ABOUT THE FOUNDER & CEO

Background

Mrs. Joan Phillips-Bennett, born December 16, 1987 discovered her love for entertaining at a tender age. Her talent for memorizing lyrics and musical arrangements was quickly identified and encouraged. At the age of eight, Joan began writing her own songs - the first of which was gospel. However since then she has generated diverse material. By age 12, Joan started choreographing dances for the church’s dance ministry as well as class party presentations at the Merl Grove High School. In 2000, Joan, along with two other schoolmates, formed the school’s first band which earned a spot in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Music festival where they received a bronze medal for the school. She was also a part of the school’s choir and represented the school at the Spanish Festival winning a gold medal for the song and dance categories. In 2005 she auditioned for a General Arts Degree, a joint degree between the University of the West Indies and the Edna Manley College and was successful but later decided to enrol at the School of Music full time.

Formal Training

Joan nurtured her talent and developed into a true performer with a promising future and has delivered memorable performances within and outside the walls of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMC). This dynamic and jovial individual has remarkable management and organizational skills and was gunning to establish her own business. She was able to complete an Associate of Science Degree from the University College of the Caribbean simultaneously during her first two years at the EMC. She was also the Valedictorian for the 2009 graduating class of EMC as a student of the School of Music in Jazz and Popular Music Studies in contemporary voice with electives in Time Based Media, Acting, Play-writing and Event Planning. Miss Phillips’ entry to EMC’s School of Music signaled the beginning of a rewarding experience that has resulted in academic excellence, and professional development. Her dedication to academia, personal and social development has been rewarded through scholarships, grants and numerous awards, including the Carreras Limited scholarship, the Grace Kennedy grant, and the Principals’ award for outstanding academic performance and involvement just to name a few.

Her performing capabilities were formed from her wealth of experiences garnered from on stage appearances and organizing many events since 2008. These include performances at:

Annual Cancer Society Fundraiser at the Police Officer’s Club, Routes to Roots, Business House Association Events, Arm Chair Rebel-ution at the Philip Sherlock Centre, Hotels including (Terra Nova, Four seasons, Pegasus and  Whyndam Hotels). Others included performances at the National Indoor Sports Centre, various schools and universities.

 Hidden Talents and Experience

In addition to her musical journey, she has been ministering in dance for over nine years, both solo as well as with the Troop of David Liturgical Dance Ministry from the Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church. They ministered in various churches as well as overseas at Sabrina McKenzie’s Annual Dance Conference “Dancing Preachers International”. Miss Phillips is also very involved at the community level. She is the Chairperson for the Youth Activities Core, and choreographer of the Junior & Young Adult Dance Ministry at Chapel of Christ AME Church, and has taught music at the Martha’s Children’s Home as well as the Jamaica National Children’s Home.

After finishing her Bachelor of Music in Jazz & Popular Music Studies, Ms. Phillips joined the production team of the hit television program Mission Catwalk first as a production assistant, where she was later promoted two weeks to the post of Production Coordinator. Ms. Phillips joined the Five-Star Sandals Resort Chain as an Entertainment Coordinator at the Sandals Whitehouse European Village& Spa but resigned in order to finish her studies. Ms. Phillips finished her MBA in International Management and Marketing, as well as her MEd in Special Education and continues to teach and motivate young children (of varying abilities) in the Arts.

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