BRANDON KYLE GIBSON-JACKSON
Where are you from?
Washington, DC
What schools have you attended?
Capitol Hill Cluster, Washington D.C.
Eastern Senior High School, Washington, D.C.
Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, FL
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Trinity Washington University, Washington, D.C.
(I was born on January 27, 1982 at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C. I attended the Capitol Hill Cluster through Middle School (Watkins, Peabody, and Stuart Hobson), graduated from Eastern High School in 2000 and from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore campus in 2004 with a BS in Business Administration)
What were your favorite subjects?
Algebra I and Algebra II were my favorite.
When did you get interested in the Arts?
When I was six years old, I went to Disney in Anaheim, California and was exposed to how movies were made and other performing arts activities. I told my Mother that I wanted to be a part of the Arts. When we returned to D.C., she enrolled me in the D.C. Youth Ensemble. There, I was exposed to all the performing arts. Tap Dancing was my favorite and singing a very close 2nd.
How did you get proficient in Math?
I had a great High School teacher, Ms. Scott, who allowed me to teach her class occasionally.
It's not very often that we write about Arts and Sciences together, how do you handle them all?
I consider myself to be mentally tough.
What is your philosophy to education?
Education is a tool that every child should strive to obtain, and it’s the duty of educators to provide their very best daily in helping students reach their full potential. I am a firm believer that as generations of student populations change, the way education is taught must change as well. It is important that young people understand that having an education is a necessity and it’s the only way for them to compete and survive in the world.
What sort of projects have you worked on with the performing arts?
I have produced:
Five major cinematic stage performances
Four Straight Runway Fashion Shows
One High School Fashion Battle Competition and,
One major college production
Produced, Directed, and Choreographed Major University Performance/Production and Hip Hop and Modeling Boot Camp
Producer/Choreographer of Catwalk Classic Modeling Production for Largo Senior High School modeling team
Founder/Artistic Director – Cimbolica Inc. 501©3 Nonprofit Theatrical Performing Arts Modeling/Dance Organization - 2007
Producer of “A Night of Elegance – Debut Roosevelt HS Greenbelt, MD - 2008
Producer of “What Lies Beneath” – Duke Ellington Theater –Washington DC 2009
(included invited guest organizations and aspiring designers)
Producer of “Serve In Dramatic Fashion – Annabelle Ferguson Auditorium - 2010 incorporating several High School Modeling Groups in Production
Producer of “ Fear of the Unknown” – Annabelle Ferguson Auditorium - 2010
Producer_of “We Are Fashion” at the Artisphere, Arlington, VA - 2011
Producer of “Fifth Anniversary Kickoff – Homer Building , Washington, DC - 2012
(sponsorship of venue provided by a Charter School Board President)
Producer of “Cimbolica Inc Presents ARCTIC Storm, Silver Spring Civic Ctr 2014
PERSONAL PARTICIPATION
I made my musical debut at the Watkins campus of the D.C. Cluster Schools on Capitol Hill and continued my early training in the arts through the D.C. Youth Ensemble, the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Taps and Company, Camera Ready Kids, and both the Children of the Gospel and Eastern Senior High Choirs.
Although I studied and exceled in all areas of the Performing Arts i.e., modeling, drama, and dance, I loved to Tap and sing more. My first professional musical was at the Kennedy Center in “Purlie” with Stephanie Mills, Doreen Harwood, Reginal Vel Johnson and Larry Storch, under the direction of Kay Cameron,
Under the direction of Ms. Joyce Garrett, I have sung on stage with such notables as Gloria Estefan, Smokie Robinson, Aaliyah, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder. My rendition of “The Impossible Dream” by Vandross is considered an epic marvel by some. I was priviledged to sing this song at a convention in Miami that I attended with my Mom.
