Tag Archives: Anthony Brown and Group Therapy

10.11.24
by

Martellies Warren Is Back in the Classroom at TNCS!

Martellies Warren is nothing short of a legend at The New Century School. His history with TNCS is nearly as long as the school itself (scroll to the end for earlier blog posts about this rich history). As one of the longest-serving staff members, Mr. Warren has been an integral part of TNCS’s growth and evolution over the years. He joined TNCS in its early days, in the second year of the school’s operation at its current location. He vividly remembers the excitement of those early years and fondly recalls his fellow staff members like Mrs. Lawson and Ms. Lazarony.

Well-Rounded Approach to Education

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Warren has witnessed and adapted to numerous changes within the school. He’s very proud of the overall development of TNCS’s educational approach. His ability to embrace change while maintaining his core values as an educator has been crucial to his longevity at the school.

Over the years, Mr. Warren’s role at TNCS has evolved. He has worn many hats, from (the world’s best) music director to administrator, and now as the lead teacher for the K-2 cohort. This varied experience has given him a unique perspective on the school’s operations and needs.

Long-Standing Commitment to The New Century School

Mr. Warren’s commitment to TNCS is evident in his approach to the school’s ongoing development. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to change and finding beauty in the present moment. “As someone who’s been here and has seen this school go through so many changes, I had to let go of what it used to be,” he reflects. “If you continue to try to measure today’s metrics with what it was, which is a whole different time with a whole different set of variables, then you’re going to always long for something that used to be.”

Despite the challenges that come with growth and change, Mr. Warren remains optimistic about TNCS’s future. He takes pride in the progress he sees, particularly in the Montessori preschool classrooms and what TNCS Preschool Coordinator Terriann Lane is doing there. “It takes time,” he says, “but we are really getting there. It’s a great place.”

As TNCS celebrates its 15th year, Mr. Warren’s deep connection to the school community continues to shape his teaching philosophy and his interactions with students, parents, and fellow educators. His long-standing commitment to TNCS, combined with his diverse educational background and musical talents, make him a unique and valuable asset to the school community, and he brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his role.

Early Career and Discovery of Montessori

His journey in education began in traditional classrooms in Baltimore City, but a pivotal moment occurred when he discovered Montessori education. The sight of students engaged in this alternative learning environment at Julia Brown School in Columbia, MD, took his breath away.

Throughout his career, Mr. Warren has embraced various educational approaches, including online middle school teaching in Baltimore County. “I think this diverse background makes me a more well-rounded educator. I can take some of those aspects of that pedagogy and I can apply it now to a more traditional classroom setting,”” he said.

Finding Joy in the Classroom

In his current role, Mr. Warren teaches English Language Arts, Global Studies, and Math. He also continues to share his passion for music, teaching it to most grade levels. His day is a bustling mix of core subjects and music instruction, which he manages when his homeroom students are at Chinese and Spanish lessons (taught by colleagues).

Mr. Warren’s love for his current age group shines through. He appreciates how his K-2 students are independent enough to tackle tasks on their own, yet still seek his guidance and support. “All day I’m hearing ‘Mr. Warren!’ which is wonderful because I’m happy to be of service to them,” he shares with a smile. Describing a recent lesson, he enthuses, “Today we’re working on ‘Fundations‘, which is a curriculum that we’re doing this year. We went into a whole lesson on what a foundation is and discussed how we have to build on something that’s stable and how we view their learning the same way.”

Double Life: Educator and Professional Musician

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Warren has another claim to fame—he’s a successful gospel musician. While his students might not be fully aware of this aspect of his life, it’s a significant part of who he is. As part of Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy, he’s performed alongside industry giants like Kurt Franklin and Yolanda Adams, an experience he still finds mind-blowing.

Mr. Warren credits his own teachers for inspiring his dual career path. He fondly remembers Henry Terry from Montgomery, AL, who first recognized his classical voice and introduced him to competitions and advanced musical training. This experience underscores his belief in the profound impact educators can have on their students’ lives.

