In a friendly version of sibling rivalry, Isis Smalls, a University of Chicago sophomore and star volleyball player looks forward to topping her big sister's Windy City achievements. A 2000 graduate of Northwestern University's school of Music, Jade Simmons née Smalls, was the founder of NU's immensely popular percussion and dance ensemble Boomshaka, was Miss Chicago, Miss Illinois and ultimately first runner-up at Miss America 2000. Since then she's gone on to carve a career as a concert pianist set on pushing the boundaries of classical music. In that capacity, she'll come to the University of Chicago as one of three artists awarded a residency from the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture.The program has fostered dialogue and explored ways in which various media (film, music, literature, visual art) shape and reflect issues of race and ethnicity. Jade's residency culminates in a performance of Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini on Saturday, Dec.5th with the University of Chicago Orchestra.
Simmons will make her UC debut on the heels of her little sister Isis Smalls' victory as a part of the university's volleyball team that just placed 3rd in the University Athletic Association Championship. Isis went on to be named to the First Team for the 2009 All-University Athletic Association Team, the first Maroon to be so honored in 13 years. With a 12 year difference in age, the two sisters have only recently been able to revel in a fun and friendly sibling rivalry that includes constantly checking to see who's tallest, fastest (Jade was a high school athlete who also wore #12), and gets the most hits on Google. In the latter category, Jade's considerably ahead and the recent release of her critically acclaimed debut CD Revolutionary Rhythm doesn't help matters. Though Jade readily admits "I've had a 12 year head start, so I cut her a little slack!". Despite the age difference the two had similar childhoods wrought with over-achieving and over-scheduling including music, sports, student council, and a host of other extra-curriculars. Both Jade and Isis were raised predominantly in Charleston, SC and the two credit their parents, Jerome and Loretta Smalls for offering every opportunity and instilling a balance of drive, compassion and faith.
Unexpectedly, both sisters ended up in Chicago for their undergraduate years and Simmons looks forward to being able to experience Smalls' campus in this unique capacity. While in Chicago, Jade will spend time speaking to and performing for University music students and she will perform outreach in several Chicago area schools including the Merit School of Music, all in addition to her performance with the orchestra. Simmons will be on campus November 30th-December 5th, a schedule of all residency activities is to be released by the University of Chicago.