My first professional acting performance was as the “Boy” in Much Ado About Nothing with David Birney, under the Direction of Michael Kahn, Folgers Shakespeare Theatre, Washington, D.C. Kennedy Center performances include three roles in Sundiata – The Lion King of Mali; and, Pepito Story choreographed and directed by Debbie Allen. Additionally, I studied dance and performed at the Dance Theatre of Harlem Residency Program under the direction of Arthur Mitchell at the Kennedy Center, as well as performances with the Dance Institute of Washington, under the Direction of Fabian Barnes. I was also cast as the “Assistant to the Mayor in THE DISTRICT, a CBS series”
As a Kennedy Center Kid, I learned lighting and staging techniques and with the D.C. Youth Ensemble under the direction of Carol Foster as well.
Dance awards were received in 1988 Catch a Rising Star (lst place) and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Talent Hunt (2nd place) – tap dancing – I also performed for the Volunteers of America honoring former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young hosted by Cokie Roberts, Moran Productions.
Modeling awards were received from Talent America in New York (lst place); and other modeling venues include the Cohen Clothing Catalog, cover publication of the Black Child Institute Annual Report Special Edition; and am currently in the McGraw Hill-History Text Book update used in most public schools.
9. Please tell our readers more about your organization.
Modeling competitions have become a phenomenon for high school and college youth in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. To this end and in an effort to give back to the community, I decided to bring a different twist to this arena. As the Founder/Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, in September 2007, I established Cimbolica Inc., a 501©3, nonprofit organization based on promoting Fashion and Education through the Performing Arts. This organization brings forth a venue where young people can express their talents through the art of fashion design, dance, and modeling. Fusing this activity, I believes will provide a nexus between the fashion industry, designing, illustrating, photography and the performing arts as a tool to motivate and encourage higher education for underserved and at risk youth.
Cimbolica Inc. members consist of local college and high school students in grades 9-12, who MUST maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Cimbolica Inc. is an establishment that prides itself in allowing young people at all academic levels the opportunity to express their talents on a larger scale. The word Cimbolica is transformed from the word symbolic, symbolizing the uniqueness of people and the talents they bring forth. Our goal is to provide scholarship assistance for the company members to attend and remain in college and/or other institutions of higher learning.
Company members assist me as the artistic director in costume and set design, choreography, and production. We believe this program not only provides talent development and financial incentives, but will develop self-worth, independence and team players of at-risk students in a drug and violence free environment.
As a relatively new company, we are seeking sponsors. It is our company's mission and goal to showcase and feature young people from all over the Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. areas and allow them to travel locally and abroad to showcase their talents. Additionally, we are seeking resources and capital through grants, corporate sponsorships, Angel funding, as well as other financial support to allow us to serve and bring in more students, who have an interest in pursing these avenues in college and other institutions of higher learning.
Cimbolica is registered with the Combined Federal Campaign where donations and pledges can be submitted each year to CFC#97351.
Cimbolica Inc. would like to thank COPA STYLE and other organizations for any assistance that can help the company move in the right direction and allow these young people the opportunity and the chance to believe in themselves and the talents in which they are blessed. Our Federal Tax Exempt Number is EIN 11-3810024.
What does the future hold for Brandon Gibson-Jackson?
As I navigate through my Master Degree Program in Educational Leadership, it is my hope to graduate with honors and pursue a job as a Principal in a high school setting. After being a Principal for at least three to fours years, I would like to work with other organizations on the East Coast with turning around schools through test scores and staff development. Once I have made my mark in the education sector, I would like to open my own Math and Science Performing Arts School for grades 7-12. Then maybe return to the Washington, DC area and become Superintendent and show how D.C. Public Schools can become the model school system for the entire United States.
A FEW EXCERPTS FROM YOUTUBE
Where are you from?
Washington, DC
What schools have you attended?
Capitol Hill Cluster, Washington D.C.
Eastern Senior High School, Washington, D.C.
Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, FL
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Trinity Washington University, Washington, D.C.
(I was born on January 27, 1982 at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C. I attended the Capitol Hill Cluster through Middle School (Watkins, Peabody, and Stuart Hobson), graduated from Eastern High School in 2000 and from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore campus in 2004 with a BS in Business Administration)
What were your favorite subjects?
Algebra I and Algebra II were my favorite.
When did you get interested in the Arts?