Embracing Change and Progress

Mr. Warren reflects on his journey with gratitude. He’s thrilled to be back in the classroom, focusing on what he loves most—interacting with children. “Being in the classroom doesn’t feel like a job,” he says. “My heart leaps when I’m in there.”

Looking Ahead: Winter Concert and Beyond

Looking ahead, Mr. Warren is excited about the upcoming winter concert, a cherished school tradition he’s preparing for with his usual enthusiasm. His positive outlook and dedication to his students continue to make him an invaluable (and much beloved!) asset to the TNCS community.

Music Is in the Air at TNCS!
TNCS’s Winter Performance Amazes and Delights!
TNCS Teachers and Admin Share School Memories!
TNCS’s Music Program Crescendoes!
TNCS Debuts New Summer Camp: Musical Theatre!
Music Is in the Air: TNCS Welcomes Back Martellies Warren!
TNCS Winter Concert 2023: Happy Holidays!
Mr. Warren Goes to Washington!
Mr. Warren Hits All the Right Notes as TNCS’s Summer Camp Director!

06.28.24
by

Mr. Warren Hits All the Right Notes as TNCS’s Summer Camp Director!

At The New Century School, learning is not confined to the school year—in fact, it’s lifelong! That includes the summer months, during which TNCS educators join together to ensure that campers avoid the dreaded “summer slide” as well as have boatloads of fun.

TNCS music director Martellies Warren dons another hat (visor?) as summer camp director for the second year, although he has been involved with the summer program for several years. In this role, Mr. Warren manages everything from daily operations to curriculum planning for each week’s theme. For example, during this week’s “Healthy Me” program, he shopped for fruits and vegetables for smoothies, all while ensuring that teachers have the necessary curriculum packets and overseeing daily operations like scheduling drop-offs, pickups, and aftercare. His dedication to creating a structured, engaging summer program makes for a fun and educational experience for campers and a supportive environment for staff.

This year, the planning process aimed to tighten and structure the program more effectively. Mr. Warren emphasized the importance of having a clear plan that anyone could follow. To streamline operations, the camp switched to using CampDoc, a system specifically for summer camps, to distinguish it from the school’s regular year system. Many of these associated tasks (helping set up CampDoc; proofing the website; distributing general marketing materials; and facilitating communication between admin, parents, and teachers) were overseen by Karin Cintron and Rob Brosius, whose combined planning ability Mr. Warren calls “phenomenal”! “Mr. B.” additionally helped with staffing, correspondence, and initial planning meetings, laying a solid foundation that allowed Mr. Warren to step in and take charge seamlessly.

Recruitment efforts paid off significantly. TNCS summer camp attracts many students from their school and makes efforts to bring in campers from other schools by being open on holidays and offering a multilingual environment.

During the summer, the focus shifts from immersion to exposure. While the school year emphasizes immersion with teachers speaking in the target language and interactive learning, the summer program aims to expose students to new concepts through songs, cultural talks, and activities. This approach balances learning with fun, ensuring an engaging experience for the students. “We want it to feel like summer,” said Mr. Warren.

Exploration is a key component of the summer program, in fact, explained Mr. Warren, it’s the throughline. Unlike the structured learning during the school year, the summer camp encourages curiosity and hands-on activities. Teachers are encouraged to view things from the kids’ perspective, creating an environment where learning feels like an adventure. “Imagine what kinds of questions campers will be asking,” said Mr. Warren, “then keep probing—exploring.” That’s how learning stays fun.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Despite his many administrative responsibilities, Mr. Warren makes time to interact with campers. He is involved in day-to-day activities, supporting teachers and ensuring everything runs smoothly. For instance, he helped soothe some anxious kids to allow teachers to set up for naptime, highlighting his commitment to supporting both students and staff.

