Story by Catherine Hamrick
Artist and future music producer Trejohn Skinner (23C) savors the moment when he knows he has reached his audience.
“I feel like it’s a connection, especially at the end of a piece that’s sentimental or very touching,” the accomplished tenor explained. “The pause when the audience doesn’t applaud right away, I love when that happens.”
Such moments were unmistakable during Skinner’s senior recital in April, as hushed appreciation gave way to rousing applause. Two selections – H.T. Burleigh’s arrangement of the spiritual Steal Away and Charlie Smalls’ Home from The Wiz – were particularly resonant, evoking the emotions of transition just before graduation.
“With Steal Away, the lyrics speak to me, especially at the end with ‘I ain’t got long to stay here,’” he related. “Every time I sing it, I feel this emotion of wow, I’m really leaving college, and I’m going to be in the real world now. It’s like a farewell to everybody and the previous chapter of my life.
“Home makes you feel like you’re going home to something,” Skinner added. “And that really feels good.”
For the last four years, Berry has been home, offering a supportive and encouraging environment in which to develop his talents while revealing new ways in which his artistry can be shaped into a career.
Skinner was recruited to Berry by Dr. Paul Neal, director of choral activities, who knew he had struck gold when he saw him perform with InToneNation, a national championship a capella group from New Manchester High School in Douglasville, Georgia.
“I quickly found out his name and encouraged him to apply,” Neal recalled. “Also, I went to the Georgia All-State Choir performances in Athens and spoke with Trejohn after his audition to let him know how much we wanted him at Berry. He was one of our top recruits that year.”
That personal touch made all the difference for Skinner, who chose Berry over Berklee College of Music, Louisiana State University and the University of Tampa.
“I’m thinking about opening a studio not just for the business, but for bringing community within the studio.”
— Trejohn Skinner
He initially envisioned a career in music education, but the opportunity to use Logic Pro X professional audio production software jump-started his ambition to one day own a studio and motivated a change in major to music with elective studies in business.
“In the production side of music, there will be times when I will have to be an accountant or do my own finances,” Skinner noted.
Seeking a toehold in the industry, he secured an internship with LiveNation as a venue operations assistant for Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park in Atlanta. There he worked in collaboration with a small team responsible for everything from preparing the gates and setting up backstage rooms for performers to picking up trash and having ponchos on hand for artists’ crews in case of rain.
Whatever the task, Skinner applied the work ethic instilled by his mom and reinforced at Berry. His dedication paid off in the form of a full-time gig with LiveNation post-graduation that will enable him to work at venues around the country.
While excited by the prospect of experiencing such musical hotbeds as Nashville, Austin and L.A., Skinner dreams of one day returning to Douglasville to develop his first studio. He envisions creating a welcoming environment for artists of all types with space to perform that currently does not exist in his hometown on the edge of the Atlanta suburbs.
“Douglasville has a lot of different artists trying to create music, but they don’t have anywhere to go,” he stated. “I’m thinking about opening a studio not just for the business, but for bringing community within the studio.”
Though visionary, Skinner is plugged into reality. As a studio owner, he’ll apply technical, artistic and business skills as he pivots to roles like audio engineer, producer, marketer and advisor.
Neal anticipates a bright future for his former student, pointing to Skinner’s tenacity and the gift he possesses for inspiring others to do their best.
“This semester, he has served as the director of our a cappella group, Berry Voices. I have never fully given the group over to a student, but Trejohn is a special case,” the Berry faculty member praised. “He has done wonders, and they sound amazing.
“Even more so than music, his interest in and knowledge of branding, marketing and organization of such a group have been invaluable,” Neal added. “This has really helped shape him into a remarkable young man who is ready to take on the music business world. With his talent and skill, the skies are the limit!”