When I was six years old, I went to Disney in Anaheim, California and was exposed to how movies were made and other performing arts activities. I told my Mother that I wanted to be a part of the Arts. When we returned to D.C., she enrolled me in the D.C. Youth Ensemble. There, I was exposed to all the performing arts. Tap Dancing was my favorite and singing a very close 2nd.
How did you get proficient in Math?
I had a great High School teacher, Ms. Scott, who allowed me to teach her class occasionally.
It's not very often that we write about Arts and Sciences together, how do you handle them all?
I consider myself to be mentally tough.
What is your philosophy to education?
Education is a tool that every child should strive to obtain, and it’s the duty of educators to provide their very best daily in helping students reach their full potential. I am a firm believer that as generations of student populations change, the way education is taught must change as well. It is important that young people understand that having an education is a necessity and it’s the only way for them to compete and survive in the world.
What sort of projects have you worked on with the performing arts?
I have produced:
Five major cinematic stage performances
Four Straight Runway Fashion Shows
One High School Fashion Battle Competition and,
One major college production
Produced, Directed, and Choreographed Major University Performance/Production and Hip Hop and Modeling Boot Camp
Producer/Choreographer of Catwalk Classic Modeling Production for Largo Senior High School modeling team
Founder/Artistic Director – Cimbolica Inc. 501©3 Nonprofit Theatrical Performing Arts Modeling/Dance Organization - 2007
Producer of “A Night of Elegance – Debut Roosevelt HS Greenbelt, MD - 2008
Producer of “What Lies Beneath” – Duke Ellington Theater –Washington DC 2009
(included invited guest organizations and aspiring designers)
Producer of “Serve In Dramatic Fashion – Annabelle Ferguson Auditorium - 2010 incorporating several High School Modeling Groups in Production
Producer of “ Fear of the Unknown” – Annabelle Ferguson Auditorium - 2010
Producer_of “We Are Fashion” at the Artisphere, Arlington, VA - 2011
Producer of “Fifth Anniversary Kickoff – Homer Building , Washington, DC - 2012
(sponsorship of venue provided by a Charter School Board President)
Producer of “Cimbolica Inc Presents ARCTIC Storm, Silver Spring Civic Ctr 2014
PERSONAL PARTICIPATION
I made my musical debut at the Watkins campus of the D.C. Cluster Schools on Capitol Hill and continued my early training in the arts through the D.C. Youth Ensemble, the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Taps and Company, Camera Ready Kids, and both the Children of the Gospel and Eastern Senior High Choirs.
Although I studied and exceled in all areas of the Performing Arts i.e., modeling, drama, and dance, I loved to Tap and sing more. My first professional musical was at the Kennedy Center in “Purlie” with Stephanie Mills, Doreen Harwood, Reginal Vel Johnson and Larry Storch, under the direction of Kay Cameron,
Under the direction of Ms. Joyce Garrett, I have sung on stage with such notables as Gloria Estefan, Smokie Robinson, Aaliyah, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder. My rendition of “The Impossible Dream” by Vandross is considered an epic marvel by some. I was priviledged to sing this song at a convention in Miami that I attended with my Mom.
My first professional acting performance was as the “Boy” in Much Ado About Nothing with David Birney, under the Direction of Michael Kahn, Folgers Shakespeare Theatre, Washington, D.C. Kennedy Center performances include three roles in Sundiata – The Lion King of Mali; and, Pepito Story choreographed and directed by Debbie Allen. Additionally, I studied dance and performed at the Dance Theatre of Harlem Residency Program under the direction of Arthur Mitchell at the Kennedy Center, as well as performances with the Dance Institute of Washington, under the Direction of Fabian Barnes. I was also cast as the “Assistant to the Mayor in THE DISTRICT, a CBS series”
As a Kennedy Center Kid, I learned lighting and staging techniques and with the D.C. Youth Ensemble under the direction of Carol Foster as well.
Dance awards were received in 1988 Catch a Rising Star (lst place) and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Talent Hunt (2nd place) – tap dancing – I also performed for the Volunteers of America honoring former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young hosted by Cokie Roberts, Moran Productions.