Outside of his role as summer camp director, Mr. Warren’s musical career as a member of Anthony Brown and group therAPy is currently “off the charts.” Their 2015 single “Worth” recently went platinum, a very rare achievement in gospel music. Mr. Warren expresses fulfillment in balancing both his passions for education and music, feeling rewarded by the impact he has had in both fields:

I have lived such a full life, and all of my childhood dreams have been activated because of what my mom, my dad, my grandmother poured into me and sacrificed for me. I always wanted to be an educator because I had such great educators growing up. I also always wanted to be a musician, and I have my high school choir director, Henry Terry, to thank for seeing something in me and training me and taking me to competitions. He told me make it the best—to feed it and to nurture it. He also insisted that I learn to read music, a very important skill that not all musicians have. I’m so blessed to be able to do what I’m doing and to do it at the level right that I’m doing it.

This week marks the last date of Anthony Brown and group therAPy’s current leg of their current 32-city tour. One clear highlight stands out: the group performed in Washington, D.C. to a crowd of 5,000 or more, including many friends and loved ones. They were on their feet the whole show, and it was a smash. As the group started to walk off stage, Mr. Warren says they were asked to return. Bewildered, they turned back and saw members of their label standing there. . . holding a giant platinum record. That was the moment they discovered that “Worth” had sold 1 million records (can’t resist: “Worth” is worth its weight in platinum!), and Mr. Warren said he “had no words.”

As if leading summer camp and TNCS’s music department plus being on tour with Anthony Brown aren’t enough to keep one person busy, Mr. Warren is also Minister of Music at his own church. He’s in a leadership role wherever he goes, which might daunt a less grateful person. “It’s definitely worth it.” (There’s that beautiful word again!) “It’s worth it to do what I’m doing, and it feels really good to know that I’m having an impact on students the way my mentors had on me.”

Looking for next week’s camps? It’s not too late to register!

03.10.23
by

Mr. Warren Goes to Washington!

And just like the 1939 film, this story is worthy of Hollywood!

You all know Martellies Warren as the beloved long-time educator at and Music Director of The New Century School. Many of you even know of his second career as a member of the three-time Grammy nominated Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy. But did you know that Mr. Warren just sang in person for President Biden and Vice President Harris?

In honor of Black History Month (and what a way to close it out!), Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy were rather suddenly invited to The White House to perform on Monday, February 27th, but they really don’t know fully how or why except that it probably had something to do with their single titled “Call to Action,” a powerful song inspired by the George Floyd tragedy but that exemplifies what Black History Month is all about: righting social injustice and advocating for equity.

Someone in Washington contacted the group’s management, a performance for around 200 to 300 guests was arranged, and the rest, well . . .  we’ll let Mr. Warren take it from here!

What had been proposed as a 45-minute set got whittled down to one song, but they said that’s pretty normal and they have to be flexible given that it’s The White House. So, we sang, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The experience was amazing. Although it was not my first time being at the White House, this was the real deal. I literally stood on the South lawn, and we were escorted around like famous people. Then we were brought into this room, and there they were—President Biden and Vice President Harris! They shook our hands and asked us where we’re from and what we do. Of course, I had to tell them I’m from Montgomery AL, the birthplace of the civil rights movement, and President Biden was like, wow! I also told him that I’m an educator a The New Century School, and he was really intrigued that I teach and have a musical career.

Then, Vice President Harris gave me the warmest hug, and I was able to tell her that before she passed, my mom got to see her become the first African American Vice President and the first woman Vice President. She then wanted me to tell her about my mom, so I shared how she was my cheerleader, and now it’s a little different because I don’t have her here. But Vice President Harris said, “she’s always with you; don’t ever forget.” It was a really heartfelt moment with her. I know my mom would be smiling.

As Mr. Warren recounted this amazing experience to his family, his brother reminded him that as a child, he always claimed that he’d meet the president one day. And here we are. He didn’t just meet the president, though—he conversed with and sang to the president and the vice president!


What an honor indeed, and thank you for name-dropping TNCS, Mr. Warren! You’re never far from our thoughts, either!

