The T.R.U.T.H Project Live Concert 12.4.11 Houston Arena Theatre

In Observance of World Aid's Day a coalition of Houston’s GLBT community and allies has organized an exciting music experience filled with artistic expressions that focus on the subjects of HIV Awareness and it's Stigma. The 3rd Installment of The T.R.U.T.H. Project will feature six time Grammy Award nominated, Marsha Ambrosius Sunday, December 4, 2011 Live at the Houston Arena Theatre show begins at 7 p.m. The T.R.U.T.H. Project is part of an awareness initiative through AIDS Foundation Houston. About AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. (AFH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating positive social impact through the innovative management of HIV/AIDS and other chronic diseases. Founded in 1982, AFH is one of the oldest HIV/AIDS service organizations in the U.S. and remains a national leader in HIV/STD programming. The agency’s 31 programs focus on preventing new HIV diagnosis and providing care to those already living with HIV/AIDS. This year, AFH will provide care services to more than 13,000 men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS and will educate more than 50,000 people in Greater Houston through prevention outreach. For more information, please visit www.AIDShelp.org. http://www.aidshelp.org/site/DocServer/TRUTH_project_Inst3_PRINT.pdf?docID=4781

New Artist Feature: BET Music Matters Artist Elle Varner

Elle Shellise Varner (born February 12, 1989) is an American recording artist and musician. She was raised in Los Angeles, California by her mother and father who both happen to be songwriters and publishers. At age six she began to play musical instruments, beginning with the flute, and later piano and guitar. She attended many music programs including Amazing Grace Conservatory and The Hamilton Academy of Music's Vocal Jazz Group. In 2008 Varner graduated from NYU's renowned Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music. In October 2009 she signed with MBK/J-RCA Records along with a co-publishing agreement with Sony Music.[2] Her debut single "Only Wanna Give It to You" features J. Cole and was released August 16, 2011. The song serves as the lead single off her upcoming album Perfectly Imperfect.

Vocal Hygiene Helpful Tips

Vocal Hygiene Recommendations HELPFUL HINTS FOR A HEALTHY VOICE Increase fluid intake 4-8 ounces of water per day. Avoid excessive or frequent throat clearing-try sipping water instead. Frequent throat-clearing or coughing can be injurious to the vocal cords. Excessive cough, mucus production, or throat clearing may be an indication of an underlying disorder such as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. Get plenty of sleep. Fatigue can cause the voice to sound hoarse. Use plenty of breath support. Your lungs are the generator of the voice. Take advantage of them. Do not speak in sentences that are too long. This causes you to vocalize with inadequate breath support at the end of your air stream. Shorter sentences with a deep breath in between optomizes breath support. Minimize caffeine, alcolhol and dairy intake. These can dry out the vocal cords and/or create thick mucous. Avoid menthol throat lozenges. These can dry the throat. Avoid smoking, people who smoke, and noxious fumes. These are irritating and damaging to the vocal cords. Be aware of background noise. Raising your voice above others in a loud environment can cause straining and vocal abuse. Watch volumes and posture of head/neck while on the telephone. This can cause uneven pressure and strain on the vocal cords. If it seems speaking takes extra effort, you have throat discomfort or pain after using your voice, experience vocal fatigue or experience "cracking" of the voice, … consult with your laryngologist.