Modeling awards were received from Talent America in New York (lst place); and other modeling venues include the Cohen Clothing Catalog, cover publication of the Black Child Institute Annual Report Special Edition; and am currently in the McGraw Hill-History Text Book update used in most public schools.
9. Please tell our readers more about your organization.
Modeling competitions have become a phenomenon for high school and college youth in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. To this end and in an effort to give back to the community, I decided to bring a different twist to this arena. As the Founder/Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, in September 2007, I established Cimbolica Inc., a 501©3, nonprofit organization based on promoting Fashion and Education through the Performing Arts. This organization brings forth a venue where young people can express their talents through the art of fashion design, dance, and modeling. Fusing this activity, I believes will provide a nexus between the fashion industry, designing, illustrating, photography and the performing arts as a tool to motivate and encourage higher education for underserved and at risk youth.
Cimbolica Inc. members consist of local college and high school students in grades 9-12, who MUST maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Cimbolica Inc. is an establishment that prides itself in allowing young people at all academic levels the opportunity to express their talents on a larger scale. The word Cimbolica is transformed from the word symbolic, symbolizing the uniqueness of people and the talents they bring forth. Our goal is to provide scholarship assistance for the company members to attend and remain in college and/or other institutions of higher learning.
Company members assist me as the artistic director in costume and set design, choreography, and production. We believe this program not only provides talent development and financial incentives, but will develop self-worth, independence and team players of at-risk students in a drug and violence free environment.
As a relatively new company, we are seeking sponsors. It is our company's mission and goal to showcase and feature young people from all over the Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. areas and allow them to travel locally and abroad to showcase their talents. Additionally, we are seeking resources and capital through grants, corporate sponsorships, Angel funding, as well as other financial support to allow us to serve and bring in more students, who have an interest in pursing these avenues in college and other institutions of higher learning.
Cimbolica is registered with the Combined Federal Campaign where donations and pledges can be submitted each year to CFC#97351.
Cimbolica Inc. would like to thank COPA STYLE and other organizations for any assistance that can help the company move in the right direction and allow these young people the opportunity and the chance to believe in themselves and the talents in which they are blessed. Our Federal Tax Exempt Number is EIN 11-3810024.
What does the future hold for Brandon Gibson-Jackson?
As I navigate through my Master Degree Program in Educational Leadership, it is my hope to graduate with honors and pursue a job as a Principal in a high school setting. After being a Principal for at least three to fours years, I would like to work with other organizations on the East Coast with turning around schools through test scores and staff development. Once I have made my mark in the education sector, I would like to open my own Math and Science Performing Arts School for grades 7-12. Then maybe return to the Washington, DC area and become Superintendent and show how D.C. Public Schools can become the model school system for the entire United States.
A FEW EXCERPTS FROM YOUTUBE
BRANDON KYLE GIBSON-JACKSON
(I was born on January 27, 1982 at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C. I attended the Capitol Hill Cluster through Middle School (Watkins, Peabody, and Stuart Hobson), graduated from Eastern High School in 2000 and from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore campus in 2004 with a BS in Business Administration)
Education is a tool that every child should strive to obtain, and it’s the duty of educators to provide their very best daily in helping students reach their full potential. I am a firm believer that as generations of student populations change, the way education is taught must change as well. It is important that young people understand that having an education is a necessity and it’s the only way for them to compete and survive in the world.
I have produced:
PERSONAL PARTICIPATION
I made my musical debut at the Watkins campus of the D.C. Cluster Schools on Capitol Hill and continued my early training in the arts through the D.C. Youth Ensemble, the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Taps and Company, Camera Ready Kids, and both the Children of the Gospel and Eastern Senior High Choirs.
Although I studied and exceled in all areas of the Performing Arts i.e., modeling, drama, and dance, I loved to Tap and sing more. My first professional musical was at the Kennedy Center in “Purlie” with Stephanie Mills, Doreen Harwood, Reginal Vel Johnson and Larry Storch, under the direction of Kay Cameron,
Under the direction of Ms. Joyce Garrett, I have sung on stage with such notables as Gloria Estefan, Smokie Robinson, Aaliyah, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder. My rendition of “The Impossible Dream” by Vandross is considered an epic marvel by some. I was priviledged to sing this song at a convention in Miami that I attended with my Mom.
