start from a childlike whisper and in a matter of moments......soar to a soul stirring holler. Now understand....the scale is NOT about the quality of ones voice....but about ones ability to communicate with and move the spirit of the listener. Unfortunately....this is a dying art among most Pentecostals. Many singers today will sing a whole song and still never do anything that stirs the hearts of the people.
In terms of my presentation of "Christ the Solid Rock" I give myself a 4 to 7. Clearly....I need to work on it.
The Ishmel Music Experience - an evolution in artistic vision and human development.Visit the website
www.ishmelmusic.com
My Brother Jamale sits proudly at the helm as Founder/CEO of The Ishmel Music Experience
We have started a company to sell my mother bake goods....principally her homemade breads and cakes.
Also...her homemade cookie dough!
Move over Mrs. Fields!! Gangway Bettye Crocker!Grandmanootsie's is on the way up!!!
Grandmanootsie's Old Fashion German Chocolate Cake
Grandmanootsie's Homemade Pound Cake
Grandmanootsie's Homemade Burger Buns
Adieu Alistair's Gourmet Turkey Burgers
I believe I will make a great Tonio, Rigoletto, Renato, and Iago. Just wait and see!
Opera Faces
Martina Arroyo Foundation - Prelude to Performance Summer Opera Program in NYC, 2007.
Steven Horak, Metropolitan Opera Makeup/Wigs Designer, masterfully facilitates a session on make-up for singers for color. (The week prior, he gave equal time to general make-up for singers.)
The splendid soprano, Lillian Robertson, sits willingly for the master craftsman.I first met Ms. Roberts at regionals for the Marian Anderson Voice Competition in San Francisco. She took first place. I finished third.
Darnell as Luther in the 2007 Prelude to Performance production of "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" by Offenbach
20-something tenor Gabriel Nochlin- Gargari becomes an 80-something Frantz for Tales of Hoffmann. 
Me again as Luther.....but I also think that with a wig....this look would work well for me as Tonio for SOMEBODY'S production of Pagliacci
Many of these wigs were made by hand....some custom made for this production. Your looking at many many many $1,000's of dollars.
This is one that was made for me.....even has my name on it!...lol.
Here is another handcrafted wig....this is me as Crespel...people kept telling me I was quite "handsome in a wig"...and that...I "looked good in a wig"
Here is a full body shot of me as Crespel...taken back stage.
Soprano, Carol Staton as the divine Stella....taken back stage
Bass, John Dominick as one of his four villainous roles....I forget which.
Soprano, Samantha Mowery, as Olympia REALLY delivered a show stopping rendition of the Dolls aria.
Bass Eui-Jin Kim as one of the Four Villians
Celebrated accompanist and coach, Ronald Land posses with soprano, Yelena Levenson as Olympia. 
Bass Eui-Jin Kim as yet ANOTHER one of the Four Villians.Charles Caine, former Metropolitan Opera Costume Designer of 20-plus years, is responsible for helping us attain such a high level of authenticity in our appearance.
Darnell as the love-stuck, soulless, and sinister Schlemil.....and yes.....yet ANOTHER wig.
Tenor, (and Harvard University Football Player) Noah Van Neil prepares for his role as Spalanzini.
Scene from Tales of Hoffmann.....Darnell as Luther
Scene from Hoffmann....Darnell as Crespel
Darnell with Mezzo, Allison Robertson as she prepares for her appearnces a Dorabella in the 2007 Prelude to Performance production of Mozart's Cosi fan tutte
Soprano, Lillian Roberts prepares for her appearance as Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte
Darnell with South African tenor Phandulwazi Masseti. This guy has some kind of voice...clear...bright...focused...a lovely sound...and a great person.
Phandulwazi as Ferando in Cosi fan tutte. (Looks kinda like one of those George Shirley photos from back in the day)Click here to hear him sing his aria
He had never been to Times Square....so I had to oblige him to make the memory.
Wazi again.....taking in Times Square
Between sessions....I would usually take my lunch on a park bench right outside of Central Park....and I continue studying my music.
