Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph McMullen.
Hi Joseph, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It is individual acts of caring that change lives. HAPCO Founder Joseph Patrick McMullen knows this first-hand. “I will never forget one of the greatest men Ihave ever had the privilege to be inspired by. My senior year in high school, I was excited for my future. I had been accepted to the Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy. I was going to make my mom proud, and show her that her hard work as a single mother had paid off. Financial aid was critical to my dream, and mine was not yet approved. Seemingly unrelated, I played baritone horn in the school’s band.
One day, I mentioned to my Band Director, Mr. Kenneth Tolbert, my concerns over my financial aid. He said, ‘Son, you go to FAMU, and if your financial aid does not come through, call me, and I will take care of the situation.’ In his direct, steady way, he opened a world of confidence with just a few words. I did receive financial aid, but I believe I became a pharmacist because I played baritone horn in my high school band, and an incredible person believed in me.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth, no. I will say the hardest part is gaining supporters (financially) and community partners to develop partnerships / collaboration.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
HAPCO’s arts and music programs help youth use their artistic and musical talents as a vehicle to fund education or as a profession. Camps, clinics, master classes and private instruction are taught by industry and community professionals the students can relate to, identify with and learn from. The programs encourage artistic expression, technique and public performance.
Our programs help to fill the void of arts and music educational resources outside the school system, which offers limited programing. Programs are conducted in locations central to these neighborhoods. They also connect young people with professionals who are committed to helping these young musicians and artists succeed in life. We emphasize mentoring by industry professionals, giving young people inroads into community networks. The majority of our instructors have overcome economic and social challenges to forge a path of success for their lives. Many of the Florida Highwaymen art group, first and second generation, teach clinics and paint parties, and share their stories of how they creatively persevered through socially-turbulent times.
HAPCO programs are offered typically free of charge, and are designed to empower growth and development in creative fields. Some programs, such as Jazz Band Camp, require a nominal cost that helps cover program costs.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Our Impact in the Community HAPCO offers programs that give students real-world experience and mentoring from professionals they can relate to. Our educators focus upon practical advice, from the business side of the arts and music industries, to best practices for using the arts and music to fund secondary education.
We actively pursue community and local business connections to establish programs and events that benefit and promote all partners. We use this social capital to offer the strongest educational programs and community-focused events possible.
We emphasize “paying it forward” – we practice and teach the benefits of sharing expertise and experience, as well as of being good community corporate citizens. Community support makes our programs possible. We align ourselves with partners who relish the opportunities to mentor the next generations in artistic expression and appreciation. Supporters can help us by: donating, sponsoring, volunteering and attending our events.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@hapcopromo.org
- Website: http://hapcopromo.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hapcomusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HapcoMusicFoundation
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HAPCOMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl5a5pDB0AAKgH-Bd66PMJw
Suggest a Story: OrlandoVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