My first professional acting performance was as the “Boy” in Much Ado About Nothing with David Birney, under the Direction of Michael Kahn, Folgers Shakespeare Theatre, Washington, D.C. Kennedy Center performances include three roles in Sundiata – The Lion King of Mali; and, Pepito Story choreographed and directed by Debbie Allen. Additionally, I studied dance and performed at the Dance Theatre of Harlem Residency Program under the direction of Arthur Mitchell at the Kennedy Center, as well as performances with the Dance Institute of Washington, under the Direction of Fabian Barnes. I was also cast as the “Assistant to the Mayor in THE DISTRICT, a CBS series”
As a Kennedy Center Kid, I learned lighting and staging techniques and with the D.C. Youth Ensemble under the direction of Carol Foster as well.
Dance awards were received in 1988 Catch a Rising Star (lst place) and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Talent Hunt (2nd place) – tap dancing – I also performed for the Volunteers of America honoring former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young hosted by Cokie Roberts, Moran Productions.
Modeling awards were received from Talent America in New York (lst place); and other modeling venues include the Cohen Clothing Catalog, cover publication of the Black Child Institute Annual Report Special Edition; and am currently in the McGraw Hill-History Text Book update used in most public schools.
9. Please tell our readers more about your organization.
Modeling competitions have become a phenomenon for high school and college youth in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. To this end and in an effort to give back to the community, I decided to bring a different twist to this arena. As the Founder/Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, in September 2007, I established Cimbolica Inc., a 501©3, nonprofit organization based on promoting Fashion and Education through the Performing Arts. This organization brings forth a venue where young people can express their talents through the art of fashion design, dance, and modeling. Fusing this activity, I believes will provide a nexus between the fashion industry, designing, illustrating, photography and the performing arts as a tool to motivate and encourage higher education for underserved and at risk youth.
Cimbolica Inc. members consist of local college and high school students in grades 9-12, who MUST maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Cimbolica Inc. is an establishment that prides itself in allowing young people at all academic levels the opportunity to express their talents on a larger scale. The word Cimbolica is transformed from the word symbolic, symbolizing the uniqueness of people and the talents they bring forth. Our goal is to provide scholarship assistance for the company members to attend and remain in college and/or other institutions of higher learning.
Company members assist me as the artistic director in costume and set design, choreography, and production. We believe this program not only provides talent development and financial incentives, but will develop self-worth, independence and team players of at-risk students in a drug and violence free environment.
As a relatively new company, we are seeking sponsors. It is our company's mission and goal to showcase and feature young people from all over the Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. areas and allow them to travel locally and abroad to showcase their talents. Additionally, we are seeking resources and capital through grants, corporate sponsorships, Angel funding, as well as other financial support to allow us to serve and bring in more students, who have an interest in pursing these avenues in college and other institutions of higher learning.
Cimbolica is registered with the Combined Federal Campaign where donations and pledges can be submitted each year to CFC#97351.
Cimbolica Inc. would like to thank COPA STYLE and other organizations for any assistance that can help the company move in the right direction and allow these young people the opportunity and the chance to believe in themselves and the talents in which they are blessed. Our Federal Tax Exempt Number is EIN 11-3810024.
What does the future hold for Brandon Gibson-Jackson?
As I navigate through my Master Degree Program in Educational Leadership, it is my hope to graduate with honors and pursue a job as a Principal in a high school setting. After being a Principal for at least three to fours years, I would like to work with other organizations on the East Coast with turning around schools through test scores and staff development. Once I have made my mark in the education sector, I would like to open my own Math and Science Performing Arts School for grades 7-12. Then maybe return to the Washington, DC area and become Superintendent and show how D.C. Public Schools can become the model school system for the entire United States.
