We had the good fortune of connecting with Allana Southerland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allana, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
As a mom of an 11-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son, I believe being an entrepreneur is the most important thing I have done for my children. I am a female saxophonist running a private music studio, band, and DJ service. We have had the privilege to perform around the USA and soon the world! Although they have no clue about all the struggles related to successfully running and maintaining a business, they see me enjoying my work, making my own schedule, setting and reaching short term and long term goals, and being passionate about the career path that I chose. Often times, we work in an industry just for the monetary gain and go home empty, unfulfilled, and unhappy. We must, especially in these uncertain times, take control of our future, our situation, and our life. I only pray that I have shown them to be resilient, determined, and powerful in any career path that they choose. I teach them to do the work well and do it with passion. Be the best you can be and you’ll succeed. In this male-dominated music industry, you must persevere even when the odds are against you. I am excited about how this will impact them in their lives, careers, and choices going forward.  

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a female saxophonist. That sentence in itself sets me apart from 90% of the entire world! I started in 7th-grade playing clarinet. The next year I wanted to be in a Symphonic and Jazz band so I added the tenor sax. By the time I graduated from the University of North Florida, I played piano, clarinet, flute, and tenor, alto, and soprano sax! Music has been a part of my life since I can remember. Both my grandmother’s play/played the piano/organ. My uncles play guitars, most of my aunts sing and play piano as well. While in church, I would pull my clarinet out and try to play “by ear” with no sheet music. This was the beginning of my love for music! I loved how it felt and how it seemed to make others feel. I am most proud that over 20 years I have had the pleasure of performing with Beyonce, Fantasia, Charlie Wilson, Herbie Hancock, Paul Jackson Jr, and many more! The journey has not been easy. Sometimes I am turned down due to being female or African American. But I have learned to not let a “no” stop me from reaching my goals. I believe I have a gift to play music and will continue to share that with the world. Party in a Box band is here to stay! I have now been accepted into the Master of Education program at the University of North Florida.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would go shopping at the outdoor mall, aquarium, take in a show at the dinner theatre, go hang out downtown, and wake for brunch the next day prepared by our personal chef! Then we would go hiking and biking. The next day, we would tour the city. Next, we would go to a live concert and go out dancing. I would invite the loud bubbly crew to join us to have a great time! 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother gave me a solid background and helped me learn about life and finances at an early age. My church has also had an impact on my success as well by teaching me the principles of living a life to be proud of. I am also a proud member of Sigma Alpha Iota fraternity incorporated, where my sisters are near and dear.

Website: www.partyinaboxband.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/partyinaboxband
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allana-southerland-prince-45641114/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/partyinaboxband
Facebook: www.facebook.com/partyinaboxband
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ7AHYpKh_yXPBThx3if_uQ
Other: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/partyinabox/shade

Image Credits
James Southerland Jr Brandy Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.