top of page

Meet The Founder

Mrs. Lou Ann Pickett-Stroman

Mrs. Lou Ann Pickett-Stroman a native of Mississippi, completed her education at Mississippi Valley State University (B.A.), Miami University (M.M.), Oxford Ohio and Indiana University (Professional Studies), Bloomington, Indiana. During her undergraduate studies she was awarded an educational grant from The Howard Thurman Educational Foundation to aid in the pursuit of her musical career. With their aid, she was able to secure a vocal scholarship at the Aspen Music Festival for several summers and continue her professional studies in New York City where her singing career provided performance opportunities on the Concert and Operatic stages throughout the United States, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. She has performed with such distinguished companies as: The Metropolitan Opera (NYC); Houston Grand Opera (Texas); Connecticut Opera; Buffalo Opera; Washington Opera (DC); Syracuse Opera; National Opera; American Opera Theatre (NYC); Aspen Music Festival; Teatro Real (Madrid, Spain); Spoleto Festival (Australia) and Schweizer-Tournee Theatre, LaScala, Paris Opera House (Europe) and Japan.

Although, much of her career has been as a Performing Artist, Mrs. Pickett-Stroman has always been actively involved in education. Her teaching experiences have extended from pre-K through college level. As a music instructor, vocal technician and lecturer, she has developed, as well as implemented music and art curriculums for several schools, community youth projects and artist in residence programs. These include: First Impressions Pre-school (NYC); The Barbara Taylor School, K-8 (NYC); the Bronx Community Center, 7-12 (NYC); The Martin Luther King, Jr. S.A.V.E. Program, 7-12 (NYC); Artist-In-Residence at Mississippi Valley State University; University of Utah; University of Rhode Island (Teilesco Artist Representatives) and Florida's Arts Celebration Visiting Arist School Program.


In 1997, she joined the Artistic Staff of the Boys Choir of Harlem, Inc., teaching girls' grades 7-12. From the fall of 1999 to November 2004, she held the position of Conductor and Vocal Technician for the Preparatory and Intermediate Girls Choir of Harlem. She worked with staff administrators and instructors to provide a core music curriculum at the Choir Academy of Harlem. Her responsibilities included the audition selection process and the musical development of young singers, grades 4-6. This involved social and musical skills, discipline in concert etiquette, vocal technique, sight singing, music theory, program planning, preparation of concert repertoire and conducting. During the summer months, Mrs. Pickett-Stroman facilitated in the planning and operations of the preparatory divisions Summer Music Institute. She was instrumental in the creation and implementation of a Leadership Program for young girls in grades 4-8. A major component of the music program involved the supervision of assisting choral conductors, piano accompanists and student counselors, as well as the ability to incorporate her creative ideas in fundraising efforts for special projects.


During the year of 1991, Mrs. Pickett-Stroman founded and became president of PBF Artists Management. Successfully coordinating a production for the Teatro Real, in Madrid , Spain and other venues, she assisted Artists with career counseling advise and contract negotiations. She moved to Atlanta, GA in 2004 and continues to maintain a small, but select number of clients. Since 2006, Mrs. Pickett-Stroman has been teaching and providing music lessons to community children in Atlanta, GA. She has created a music program, that focuses on the early development and training of children beginning at the age of 3.

Contact Mrs. Lou Ann Pickett-Stroman at annstroman@pbf---arts.org

Office: 770-969-3719, Fax: 770-969-4894

GETTING STARTED

Running a 5K is an excellent goal for new runners. You'll get lots of motivation, as well as enjoyment, from participating in a race. A 5K race is 5 kilometers long, which is 3.1 miles. It is the perfect distance for first-timers. Even if you're a couch potato, you can be ready for a 5K in a couple of months.------

  • Before you even take your first steps, here are some important basics you should know.
  • Get Medical Clearance
  • If you're new to running, getting a physical exam from your doctor should be a bigger priority than choosing a good pair of running shoes.
  • Run as a team....Yes, do a team challenge it's more fun if you are not an avid runner.
  • How to Do a Proper Warm-up
  • It's not a good idea to stretch cold muscles, so don't start with stretching.
  • Do about 5 to 10 minutes of light aerobic exercise to loosen up your muscles and warm you up for your run. Some good pre-run warm-up exercises include walking briskly, marching, jogging slowly, or cycling on a stationary bike. Make sure you don't rush your warm-up.
  • Begin your run. Don't start out racing, but instead jog slowly at first and gradually build up your speed. You should be breathing very easily. If you feel yourself getting out of breath, slow down.
  • How to Do a Proper Cool down
  • After you finish your run, cool down by walking or slowly jogging for 5 to 10 minutes. Your breathing and heart rate should gradually return to normal.
  • Drink water or sports drink to replenish yourself.
  • Now is a good time to stretch since your muscles are warmed-up. Stretching is easier when your body is still warm after your cool down.
  • Drink water at the end of your workouts to rehydrate. If it's hot and humid, you should also drink some water (about 4-6 ounces) halfway through your workout.
  • Use your breathing as your guide during your running segments. You should be able to carry on a conversation while running and your breathing shouldn't be heavy.

Annual PBF Recital


February 29, 2020

Trinity AME Church 3:00 pm604 Lynhurst Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30311

30331


An Evening With PBF...Arts Gala


March 17, 2020 - "A Celebration of Opera & Jazz"

Location TBA 5:00-7:00 PM

Annual Family and Friends


DaySeptember 2019 - Location & More Info TBA

Annual Run For Music 5K/1K

Sandtown Pk - 5392 Campbellton Rd, SW Atl, GA

September 7, 2019

bottom of page