On this particular day.....I had finished my lunch....only to look down and discover...that I had been strateling a dead mouse the entire time!
Me trying to look sporty after my workout at Bally's up in the Bronx.And yes....I really do LOVE New York!
I really must invest in a good pair of sunglasses....I so disdain that scowl...lol
A street scene in Harlem...somewhere near Amersterdam and 139th
This guy does an EXCELLENT job.....his kuts are so precise....
Look at that hairline....that dome....(and NAW....he didn't do nothin to my eyebrows....they got their own natural thickness and arch....came with the genes....lol)
Maybe I should be a hair model....like for one of those men's magazines....or some haircare product.
Nothing like a view from the back.....do you see the subtle precision of that tapper??!!
I have been living in Harlem for months....and never once dared across the street to this place for dinner.
Mostly cuz even though it was relatively inexpensive by NYC standards....I could not afford it!
But this was July 5th....my birthday.....I was determined to treat myself......and so....this was my birthday dinner...Grilled salmon....1 piece of fried whiting....plantain on a bed of Spanish rice....(unfortunately the restaurant's steamer was broke....so I was unable to get steamed broccoli..... :-( oh well....no veggies this time...lol!)Delectable!
Later that night....I went down to Times Square with Rod Gailes......I had a hankering for ice cream....this was my first time at the famous Cold Stone.
It would NOT be my last!! That is some good cream.
"HIStory in the Making"
Making my debut with Cincinnati Opera.
Top floor...corner apartment...Garfiled Towers in downtown Cincinnati
Down comforter and pillows! Big ol luxurious bed. (So why am I sleeping on the floor??!)
Yes...it kinda has a late 70's thing going.....but I could dig it here for a while
If not you, then who? If not now, then when?
There was this huge poster advertising the Parker opera....so of course I had to get a picture.
The beautiful wall mounts in the lobby.
QUESTION: Was Frederick Douglass an Alpha?ANSWER: Not during his lifetime. But because of his relationship to Jewell Henry Arthur Callis it was deemed appropriate and indeed adopted that he be inducted posthumously as an honorary member.
A depiction of slaves shackled in the belly of a ship. Off course the slaves were actually packed more closely together....much like sardines.
A real life Slave Pen
This chamber depicted the Middle Passage...it reminded me of aquatic cave....the colorful column to my left was filled with marbles and seashells....millions of them....off course the shells represent the sea.....but each marble represent a person (an African captive) who was lost at sea during....there seemed to be millions of marbles!I wept.
This is the flame of freedom.
Scenes of northern Kentucky.....just across the Ohio River.
Surrounded by the ball parks.
The other ball park.
A moment of reflection.Reflection is good for the soul.
Tindley Boys Choir.....1998
I wonder where these youngsters are today?
Darnell with the Tindley Boys Quartet. (During my time in San Francisio, the Charles A. Tindley was one of six national replication sites for the famed Boys Choir of Harlem.)These young men had the opportunity to travel to South Africa and sing for president Mandela at his guest home in Peoria.
Matthew Eashman, Anthony Eashman, (College grads and members of Kappa Alpha Psi), Jacore Baptiste (yes the recording artist), and Duriel Davis (Fashion Model)
Darnell and the Piney Woods Quartet with then former General Colin Powell at the Congressional Black Caucus Dinner in Washington DC
(Yes....I know quartet means for....and quintet means five.....but I learned very early when traveling with young voices....subject to change...that if your presentation is based on 4-part harmony....it is best to bring a flexible 'spare'...a back-up...as it were...in case singing one of the youth takes ill or goes through a vocal change on the road)
Piney Woods Quartet with Bishop Desmond Tutu at the African American Institute Dinner in New York. (Dan, Pili, Marvel, Courtney, and Noah)And about the quartet/quintet thing.....it was a good 'attention getter'
With the late Dr. Bettye Shabazz....widow of the late Malcolm X.....sorry but I don't recall the occasion.
