Urie Robert Lee Norris III

LIFE REFLECTIONS

For

URIE ROBERT LEE NORRIS III

A child music prodigy, academically brilliant, stylish, humorous, caring, determined, extremely loyal, hardworking and compassionate - these were the characteristics to remember about Urie Robert Lee Norris III, 39 years old. Urie (or his stage name “Tre”) is the beloved eldest son of Rev. Urie & Prof. Denise Norris of Bakersfield (San Diego), CA. Urie is a graduate of the University of California Los Angeles - he earned a BFA degree in Ethnomusicology and Jazz Performance. Urie also attended his first two years of college at the University of Miami, Coral Gable, Florida. In fact, Urie was accepted into (9) tier one University Music programs, and after his college auditions, including The Berklee School of Music.

Urie loved all genres of music. Although Urie has been trained in classical piano since the age of 5 years old, and had a gifted ear. Contemporary music, jazz, and gospel music were among his favorites. Urie was also a gifted composer and a high School (Sewickley Academy in Sewickley, PA) award-winning vocalist. He was a High School Honor Chorus winning tenor. Urie’s passion was to become a professional musician and pursue a specified range of interests. He achieved this goal too! Urie accomplished many musical projects, including music composition, performance, planned film scoring, and music production. Urie achieved many of his goals and aspirations, and with the love of his family, Urie’s musical legacy continues.

Professionally, Urie produced and performed music gigs with several of his bands, and other bands. Urie performed all around Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Bel-Air. Urie also performed from the San Francisco Bay Area to San Diego, across the U, S, in New York City and in Las Vegas (the Cosmopolitan and the Aria Hotel Casino Hotels) to name a few. In better days and to the end, Urie ministered in music every Sunday, on the Hammond organ and piano, at a plethora of churches - too many to list. He did so primarily in Los Angeles, and through California. This was a passion to do so on Sunday mornings and congregation members loved his sweet loving nature, despite any imperfections, and Urie loved them too! Urie III did a performance tour in China, and performed in bands on various cruise ships, across oceans. Urie lived a notable musician life that many can only dream about. He had promise and purpose. However, Urie suffered beyond imagination, was determined, pushed on, never complained and, indeed, is gone to soon!

Urie is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and the Recording Academy. These different aspects of the music industry, include performance, composition, education and advocacy.

Urie leaves behind on earth his loving and adoring parents: Rev Urie Norris and Prof. Denise L. Norris, his only sister Siovhan Christensen, brother in love: Bjork Christensen, Niece: Timian Naomi Christensen; Brothers: Nehemiah I. Norris I and Philemon L. Norris, Esq., Sister in love: Kiah Norris: Nephews: Gyasi and Enoch Norris, Grandmother: Vergia R. Baty; Great Aunt: Cloteal Gumbs, Godmothers: Pastor Pauletta Allison and Wendy Haynes-Johnson; Godfathers: Herman Randal and Roger Lampkin, Esq., and a very large host of beloved and supportive uncles, aunts, cousins, family friends, professional friends, various church family congregation members, music industry organizations, personalities, affiliates and associates.

Urie’s Earlier Accomplishments at a Glance

UCLA Graduate BFA in Ethnomusicology and Jazz Performance

Transferred from University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida

UM WVUM 90.5 FM Radio - Underwriting Director/DJ

Founded Jazz band, “Spare Mint,” Performed paid gigs at various restaurants, clubs and lounges in Miami Coconut Grove and South Beach

Youth Music Campaign Member - Assist to foster musical opportunities for underprivileged youth in Miami, through talents and leadership as a volunteer

UM Band of the Hour - Marching Band - Clarinet

Keyboard - Paid jazz gigs weekly in the Miami community

Served as key pianist for weekly choir rehearsals and Sunday Worship at First Baptist Church, Westland, PA

Obtained High School Diploma from Sewickley Academy, Sewickley, PA

Composition Music Student under the direction of Dr. David Ed at Sewickley Academy. Composed, arranged and produced an original piece. Also sang with SA’s chorus, SA Model UN Competitor, SA Head Music Editor, President of the Music Club at SA, Jazz Pianist for the SA Jazz Ensemble at SA, under the direction of Barbara Salak, SA Peer Counselor Leadership Team, Official SA DJ and youth head pianist and youth choir soloist for the Central Baptist Church in Pittsburgh.

Internship Party Mix Pro D. J. Entertainment, Extensive DJ training

Competed & won a tenor position on the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) A State-wide competition for talented students.

Nominated for the National Society of High School Scholars

Selected to attend the 3rd Annual Financial Literacy Camp, Penn State University, McKeesport Campus: Won Leadership Award

Berklee School of Music, Boston, MA - Attended Intensive Audio Recording Music Production Summer Camp

Completed & published first composition entitled: “An Instrumental Dance Break”

Auditioned & won key role in SA Spring Musical “Working,” in the role of “Roberto” delivered a moving solo in Spanish

Presidential Classroom Student, Washington, D.C.; Accepted for a weeklong camp exploring the U.S. leadership with FBI, Senate, White House, Congress and Supreme Court

Studied Gospel & Jazz piano with Dr. Johnson of The African American Institute of Music- Pittsburgh, PA

Accepted and attended the Wyoming Seminary Summer Camp; earned a key role in the Musical: “Les Miserable.”

Became Entrepreneur with own company as “D.J. U;” provided DJ services for pay to community at large

Spanish Study Tour: Costa Rica – (3) Weeks with SA Spanish class

Youth Ambassador, Central Baptist, National Baptist Convention - various cities

Contestant in the Mr. African American Competition, First Runner-Up: performed a Gospel Piano Selection; (A Jean Bryant Production)

Member of the Tri-County Choir (formally the Sewickley Choir Institute) under the direction of Linda Wallace

Classical Piano student, Private Lessons, Duquesne University’s City Music Center, Duquesne University. Studied under the direction of Edwina Kremen; Sally Stone, Executive Director. Also studied and completed theory, composition, chorus, and musicianship classes.

In honor of Urie's legacy and passion for music, the family is launching an annual scholarship designed to support incoming college freshmen who demonstrate musical talent:

The Urie RL Norris III Scholarship for the Musically Gifted 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to support the Urie R. L. Norris III Scholarship for the Musically Gifted. This scholarship is designed to be an annual scholarship for multi- talented, exceptional underserved, freshman college students. The applicant students must attend a 4 year University or college, and must have an academic grade point average of 3.5 or better. In addition, applicants must have a gifted music ear, trained classically, play piano, as well as at least one additional instrument, compose music and/or sing. These were all of Urie's gifts and talents

Donations to support this meaningful initiative can be made in lieu of flowers to in 3 ways: 

Donate online to GoFundMe here 

via Zelle: admin@inspiretogohigher.org 

or via mail: Inspire To Go Higher c/o The Norris Family, PO BOX 21091, Bakersfield, CA 93390

Make checks payable to: Inspire To Go Higher

*Inspire to Go Higher is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community based corporation and is tax deductible.

The Norris Family appreciates your love, support, and prayers during this time of deep grief. Thank you for allowing them the space and time to navigate this loss. If you would like to send a card, please do so at the PO Box listed above. 

If you would like to contribute to Urie's slideshow, please submit your memories, photos, videos, etc here.