Stantawn Kendrick

Saxophonist Stantawn Kendrick was born in Augusta, GA and raised in Thomson, which is a small town in Georgia (T-TOWN STAND UP!). He has always been thankful for his down south influences and the church as well. His father always played music around the house. So, he grew up just loving the music of the 70s; the music of his father's time. Throughout middle school and high school he just didn't see the sense in having his parents pay for expensive private lessons. With will and determination he was pretty much self taught. Unfortunately, he had no idea what he was playing; people just said he was doing something right. He just played along with his father's records and used his ears to the best of his ability. He didn't get a grasp for harmony until going to Valdosta State University for undergrad. Thanks to Bob Greenhaw and Cary Brague, some sense was made out of this music. He often remembers not even knowing what a ii V I was, nor substitutions and altered chords etc.



After finishing undergrad he moved to New Jersey and studied for a masters at William Paterson University under Clark Terry, Mulgrew Miller, Don Braden, James Weidman and David Demsey. He learned many things from this school and was honored to play with and see people like Mulgrew Miller, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Kenny Garrett, Clark Terry, Jerry Dogion, Tom Harrel, Steve Laspina, Marcus McLurine, Horace Aronald, Bill Goodwin, Jimmy Heath, Conrad Herwig, Bill Cosby and many more. He was also honored to play with Michael Butler in the William Paterson University Gospel Choir along with all of the anointed musicians. Being near the church has always been a need to me. He loves the Lord and gospel music. It is the roots.



He has currently finished school and wants to play. "I have gone through a lot of drama which most people have. Luckily, we musicians can always fall back on our music in time of despair. With just a turn of a key to lock a door and consume myself with my horn and the piano.my prayers are sent up to the Father rather if it's through my speech, mind, or breathing through my instrument".



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