A FEW EXCERPTS FROM YOUTUBE
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=41594476199&set=vb.691646199&type=2&theater OR www.cimbolica.com (see video at bottom of page)
http://youtu.be/DpDqfXL1Bss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toeQrhd0Tyc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQzJwjEImog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDiJrZRW1DQ
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152003792716200&set=o.286004641494950&type=2&theater
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152003628046200&set=o.272077352836125&type=2&theater
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152005362671200&set=o.286004641494950&type=2&theater
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152005362671200&set=o.286004641494950&type=2&theater
REHEARSAL VIDEO
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10151912640461200&set=o.286004641494950&type=2&theater
PROMOTION VIDEO
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=818699634812300&set=o.286004641494950&type=2&theater
- Where are you from?
- Washington, DC
- What schools have you
attended?
- Capitol Hill Cluster, Washington D.C.
- Eastern Senior High School, Washington, D.C.
- Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, FL
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- Trinity Washington University, Washington, D.C.
(I was born on January 27, 1982 at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C. I attended the Capitol Hill Cluster through Middle School (Watkins, Peabody, and Stuart Hobson), graduated from Eastern High School in 2000 and from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore campus in 2004 with a BS in Business Administration)
- What were your favorite subjects?
- When did you get interested in the Arts?
- How did you get proficient in Math?
- It's not very often that we write about Arts and Sciences
together, how do you handle them all?
- What is your philosophy to education?
Education is a tool that every child should strive to obtain, and it’s the duty of educators to provide their very best daily in helping students reach their full potential. I am a firm believer that as generations of student populations change, the way education is taught must change as well. It is important that young people understand that having an education is a necessity and it’s the only way for them to compete and survive in the world.
- What sort of projects have you worked on with the performing
arts?
I have produced:
- Five major cinematic stage performances
- Four Straight Runway Fashion Shows
- One High School Fashion Battle Competition and,
- One major college production
- Produced,
Directed, and Choreographed Major University Performance/Production and Hip Hop and Modeling Boot Camp
- Producer/Choreographer
of Catwalk Classic Modeling Production for Largo Senior High School modeling
team
- Founder/Artistic
Director – Cimbolica Inc. 501©3 Nonprofit Theatrical Performing Arts
Modeling/Dance Organization - 2007
- Producer
of “A Night of Elegance – Debut Roosevelt HS Greenbelt, MD - 2008
- Producer
of “What Lies Beneath” – Duke Ellington Theater –Washington DC 2009
(included invited guest organizations and aspiring designers) - Producer
of “Serve In Dramatic Fashion – Annabelle Ferguson Auditorium - 2010 incorporating several High School Modeling Groups in
Production
- Producer
of “ Fear of the Unknown” – Annabelle Ferguson Auditorium - 2010
- Producer_of “We Are Fashion” at the Artisphere,
Arlington, VA - 2011
- Producer
of “Fifth Anniversary Kickoff – Homer Building , Washington, DC - 2012
(sponsorship of venue provided by a Charter School Board President) - Producer
of “Cimbolica Inc Presents ARCTIC Storm, Silver Spring Civic Ctr 2014
PERSONAL PARTICIPATION
I made my musical debut at the Watkins campus of the D.C. Cluster Schools on Capitol Hill and continued my early training in the arts through the D.C. Youth Ensemble, the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Taps and Company, Camera Ready Kids, and both the Children of the Gospel and Eastern Senior High Choirs.
Although I studied and exceled in all areas of the Performing Arts i.e., modeling, drama, and dance, I loved to Tap and sing more. My first professional musical was at the Kennedy Center in “Purlie” with Stephanie Mills, Doreen Harwood, Reginal Vel Johnson and Larry Storch, under the direction of Kay Cameron,
Under the direction of Ms. Joyce Garrett, I have sung on stage with such notables as Gloria Estefan, Smokie Robinson, Aaliyah, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder. My rendition of “The Impossible Dream” by Vandross is considered an epic marvel by some. I was priviledged to sing this song at a convention in Miami that I attended with my Mom.
