Javacya Arts Conservatory proudly announces that Dr. Nicole Wright, an acclaimed violinist, violist, arranger, and educator, is the recipient of the 2026 Trailblazer in Strings Education and Community Impact Award. The award will be presented at the Second Annual Distinguished Black Classical Excellence Awards on January 10, 2026, at Florida A&M University.
Dr. Wright, a graduate of Rutgers University with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree, has made significant contributions to string pedagogy and access to classical music. She has performed with major ensembles, including the Symphony in C Orchestra and the Harlem Chamber Players, and has appeared on national platforms like Saturday Night Live and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Her collaborations encompass various artists, from Madonna to Jon Batiste, and she has performed internationally in places like France and Panama. As a Master Teacher at OPUS 118 Harlem School of Music, Dr. Wright trains aspiring violin instructors and empowers young musicians, fostering greater representation in classical music.
Her career is filled with accolades recognizing her artistry and educational leadership. "Dr. Wright embodies innovation, excellence, and community impact," said Javacya Distinguished Awards Committee representatives. Her influence is transformational, impacting children and communities worldwide.
Patrice Jackson is an internationally acclaimed cellist, educator, and celebrated soloist known for her expressive artistry and versatility. A 2002 Sphinx Competition winner, she has performed with leading orchestras including Atlanta, Detroit, Dallas, Milwaukee, New Jersey, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and made her international debut in South Africa.
A graduate of The Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music, Jackson studied with renowned cellists Janos Starker, Aldo Parisot, Joel Krosnick, and Bonnie Hampton. She is Associate Professor of Cello at Berklee College of Music and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
Beyond the concert stage, Jackson has performed in the Broadway productions of Jagged Little Pill and Jesus Christ Superstar and has shared the stage with artists including Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, and Nicki Minaj. Passionate about mentoring the next generation, she is dedicated to inspiring students through artistic excellence, versatility, and a lifelong love of music.
Dr. Phyllis Lewis-Hale is a distinguished lyric soprano, scholar, educator, and leader in the world of opera and academia. With performances in Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, and the U.S., she has championed Black composers and operatic traditions.
Her accolades include First Prize in the IBLA Grand Prize International “Monteverdi” Vocal Competition and an Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Awards. She has performed with esteemed companies like Indianapolis Opera and Opera Memphis and has recorded "Songs of Separation" by William Grant Still for WGUC Radio.
As a scholar, Dr. Lewis-Hale advocates for African American operatic traditions, exploring the Negro Spiritual's resurgence and the legacy of Black opera companies. She has lectured at prestigious conferences and published in the Journal of Singing. Holding Master's and Doctoral degrees from the University of Cincinnati, she serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Opera/Musical Theater Workshop at Jackson State University.
She is also the Founder and President of the HBCU Opera & Musical Theater Collective, which fosters excellence in opera at 16 HBCUs. Under her leadership, the Collective hosts annual forums featuring renowned artists. Dr. Lewis-Hale is revitalizing OPERA/SOUTH at Jackson State, launching initiatives like the S.O.S. Boot Camp and the HBCU Opera & Musical Theater Summer Festival in June 2026.
Her career exemplifies excellence and cultural advocacy, ensuring that the stories of Black artists remain integral to the classical music canon.
Javacya Arts Conservatory proudly announces Dr. Lisa Beckley-Roberts as the 2026 recipient of the Luminary in Ethnomusicology, Artistic Innovation, and Global Music Leadership Award. The award will be presented at the Second Annual Distinguished Black Classical Excellence Awards and Concert on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium at Florida A&M University.
Recognized for her visionary work as an ethnomusicologist, harpist, and educator, Dr. Beckley-Roberts bridges African and classical musical traditions. Her research and leadership at Jackson State University have elevated music study in higher education and preserved diasporic musical heritage while promoting innovative expression.
“Dr. Beckley-Roberts embodies the spirit of a true luminary,” said the Distinguished Awards Committee, highlighting her influence in shaping the understanding of African diasporic musical traditions.
Dr. Mark Butler, composer, arranger, conductor, pianist, baritone and music educator. Butler received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL. He holds a M.M.E degree from Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL and a Doctorate degree (DMA), in Choral Conducting from The American Conservatory of Music, Hammond, IND. Dr. Butler has served as guest clinician for several State Choral Conferences and events. He has also served as choral consultant, and as an adjudicator at district and national festivals, NATS vocal competitions, and various church music symposiums. He conducted the Florida A&M University Concert Choir in several concert performances in Vienna, Austria, including the Melk Abby Church. Butler has studied conducting with some of the finest experts in the nation. They include; Dr. Andre Thomas, Dr. Rodney Eichenberger, Dr. William Baker, Dr. Kevin Fenton, Dr. Vernon L. Smith and Dr. Julian White. Dr. Butler returns to the music podium in 2026 as clinician and conductor for the Florida All State High School Reading Chorus at the FMEA conference in January and the Georgia All State High School Chorus in February. He has over 27 published compositions and has commissioned works for various music conferences, choirs, festivals and vocal competitions. Dr. Butler’s compositions are celebrated and performed at some of the most prestigious music conferences and festivals world-wide. He is a member of the American Choral Director’s Association, Music Educator’s National Conference, NATS, American Composer’s Forum, 100 Black Men of Albany, GA and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. INC.
Javacya Arts Conservatory, in collaboration with the Distinguished Black Classical Excellence Awards Committee, is proud to announce that Mr. Joe Williams, a celebrated pianist and scholar from the University of Hawaiʻi, will receive the 2026 Vanguard Award for Classical Innovation and Community Impact.
The award will be presented during the Second Annual Distinguished Black Classical Excellence Awards & Concert on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Florida A&M University’s historic Lee Hall Auditorium.
Mr. Williams is recognized for his groundbreaking artistry that has redefined the classical music landscape, highlighting underrepresented narratives. As a professor, he fosters collaboration and champions new works, emphasizing the connections between classical music and diverse cultural traditions.
His commitment to mentorship opens doors for artists from historically underrepresented backgrounds, embodying the spirit of the Vanguard Award. “We are thrilled to honor Mr. Williams,” said representatives of the Distinguished Awards Committee, noting his transformative impact on the arts and communities he serves.