KEVRÉ HENDRICKS SPECIAL GUEST ON SOUNDS OF THE DIASPORA WITH HOST DION PARSON

Описание: This week's special guest s Kevré Hendricks. Born to premier educator Winona Hendricks and Vietnam veteran and musician Lawrence, Kevré Hendricks is a distinguished musician, educator, and military service member from the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of the Virgin Islands in 2004. Continuing his academic career, he graduated in 2022 with a Master of Music in Education from Ohio University, deepening his expertise and commitment to music education.

Hendricks has been a dedicated music educator in the Virgin Islands for over 20 years. He began his teaching career at Arthur Richards Junior High School before transitioning to the St. Croix Educational Complex in 2007, where he continues to serve as the Director of Bands. In this role, he has been responsible for one of the largest music programs in the territory, nurturing over 100 students on a yearly basis. For 12 years, Kevré also worked with the University of the Virgin Islands Summer Enrichment Program, aiding students of the territory and the Caribbean with musical development.

Hendricks is an accomplished brass and bass player and a distinguished figure in Virgin Islands music. He achieved 12 Road March titles, including 10 with the Fusion Band and 2 with Black Empire, cementing his legacy as one of the Virgin Islands’ most celebrated musicians. Beyond performing, Hendricks is a skilled conductor, arranger, and producer. He has demonstrated these talents frequently with many of the ensembles he works with or mentors. His production work, under the name Maestroproductions, can be heard on streaming platforms, where he has collaborated with multiple local and international artists.

Hendricks’s service in the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) has been marked by 27 years of dedication and leadership. On July 1, 2018, he became the commander of the 73rd Army Band as a Warrant Officer 1. Under his leadership, the band has earned its reputation as “America’s Hidden Treasure.” In August 2024, he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3), further solidifying his leadership role and contributions to military music. Kevré has received countless accolades for his contributions during Hurricane Irma and Maria recovery efforts, as well as for his role in COVID-19 operations.

A devoted father and husband, Kevré lives with his wife and two children, his son Kevré Jr. and his daughter Kylen.

His multifaceted career in music, education, and community service has left an indelible mark on the region.

Your host, Dion Parson, is an educator, composer, Grammy Award-winning performer, and bandleader. He currently resides on the island of St. Thomas and serves as the Chair of the Communication and Performing Arts Department at the University of the Virgin Islands. He is also the President of the United Jazz Foundation, which is a music education organization that mentors underprivileged kids to become musicians. His musical career has allowed him to tour internationally for over 30 years, and he has been recorded on over 110 recordings.