Meet Tracy Woodard | Executive Director of Atlanta Contemporary Ensemble

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

Hi Tracy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Several years ago a visiting musician I worked with remarked on the lack of contemporary music in Atlanta, compared to New York or Chicago. I agreed. And so the Atlanta Contemporary Ensemble began, pairing new compositions with dance, art, and spoken word.

Since then we’ve hosted our annual international music competition, where we select three compositions inspired by a particular artist’s work, ala “Pictures At An Exhibition”. By having multiple points of entry (music, paintings, story narration, dance) you can cater to a wider variety of audiences who might be skeptical of one but definitely want to explore the others.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We love bringing interdisciplinary music and art across Georgia, which is why we’re so excited to feature three shows this spring, “Willow Tests Well” at GSU March 30, “Electric Eve” March 31 in Oxford GA, and “Language of Birds” April 22 in Thomasville GA.

Our most recent competition winners composed music for “Willow Tests Well”, a short story by Nick Mamatas originally commissioned by PsuedoPod that was meant to be read aloud by a single actress. It’s such a hilarious, dark exploration of this little girl slowly transforming into a villain, and if new music needs anything it’s a reason to laugh. We had to get it on stage.

Another Atlanta artist we’re bringing back is Krista M. Jones, whose murals dot the city on buildings, bridges, and train stations. Emory University was very kind to invite us for a reprise of “Electric”, which featured three of her paintings, just the most beautiful, brilliant depictions of female figures that you’re not going to find anywhere else.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Eagle Eye bookshop in Decatur is my favorite go-to spot, it’s sandwiched between Wilds Birds Unlimited bird supply and Tea Leaf & Creamery bubble tea cafe, perfect lunch date! I would also have visitors explore the Beltline trails near Trees Atlanta, especially now that it’s spring and lovely weather for biking.e!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Corian Ellisor, aka Drag Mother at Mary’s in EAV

Website: atlce.org

Instagram: instagram.com/atl_ce/

Facebook: facebook.com/atlantacontemporaryensemble

Image Credits
Photo credit: Gold dress violinist Tracy Woodard by La Photographie pink dress violinist Tracy Woodard by Walt Tsyzka Black male dancer Corian Ellisor by Krista M. Jones