Darnell, Dan, and Noah with Jessie Jackson in Harare, ZimbabwePiney Woods Quartet sings Lift Every Voice and Sing in both French and English inside a slave dungeon at Goree Island, Senegal
I strive to lead a transparent life. Yes...I have some things that are personal...and some that are private....but I have very few things that would classify as "a secret".....and far less that I would consider embarrassing. (Thank God) Some stuff in life....I just don't have an ego about......and so....I share the following.....with the hope that somebody out there is able to look beyond the delicacies of the personal details and is encouraged by overarching message therein.
June 14, 2007
Dear Shawn and Kimberly,
About 2 ½ weeks ago, I left New York with approximately $140 in the bank and traveled there on Greyhound from New York. I went to do Detroit area auditions for COLORS, to work on my upcoming opera roles and to visit with my family. I was there for 10 days…ran low on funds…and to top it off…ended up missing my flight out…and had to stay an extra 3 days during which time I had to "find" $200 for a new ticket. Thanks to a friend who loaned me the money, I was able to return to New York via plane on Monday June 11.
Just before leaving the house in Flint and as I was saying my goodbye blessings, my mother very quietly slipped something into my jacket pocket. This was, for me, a first. I don't ever recall her doing this before. Nevertheless, without any fanfare, I gave her a quiet nod to acknowledge my receipt. When I got to the car I discovered that she had given me $10…..what was probably her last $10. I was almost overcome with a rush of emotion. Boyish surprise…at the thought of a mother who still knows how to create those…."Christmas-like moments" for her now adult children. Then there was the feeling of deep desperation and self-disappointment for being in a position where my mother is (yet again) giving me her last $10. Then there was a flash of angst and anger….as I started pleading with God…"How long is this to be my course in life?"…"When will I ever be in a place of unquestionable provision?" Then…as quickly as I began…I stopped my talk to God. Less for reason for a repentant heart…but more so for fear if I continued…I would just lose it emotionally. Then everyone would be asking me "what's wrong?....why are you crying so…and acting a fool?"
No one knew that I was leaving Flint with $3 on my person…(mostly in change…because I knew it takes $2 in COINS to ride the bus from the airport to 125th in Harlem…..and then it's $2 to take the subway from 125th to 145th. I knew I would be a dollar short…so I was prepared to walk the remaining 20 blocks….wearing a conservative corporate blue blazer….burdened with luggage….well after midnight….through Harlem!!...NOT advisable) Well know….because of my mother….I had $13! THAT would be enough to use public transportation back to the apartment AND make 4 one-way trips down to 86th Street for opera rehearsal with the Arroyo program next week…(and….I was prepared to walk from rehearsal back up to 145th Street…as I did much of last summer.)
Most people would probably agree that it is always a bitter-sweet feeling to go through ones postal mail upon return from an extended travel. It is a sense of sweet anticipation because you wonder if you will get anything along the lines of a personal letter…or at least something interesting. And it is bitter disappointment because the mailbox is usually flooded with bills and junk mail. I was so pleased to see the large manila envelop from you and Kimberly. Because of the size and padding I was expecting some photos of you and the family….or perhaps a CD of some of your latest musical developments. In my hast to delve into the contents, I misappropriated the scissors and cut of an edge of the documents therein. I was reminded to take my time and be more careful.
You cannot begin to imagine my overwhelming surprise when I discovered that there was an envelope inside the manila one….and that it had an official looking document in it…AND…with my name on it. At first I thought you had sent it to me in error….then I thought perhaps it was some other form that I needed to fill out for your college stuff…..then I saw that it looked more like a check rather than a recommendation form. So then I thought….maybe it was some time of well-intentioned gag gift….(like a fake promissory note or something)….one of those elaborate Hallmark gift-card type of things.
When I discovered that it was indeed a check….and that it was for me….and in THAT amount…..I was stupefied...speechless….and in a genuine state of shock…I literally had to take a seat. Then I was flush with regret….and repentance for having questioned God in such a manner. To learn from your letter that you (by the leading of the Holy Ghost) had set this provision set aside for me weeks ago was truly overwhelming. And I began to hate that part of myself that questions the mind and manner of God.
