Take 6 and After 7 offer Master Class in music to Richland One students

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) —  Each year, The Auntie Karen Foundation teams up with Richland School District One for its annual Master Class — this year held at Eau Claire High School.

Famous musicians are invited to share their knowledge, perform some of their songs, and participate in a Q&A with students.

This year, two musical guests were asked to join in – Take 6 and After 7.

The a cappella group Take 6 has released 16 albums over the years — winning 10 Grammys, and performing with numerous other stars including Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Whitney Houston.

The Grammy nominated group After 7 has released five albums since the early 90’s and landed four consecutive Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts with their album “Unfinished Business.”

The artists answered questions and gave advice to students and media on a number of topics — including following your dreams, following your joy, and putting yourself in the position for success.

“If it’s meant for you, it’s not gonna leave you alone, it’s gonna always keep coming after you. People are gonna always remind you of what it is – your purpose to do. Even if you’re not trying to see it for yourself, you’re gonna always get some sort of affirmation from someone,” says Trey Jones with After 7.

“The thing that moves me that gives me joy, and when I hit the stage is the ability to sing about love, and that’s what I hope people would remember After 7 for,” says Kevon Edmonds with After 7.

“Everybody on this stage is amazingly brilliant in their own way and we can cannibalize each other if we stay around each other, I think you gotta go make your mark and don’t worry about the gatekeepers. God is the source — everybody else is just a resource,” says Alvin Chea with Take 6.

And when it comes to loving what you do….do what you love.

“And I think because we love what we do that’s motivation in and of itself…And it’s really fun to be in this group!” says Claude McKnight with Take 6.

You can catch performances by Take 6 and After 7 at Friday night’s “Legends of…”concert event at the Koger Center — starting at eight p.m.

For tickets, click here.