For the full event, watch this video. Mr. Warren appears at 1:06.

09.23.22
by

Music Is in the Air: TNCS Welcomes Back Martellies Warren!

As mentioned in a previous post, the 2022–2023 school year at The New Century School promises to be its best so far (and, if the trend continues, next year will top even this year!). Amidst all of the excitement of celebrating its 10th anniversary and welcoming a new Head of School, TNCS got some more good news: Martellies Warren rejoined the fold!

He’s Baaack!

As for how Mr. Warren returned to TNCS, we have TNCS Head of School Erika Johnson to thank. . . and maybe some cosmic good luck. “This is a period in my life where things are aligning,” said Mr. Warren. “I’m learning that what looks at first to be an obstacle can sometimes be necessary to have you in place for your next step.”

The sequence of events goes like this: Mr. Warren was about to start working at a Montgomery County Montessori school and had come to TNCS during the first week of the school year to gather some required paperwork for his new job. He encounters Ms. Johnson, whom he had coincidentally met briefly years earlier, and they strike up a conversation on realizing the acquaintanceship. “We had an existing connection that opened the door for us to sit and talk,” he explains. After they caught up a bit, Ms. Johnson realized she was talking to “the” Mr. Warren, the former TNCS Music Director who everyone still speaks so lovingly about, and she didn’t hesitate. They discussed Mr. Warren’s professional goals, and, it just so happens that one of his big goals—a leadership position—was put on hold temporarily due to an unexpected life event. This pause was going to mean that Mr. Warren was going back into the classroom full time, instead of joining the high school’s administration team. He was completely fine with this, but when Ms. Johnson offered him a spot back at TNCS as Director of Music and Extended Activities, he saw that maybe this is how it was supposed to be: one door closed in order to open a better one.

Mr. Warren describes his decision-making process as typically very deliberate and unhurried, and he asked Ms. Johnson for some time to consider her offer. He ended up not needing much and got back to her the same day. “I let her know I’m very interested, but my main concern is doing this right and not letting down the other school,” he explained. With his return to TNCS destined to be, however, the Head of the other school was nothing but supportive, telling Mr. Warren he couldn’t pass up this wonderful opportunity.

Where He’s Been

Mr. Warren used his 3-year hiatus from TNCS to develop professionally and to tie together all of the various threads he had been exploring. He is a certified Montessori teacher and taught as Montessori Lead Teacher for several years at TNCS—some of his former primary students are current TNCS middle schoolers, in fact! Teaching in a traditional classroom was a new skill he honed while at Woodlawn Middle School from 2019–2022. “I learned a lot there,” he said, “especially how important understanding the culture is and building relationships with students in order to be effective in that environment. You have to earn students’ trust.”

He says his experience at Woodlawn rounded out his knowledge of the school setting so that, in addition to being an expert in the Montessori method, he also knows state standards and the public school perspective. This well-rounded view has meant that in returning to TNCS, he is able to help out in all sorts of ways, where and as needed.

This versatility is actually nothing new. It may surprise no one to learn that Mr. Warren positively thrived in the all-virtual and then hybrid live/virtual instructional environments the pandemic demanded. “I absolutely loved it,” he said. “It took a lot of preparation, but I would have my fun slides ready, and then it’s just all about personality!” If anyone knows how to engage an audience, it’s Martellies Warren!

Speaking of engaging an audience, Mr. Warren is still vocalizing with Anthony Brown and group therAPy*, and they have earned an additional Grammy nomination since we last checked! Just as exciting, Mr. Warren is the proud recipient of a gold record for 2015’s “Worth”!

A new album is due out next year along the theme of affirmations. Performing in a musical group wasn’t easy during the pandemic, of course, but they held it together. “It made me realize how fragile the music industry is,” he said. “The pandemic took us off the stage, and fortunately that’s not what I was solely depending on for my livelihood. It helped me realize how lucky I am to have my other work. It also forced us to figure out how to make this work and do a lot of virtual things. It made us all technology experts,” he joked. So, affirmations is about finding the positive among the seeming negative.