My first professional acting performance was as the “Boy” in Much Ado About Nothing with David Birney, under the Direction of Michael Kahn, Folgers Shakespeare Theatre, Washington, D.C. Kennedy Center performances include three roles in Sundiata – The Lion King of Mali; and, Pepito Story choreographed and directed by Debbie Allen. Additionally, I studied dance and performed at the Dance Theatre of Harlem Residency Program under the direction of Arthur Mitchell at the Kennedy Center, as well as performances with the Dance Institute of Washington, under the Direction of Fabian Barnes. I was also cast as the “Assistant to the Mayor in THE DISTRICT, a CBS series”
As a Kennedy Center Kid, I learned lighting and staging techniques and with the D.C. Youth Ensemble under the direction of Carol Foster as well.
Dance awards were received in 1988 Catch a Rising Star (lst place) and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Talent Hunt (2nd place) – tap dancing – I also performed for the Volunteers of America honoring former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young hosted by Cokie Roberts, Moran Productions.
Modeling awards were received from Talent America in New York (lst place); and other modeling venues include the Cohen Clothing Catalog, cover publication of the Black Child Institute Annual Report Special Edition; and am currently in the McGraw Hill-History Text Book update used in most public schools.
9. Please tell our readers more about your organization.
Modeling competitions have become a phenomenon for high school and college youth in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. To this end and in an effort to give back to the community, I decided to bring a different twist to this arena. As the Founder/Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, in September 2007, I established Cimbolica Inc., a 501©3, nonprofit organization based on promoting Fashion and Education through the Performing Arts. This organization brings forth a venue where young people can express their talents through the art of fashion design, dance, and modeling. Fusing this activity, I believes will provide a nexus between the fashion industry, designing, illustrating, photography and the performing arts as a tool to motivate and encourage higher education for underserved and at risk youth.
Cimbolica Inc. members consist of local college and high school students in grades 9-12, who MUST maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Cimbolica Inc. is an establishment that prides itself in allowing young people at all academic levels the opportunity to express their talents on a larger scale. The word Cimbolica is transformed from the word symbolic, symbolizing the uniqueness of people and the talents they bring forth. Our goal is to provide scholarship assistance for the company members to attend and remain in college and/or other institutions of higher learning.
Company members assist me as the artistic director in costume and set design, choreography, and production. We believe this program not only provides talent development and financial incentives, but will develop self-worth, independence and team players of at-risk students in a drug and violence free environment.
As a relatively new company, we are seeking sponsors. It is our company's mission and goal to showcase and feature young people from all over the Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. areas and allow them to travel locally and abroad to showcase their talents. Additionally, we are seeking resources and capital through grants, corporate sponsorships, Angel funding, as well as other financial support to allow us to serve and bring in more students, who have an interest in pursing these avenues in college and other institutions of higher learning.
Cimbolica is registered with the Combined Federal Campaign where donations and pledges can be submitted each year to CFC#97351.
Cimbolica Inc. would like to thank COPA STYLE and other organizations for any assistance that can help the company move in the right direction and allow these young people the opportunity and the chance to believe in themselves and the talents in which they are blessed. Our Federal Tax Exempt Number is EIN 11-3810024.
What does the future hold for Brandon Gibson-Jackson?
As I navigate through my Master Degree Program in Educational Leadership, it is my hope to graduate with honors and pursue a job as a Principal in a high school setting. After being a Principal for at least three to fours years, I would like to work with other organizations on the East Coast with turning around schools through test scores and staff development. Once I have made my mark in the education sector, I would like to open my own Math and Science Performing Arts School for grades 7-12. Then maybe return to the Washington, DC area and become Superintendent and show how D.C. Public Schools can become the model school system for the entire United States.
A FEW EXCERPTS FROM YOUTUBE
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=41594476199&set=vb.691646199&type=2&theater OR www.cimbolica.com (see video at bottom of page)
http://youtu.be/DpDqfXL1Bss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toeQrhd0Tyc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQzJwjEImog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDiJrZRW1DQ
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152003792716200&set=o.286004641494950&type=2&theater
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152003628046200&set=o.272077352836125&type=2&theater
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152005362671200&set=o.286004641494950&type=2&theater
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