Prof. Larry Jenkins finds rhythm everywhere; we must tune in to build upon it and live in harmony.
Accompanied by The Fellas of TSU, Prof. Larry Jenkins leads us through a discussion and several exercises of finding the different rhythms in life. A lifetime of hearing music everywhere prompted Prof. Jenkins to explore this avenue, leading to becoming not only s teacher and musical director, but also a trumpeter, arranger, producer, and more. When asking what rhythm is, you can explore the different ways it is a constant: our regular life beats as well as the dissonance that can cause upheaval and changeâbut knowing progressive or asynchronous rhythms are still rhythms can help us to adjust to be our best selves and evolve into new patterns. When we add the harmony of working with others and the melody of taking care of ourselves as a necessary priority, we can act in concert with our community and make beautiful things together.
About the speaker
Larry Jenkins, Jr. is an accomplished musician who shares his love for music with those around him. To date, he has served as a trumpet soloist, band leader, educator, musical arranger, composer, speaker and motivator. His passion for music began at a young age in Portsmouth, Virginia and his musical prowess ultimately led to a college scholarship at Tennessee State University, where he graduated with Bachelorâs degree in music in 2009.
Soon after, Larry moved to Washington, D.C. where he taught music in the DCPS School System. In 2012, he attended Howard University and graduated with honors in 2014 with a Master of Music Education degree.
In 2014, Larry returned to his alma mater, TSU, as a Professor/Assistant Director of Bands for the âAristocrat of Bandsâ marching band. Since returning to TSU, his list of performances include the NFL Draft, Cedric the Entertainerâs Netflix Special, Halftime for the Los Angeles Lakers and performing for President Barack Obama and guests on the White House lawn for the opening of the National African American Museum of History and Culture (2016) as well as for President Biden and guests for the inaugural White House Juneteenth Celebration (2023). Larry has also presented as a panelist and speaker at the California African American Museum and the National Museum of African American Music. He was also named to the 2023 Yamaha 40 Under 40 Music Educator Class.
He continues to be involved within his community with projects that extend outside of the classroom, including co-founding Brassville (brass band) and composing the musical score for the film âMessage Readâ, which was featured on Fox Soul Network. His most recent collaborations include the Grammy Award Winning album, THE URBAN HYMNAL and collaboration with artist Dubba-AA on the Immersive New Age album, KAMPAN.
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