Where He’s Going

At TNCS, Mr. Warren is teaching music classes twice weekly to all students except those in the preprimary division. These classes will start with some music theory, sight reading, solfège skills, and so on and then get right to singing. “I want to make sure that they’re getting the music skills they need. Especially my middle school students—I want to make sure they’re not walking into someone’s choral program ill-equipped. I want to give them everything to make them feel more confident if they want to pursue music,” he said.

Mr. Warren has also instilled in his students the importance of maintaining professionalism on stage, and many of his former students still remember this. When an artist is performing, we owe them respect, which means staying quiet and letting them do their thing without distraction. He says that, since back at TNCS, he has heard an older student tell a younger student, “You’ve already had recess; it’s time to pay attention. Music is serious.”

As if that isn’t adorable enough, it’s a sign of wonderful things to come: the return of the exalted winter and spring concerts. These are still very much in development, but “stay tuned.”

Also on the horizon are Fine Arts–related field trips, which fall under his Extended Activities hat. Those, too, are still TBD, as Mr. Warren navigates how to safely resume such excursions with vestiges of the pandemic lingering. On campus, extended activities means more than extracurriculars. He is seeking alignment between what students do in class and out (One school, One program, One community). This means talking with teachers, understanding their daily curricula, and incorporating those themes and reinforcing those lessons in all of the fun supplemental activities available at TNCS. “We’re trying to structure this in a way that it runs as smoothly as possible by taking the information that they’re getting from the school day and now applying that in a different way,” said Mr. Warren.

Finally, Mr. Warren is back not just for his former and new students, but also for the TNCS community, including faculty and staff. “Even if it’s not in my job description, what can I do  to help? The leadership team is amazing, and I’m so lucky to now be part of it.”

*Why is the AP in group therAPy capitalized? It stands for “Answered Prayers,” and how very fitting is that?

11.22.19
by

Meet Javan Bowden, TNCS’s New Music Director!

Just in time for the upcoming (and highly anticipated) annual Winter Performance, Immersed got the opportunity to interview Music Director Javan Bowden. For the 2019–2020 school year at The New Century School, it was time for former TNCS Music Director Martellies Warren to pass the conducting baton. Although it was hard to say goodbye to our longtime friend, in true Mr. Warren fashion, he made sure he was leaving the superb music program he built in very capable hands. So let’s meet the one person who was right for the job!

Javan-Bowden.jpg

Mr. Bowden and Mr. Warren have more in common than being music educators. First of all, they are both from Alabama, although they did not know each other there (Mr. Bowden’s hometown is Birmingham). Secondly, they are both vocalists for Anthony Brown & Group TherApy. “In 2017, I began an internship program with Anthony Brown’s music label,” explains Mr. Bowden. “I was pretty much his personal assistant and his road assistant for about 6 months. Then, in December of that year he needed another tenor to fill in for their annual Christmas concert. So, I sat in for that, and since then I’ve been a part of the group.”

Musical Talent

Mr. Bowden further explains that, although he is a tenor in the gospel and pop worlds, he is a lyric baritone in the classical realm. (For what that means in practice as well as to hear a sample recording, click “Talk Like an Opera Geek.”)

And, his musical talents don’t stop with voice:

Originally, in the 4th grade, I started my music journey on the trumpet when my dad put one in my hand. I kept playing classical trumpet, and I wound up going to the only fine arts high school in Alabama, Alabama School of Fine Arts. After graduating, I attended Howard University in Washington, DC, where I double minored in classical trumpet and classical voice. In my sophomore year, I let go of the trumpet because it became a little too hectic to juggle both voice and trumpet.

