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Fred Martin: Founder and President
From an early age, Fred Martin knew that his life would be dedicated to ministering people through music. A self-taught musician, Fred spent countless hours reading books on music theory, composition and history and playing the piano in order to perfect his craft and become a well-kown leader in the field of gospel music. He grew up in Compton, California in the 1970's when gang violence was on the rise and predominant in his neighborhood, witnessing gang activity daily in the park across the street from the home in which he lived with his nine brothers and sisters. Playing the organ in church and participating in the Parks and Recreation Department's afterschool programs saved Fred's life and propelled him to continue working with young people as his life's path. After graduating from Dominguez High School in 1987, Fred was hired by Los Angeles County Unified School District as a Professional Expert in the field of music - a position he holds to this day. He not only brings music theory to the classroom, but has uncanny abilility to take even the most disruptive children and turn their lives around through unrelenting discipline, holding his students accountable for their own excellence - many of them, for the very first time. In the school sytem, Fred Has Worked in three different high schools - Lynwood High School, Alexander Hamilton High School and George Washington Preparatory High School - and at Celeste Scott Christian School where he taught middle school students. While at Hamilton High School, Fred believed that music students deserved to have an opportunity to study gospel music as a music style and began teaching during Lunch and Nutrition breaks for FREE for one year, while lobbying the administration. The next year, the school administration officially established Gospel Music as a class, but left Fred to fund it for himself, including his salary, which he did for the next two years. Once there was a proven track record for the program, the school began to fully fund and support Fred's work. Due to a successful seven years there, Washington High School began recruiting him -- he has been at Washington now for two years. Going well beyond the call of duty, Fred also works closely with the students and philanthropists to make sure that all his students leave high school with a clear direction and at least one college scholarship. Under his direction, Fred's choirs have performed on national television shows such as Fox's Mad TV and in major motion pictures including Under Siege II with Stephen Segal. They have performed with accomplished artists such Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, and Jackson Brown and during award shows such as the Independent Film Association's Spirit Awards, the 11th Annual Cinema Awards, and after parties for the Oscars. His choir was also Number One group for the House of Blues' infamous Gospel Brunch four years in a row. Each year, Fred's groups have become more visible, marketable and reputable as a result of his talent, leadership and connection with the entertainment industry. Year after year, his classes and students are visited by many producers, directors, and casting agents in Hollywood who are looking for the next hot talent and star. Many of his students are working in the entertainment industry today -- Tina Atkins and Erica Atkins of Mary Mary; Omari, the lead singer of B2K; producer Walter Milsap who has worked with Yolanda Adams, David Hollister, Warren G, and Shaquille O'Neal; producer Cornelio Austin works with R&B group KC and JoJo and the hip hop group Immature; and background vocalists for numerous acts including Destiny's Child and Genuine. The list could go on and on. Today, Fred continues to work in the public school system but is expanding his reach to students throughout the Los Angeles area through the Urban Entertainment Institute, a non-profit organization he founded in 2002. This orgainization will continue to train students, expose them to careers within the entertainment industry, seek internships and job opportunities, and provide college scholarships. Fred Martin once said, "God gave me the gift to work with young people and inspire kids to change their lives. The greatest reward is having a former student walk back through the doors of the classroom with a degree, a good job and success in their lives. That is something that money can't buy." |
During the past 15 years Fred Martin's accomplishments range from establishing Gospel Music as an official course in public schools to training and working with some of the best known acts and names in the gospel and R&B music industries today. His story is one of fearless dedication and commitment to God and the young people placed in his path through the Los Angeles County Unified School District where he teaches and at the Urban Entertainment Institute, a non-profit organization which he founded in 2002.
