Teaching Artists/Specialists

Souleymane (Sulay) Tall was born in Kindia, in the Republic of Guinea in West Africa. Traveling with his family between Africa and France helped Sulay learn about and understand various cultures. It was natural that he became a teacher and later that he helped organizations in Africa to build and implement their education programs. He strongly believes in education as a way to liberate and empower people. Sulay has had a long career in financial services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in actuarial science. He speaks Susu, Maninka, Pular, French, and English.

Nicki Tipton Tallent received her bachelor of arts in dance from Webster University. For over ten years she has taught dance to all ages as a part of Kinderdance in Austin, Texas and as a workshop leader and a project director for local arts non–profit, ANNONYArts. In addition to teaching, Nicki has performed and choreographed with many of St. Louis and Austin’s finest modern dance artists.

Mardra Thomas keeps the history of Jazz alive in St. Louis with an ongoing performance of “The Jazz Story” Known for her realistic portrayal of Billie Holiday, Mardra is as a true jazz vocalist with roots that rest deep and secure in a variety of styles. She performs in concert and with different theatre companies, as well being vocalist with OGD (Organ–Guitar–Drums), big bands and small ensembles alike.

Sharon Thompson has told stories to Missourians young and old since 1994. She has been featured at the St. Louis Storytelling Festival, and at other festivals at the Lake of the Ozarks, Hannibal, and Kansas City. She has been a board member of the St. Louis Gateway Storytellers and MO–TELL, and a member of Riverwinds Storytelling Association. She has also taught storytelling workshops for the Kiwanis Club.

Trebor Jay Tichenor expertise on ragtime music and composer Scott Joplin is evident from his role as musical consultant for the movie “Scott Joplin,” starring Billy Dee Williams and Art Carney. In 1992 he was the winner of the Scott Joplin Award presented by the Scott Joplin Foundation. Trebor is an author, composer, and teacher of ragtime history at Washington University. He is currently working on Pioneers of St. Louis Ragtime, an anthology. Among some of Trebor’s newest releases are a cassette, “Tempus Ragorum,” and two compact discs, “Those Southern Blues,” an anthology, and “A Ragtime Primer,” featuring a musical history of ragtime.

Performing classical, jazz, and gospel, Arthur D. Toney has worked with a wide range of vocal and instrumental groups in the St. Louis area. He received formal music training at St. Louis University and Webster University.

Blake Travis is a vocalist, percussionist, actor, and storyteller. While he was classically trained on the oboe at age eight, Blake’s roots are in soul music. He has expanded his expertise to include a full range of contemporary musical styles, including folk, jazz, R&B, rock, blues, and reggae. In addition to performing across America and in Europe, Blake has participated as a singer and actor in several off–Broadway productions, locally produced commercials, and albums. He presently performs with a variety of bands and presents workshops on cultural diversity and awareness.

Jeanne Trevor is a well–known singer and actress who has been on the Young Audiences roster since 1969. She has toured internationally with the St. Louis Jazz Quartet and has appeared at the Muny Opera in numerous productions. Jeanne also has appeared in Theatre Factory St. Louis’ productions of “A” My Name is Alice and Sentimental Journey. In 1993, she was featured in Theatre Factory’s one–woman show Jeanne Trevor––St. Louis Woman. She has received an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and a YWCA Special Leadership Award for her contributions to the arts in St. Louis and her work with Young Audiences. Jeanne is one of the featured artists in the St. Louis History Museum’s exhibit of African–American musicians from Missouri.

Allison Trombley studied publishing at the Norwich School of Art and Design in England while working on her master’s in American studies at the University of East Anglia. She later worked as an editor at River Styx Literary Magazine in St. Louis before starting her own publishing company, the William and Joseph Press, which publishes works of local and regional interest. In addition to teaching and publishing, she is currently writing and producing a documentary film and has just co–founded South Grand Giving Back, a non–profit organization that fosters literacy and mentorship programs in the south city.