Shelly M. Black- Easley, SC
Specializing in playing Southern Gospel Music, Weddings, and Special Occasions
Trained Flutist, Piccolo, Pennywhistles, Oboist, and English Horn
Instruments: Yamaha flute body, Arista flute head joint, Olds wood picc, Loree Oboe, Fox English Horn, Susato Penny Whistles
Affiliates: Rock Springs Baptist Church Orchestra, Foothills Philharmonic (oboe)

Professionally playing 1986-Current

Music has inspired me to create Notes From Above. I realize that my talent is given to me only by God’s grace. I currently work a full time job during the week, as a Sales Supervisor in a call center. I am also blessed with a supportive husband, Jody, and we have 2 children, Elizabeth 15, and Jacob 12. I grew up with music being a HUGE part of my life. I use to sit and listen to my mom play hymns, so when it was time for me to learn the piano, I wasn’t a very good student. I wasn’t interested in going thru the John Thompson piano books; I wanted to go straight to playing the hymns . So my mom taught me my right hand on the piano, and I learned chords in the left hand.. The summer prior to entering the 7th grade my mom and I were watching the Miss SC pageant and one of the contestants was playing the flute. I told my mom then I wanted to play the flute. During my first year playing, she had me playing offertories in church and I was hooked. At the time we couldn’t afford private lessons, so I would buy Sandy Patty cassette tapes, and piano/vocal books, and I would pattern my playing after her singing style. I learned to express through the flute what she could through her voice! Several years later, I am still playing with a greater passion and vision of what we have to offer. I know I have been blessed to have such a talented mom (see her bio below). I currently participate in our Church Orchestra, Rock Springs Baptist Church, I play 2nd oboe with the Foothills Philharmonic. I freelance in the area. Notes from above is something I have always wanted to be a part of, it’s not a job to us, but a way of giving back a little of what we have been blessed with. I hope you enjoy our music and that it will be a blessing to you.

My favorite bible verse: Isaiah 30:29 (NKJV) You shall have a song, as in the night when a holy festival is kept, and gladness of heart as when one goes with a flute, to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the Mighty One of Israel

Martha R. Lewis- Easley, SC
Specializing in playing Southern Gospel Music, Weddings, and Special Occasions
Trained Pianist, Organist, and Flutist
Instruments: Kohler Piano, Pipe Organs, Yamaha flute body with Larry Krantz flute headjoint

Professionally playing 1964-Current

A passion for music has given me focus and joy throughout my life. At the age of 15 I became the Organist at my church, Ocilla First Baptist Church, Ocilla Ga. At this young age I began to play for Weddings and funerals. I attended Brevard Music Camp in 1965, and then Shorter College in the summer of 1968-spring 1971. I was a Music Major. I left college to get married. My husband and I soon re-located to Easley, SC, and we joined Smith Grove Baptist Church. I held the position of Organist at the church, and I also held a small music studio at my home, where I taught piano lessons. I was very active with the music ministries at church, which included directing several Christmas Programs. After leaving Smith Grove, I began to freelance as a pianist at small churches, where ever I was needed. I also learned to play by ear, by traveling with a couple of Southern Gospel Groups. We traveled primarily in SC/NC. I later took up playing the flute, I currently study flute with Martha Kitterman. I also attended a Master Class with Patricia Harper at North Greenville University. I currently enjoy playing the flute in my church orchestra, Rock Springs Baptist church. My daughter (see bio above) and I freelance in the area, playing for local churches for special conferences, events, and wedding.

My favorite bible verse: - Philippians 4:13 (KJV) “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneths me”

Danielle Young
Specializing in playing Weddings, and Special Occasions
Trained Pianist, Flutist, and Cellist
Instruments: Baby Grand Piano, Gemindhardt flute, cello
Affiliates: Rock Springs Baptist Church Orchestra

Professionally playing 2005-Current

Hi, I’m Danielle Young, I teach twelve, amazing students in first grade at Ambler Elementary in Pickens. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Education while attending Anderson University for five years where I also minored in music. I use music and chants everyday in my classroom to make learning fun for my students! Music has been a part of my life since I was little girl. I have had the opportunities to freelance in the area for many different church programs, this past year I performed with Foothills Philharmonic for their NYE event, and I previously played with the Anderson ASO. I am thankful that God has blessed me with the gift of music, and that He has provided me with avenues to use my gift to honor Him, and to be a blessing to others.