The Well Receives Arts & Wellness Grant to Support New Music Project

Preston Bell Charles III is a proud father and is a native of Cincinnati. Growing up in Silverton as the eldest of five, he is an alumn of the acclaimed Walnut Hills High School, where he further pursued learning the classical arts, with a high focus on cultural studies, Latin, and classical music through the violin. Having been able to perform in the Basilica of Spain, St Martin-in-the-Fields, and “the” Carnegie Hall. Outside of music, he works for his father at Preston Charles Funeral Home as an assistant, former co-music director of the Cincinnati Hip Hop Orchestra. He is a music teacher at the Wyoming Fine Arts Center and was awarded the Black and Brown Artist Grant through ArtsWave twice. Creating two digital documentaries discussing the roots of the concept of race internationally, and its effect on our local history. As a field manager, he helped guide teams of volunteers and staff during Ohio’s historical voter registration year and was an advocate for several issues that helped change the policies toward those affected disproportionately by the War on Drugs and brought awareness to the lack of attention given to mental health issues. He aims to remain humble and rarely speaks of his experiences unless there is a personal connection, from busking in the streets with some of the city’s original street musicians, to it now being an endorsed and sought after art form which has created many job opportunities for various members of the arts, to recently completing a musical score for CET/ PBS Mini- Documentary on Michael Coppage and being a partner and performer with the Cincinnati Music Accelerator……and as if in a dream, got a mention in Cincinnati Mover and Makers magazine for the Mindful Joy Event which has its closing night at the Baker Hunt Arts and Cultural Center on October 30th. Last to mention, performing for a local NPR show of “The Moth”, leading to a long artistic relationship with True Theatre. Learning Through The Arts and Jazz Alive have been new and strong supporters. Now in partnership with The Well!

Alpha Arts Frierson is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is rooted in nature, community, and faith. Raised in Loveland, Ohio, his creative practice spans visual art, illustration, music, and arts education. He is the author and illustrator of the Jahari’s Safari children’s book series and has exhibited work at venues including the King Arts Complex in Columbus, Ohio. He is a recipient of the Young Illustrators Award from Central State University, recognizing his commitment to cultural storytelling.

Music is central to Alpha’s artistic identity. A saxophonist and religious choral vocalist, he has performed throughout the United States as a soloist and ensemble member, with recordings and collaborations including the Souse music group, the Sarah Frierson gospel CD, Kwame Kese Studios, and inner-city performance tours.

As an arts programmer and educator, Alpha has worked within schools and community spaces through the Cincinnati Art Association, Music to Life, and the Kennedy Heights Arts Center. His programming integrates visual art, music, movement, and creative exploration, supporting youth and adults through accessible, multidisciplinary arts experiences. Guided by the belief that “all blessings come from above; artists are just the instruments,” Alpha brings purpose, versatility, and care to every creative environment.

Japanese pianist Mika Komuro is an international soloist and chamber musician. She made her solo debuts in Tokyo as well as in London at Steinway Hall. Additionally, she made her concerto debut with the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania.

Mika collaborates with international soloists and orchestral musicians from around the world. With her strong passion for chamber music, she founded Vox Cor Trio, which is composed of piano, trumpet, and trombone. The ensemble focuses on playing classical vocal music, aiming to share emotional journeys and stories without lyrics. The trio is intentionally trying to bring awareness of the healing power in classical music and share it with communities. Vox Cor Trio has been performing nationwide since its debut in 2022 in Cincinnati.

Aparna Nambirajan is a talented flutist, pianist, singer, songwriter, and composer currently attending the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Over the past decade, she has studied flute and composition under Eva Skanse. Aparna began her musical journey learning piano with Jera Cox, and later honed her skills in jazz piano with Brian Batchelor Glader at the Cincinnati Music Academy (CMA). She also received voice training from Dr. Ellen Graham and studied Indian classical music with Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran.

Mr. Watt is a music composer who paints with sound to craft unique and connected human experiences, in film, tv, and video games.