In all of this…I have learned….that….my faith is not yet perfected….not nearly…there are still shadows of doubt…that are more easily revealed when I am afflicted….destitute…and absent from His touch. I now know…however….that these are the times when my faith should be at its strongest…."when I am at my weakest"…for that is when He reveals the more of Himself….His strength…and His glory. "Correction is the key to perfection"….and I now stand corrected…..and moving toward perfection.
I have also learned that YES….there truly are people in my life who genuinely appreciate…love…and care for me. Most people would not even think that I would be one given to bouts of depression…..or thoughts of self-hate and suicide. Most would not imagine that I am often overshadowed by a feeling of loneliness…desperation….and despair….or that I view most of my so-called "accomplishments" in life as empty…and meaningless.
Through this I have (re)learned that there IS a God….He has a plan….and there are people connected to me and in my life who will help Him activate…support….and carryout His plan for me and my life. I am so thankful to God for you both….for being a part of His plan for me!!...and for what you did. The money gave me a huge relief from my current financial concerns. Moreover…..I am grateful for the way in which God used you to teach me a great spiritual lesson.
I really cannot begin to thank you enough.
Ever and always,
Darnell
To the friends and family of Cedric Van Anderson.....I would just like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss. I knew Cedric from his days at Piney Woods....I knew him to be a quite....gentle....respectful and somewhat unassuming young man. He was a rising basketball star who also had periphery interest in music and learning to play the piano. If I recall correctly....he (like so many other young men) wanted to be able to play the piano well enough to serenade and charm young lady friend. But in actuality.....(at least from outside appearances) he was really not the type of person who would need any extra help in charming the ladies.
Cedric took to me as something of a mentor figure. He even vied for membership in the Alpha Esquires program - a young men's leadership development club that I helped to organize there. I would always ride him about hanging his head. I desperately wanted him to understand that.....as a 6'5" high school sophomore basketball player....more importantly....as a Black man in America....as a future father....and leader.....etc....he could ill afford to be perceived and defined as anything other than regal in disposition....upright and statuesque. And there were other lessons shared on character....manhood.....brotherhood...and leadership.
Our interactions were always worthy of the time shared. I can recall times counseling with him through points of fear, rage, and sadness. And of course there were many more happier times. Unfortunately, my tenure at Piney Woods ended about a 1 before his graduation.....and before we could complete some of those lessons. Since then I have often wondered about how he was doing.....how he was getting along. And we twice came close to connecting in person.....but something came up.
I am so sad to learn of the end of his life....particularly by his own hand. I would be less than honest to not submit to you that I too have considered self-cessation. In fact, suicide rates among young Black males 14-29 have quadrupled over the past 30 years. As it is....life is too short....it is certainly too short to live not happy. I truly wish Ced's could have discovered a greater sense of peace, purpose, and happiness.....and I wish I could have been an instrument to that end.
NO....I do not feel guilty.....but... YES.....I wish to God I had done more......tried harder.....been there for him more often. As I have for nearly 10 years now......I cherish the memories we made back in his early high school days.....and I wish we had purposed to made some new ones.
"Watch your thoughts....they become your words...watch your words...they become your actions....watch your actions....they become your habits....watch your habits...they become your character....watch your character...it becomes your destiny. Character equals destiny"
Of the many poems I made him to recite, this is the one for which he was most fond. I wish I could have know his thoughts....I wish I could have helped him to imbibe and cultivate ones truly worthy of his calling and destiny. He is now beyond the influence of man....and is completely in the hands of God. There is no safer place.
So......this is how I remember Cedric.....as a warm.....gentle.....fun-loving....quite...
temperamental but respectful teenager....with a great smile. :-) I will continue to remember him as such...regardless of how other people may remember him for whatever his final deeds were in this life.
And...I will be reminded of Cedric Van Anderson when next I encounter another promising young man looking for some direction, guidance, and mentorship. And God-willing....I will commit myself to do as much as I can to make a more lasting impact...and hopefully....to make a difference toward their greater destiny.
Be well dear Cedric,
Darnell Ishmel
Choral Master / Professor of Music
Piney Woods School, 1994-97
posted by Darnell Ishmel at 7/28/2007 06:25:00 AM
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