Mr. Bowden still resides in DC, traveling to Baltimore to teach TNCS students on Mondays and Tuesdays. The rest of his workweek consists of his position as data collector in the education department of the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts. “There, we survey middle school kids before and after seeing a music or a theater performance to measure their sense of empathy, their consciousness,” described Mr. Bowden.

If it sounds like Mr. Bowden is a bit of a Renaissance Man, there’s more. At university, he also pursued a music business major that included courses in accounting, economics, law, management of behavior, and various other classes related to the music industry (such as with a music label or as an arts administrator). “It kind of gave me the option to be a performer or handle what’s happening behind the stage,” he said. He certainly uses this career versatility to advantage now!

Road to Education

So just how did he wind up teaching music at TNCS? “Mr. Warren extended the invitation to me,” recounts Mr. Bowden. “He knew that I was looking to expand my passion for music, and he seemed to believe that I could fill his shoes.” Prior to TNCS, Mr. Bowden subbed with Montgomery County schools as an art, English, and music instructor. “Now that I’m solely a music instructor, it has given me the opportunity to brush up on a lot of things that I learned throughout my years and reciprocate everything that was given to me to someone else—that’s really what I always wanted to do, pass along the art and love of music. Someone cared about me enough to cultivate that in me when I was a young kid, and that’s why I’m at this point. I kind of just want to give that back,” he said.

He also wasn’t necessarily interested in being an “extreme performer,” meaning that’s all he would ever do. Music majors basically have only two options, he explained, either that or teaching music, and, as he said, spreading a love of music in kids is important to him. If you’ve ever noticed how TNCS students swarm about him, then you know he is definitely giving them that. He is always smiling, and he developed a rapport with his students from the get-go.

At TNCS

“I enjoy teaching at TNCS,” he said:

It reminds me a lot of the high school I went to in terms of the many different cultures here and all of the languages spoken. It gives me another sense of why I am the way I that am, as accepting of a lot of different types of people. Even though I’m from Alabama, and it’s kind of a conservative state, I was given the opportunity to be in a space where I was accepted, and TNCS resembles that. I feel comfortable here.

His primary goal for the music program is to increase TNCS students’ “music literacy.” “I want to teach the kids to be able to be presented with a piece of music; read it; and identify the key signature, the tempo, and the clef,” he said. “It’s one thing to be orally aware of what’s happening, but it’s another thing to be able to analyze a piece of music on a page. That’s what I was brought up on, and a lot of those fundamentals are dying out. It’s like with reading and writing—you have to know how to write in order to read and read in order to write. It’s the same thing with music.”

He teaches in four separate divisions: one class comprises 5th- through 8th-graders, another 2nd- though 4th-graders, a third of Kindergarteners and 1st-graders, and finally a pre-K class (the latter meets once a month rather than twice a week).

“I have to approach the divisions differently, he explained. “I’m a bit more exacting with my older kids because I have a higher expectation of them. I remember what was expected of me at that age, and I try to replicate that as far as reading music, sight singing, oral awareness . . . I can’t expect the same thing from my K–2 students.”

With the Winter Concert looming, most classes are focused on practice currently. Mr. Bowden reports that he is excited to see all of the moving parts come together. He’s not alone!

Beyond TNCS

In his spare time, Mr. Bowden is a cantor at the Washington National Cathedral every other Sunday. He recently had the good fortune to participate in a commemorative service of the 400th anniversary of the first slave arriving in North America. “It was kind of a big program, and a lot of different delegates were there,” he said. “I was proud and very grateful to be a part of it. I love being there; they’re accepting of a lot of different types of people.”

So . . . want to hear him sing? You can find him on YouTube at both the cathedral and singing on Anthony Brown’s videos. “[2econd Wind: Ready] is my first album with the group, so I can knock that off my bucket list, actually having a real industry project that I’m a part of. I’m very grateful for that.” The album is hot off the press, just released last month, by the way.

The last thing Mr. Bowden wanted the TNCS community to know about him? “I’m a lover of music and people,” he finished. Welcome to TNCS, Javan Bowden!