As we head into the holiday season, we shine the spotlight on one of UVI’s most decorated Alum whose art has become synonymous with the Crucian Christmas festivities. Meet the multi-talented, multi-hyphenate, masterful man of music – the Maestro, Kevré Hendricks.
“UVI provided a quality music education while still allowing me to have the opportunity to participate in cultural events and activities. I was able to merge the classical training and bridge the similarities between classical training and cultural execution. “
– Kevré Hendricks
Who is 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.
“Whether it is academically or culturally it is important for me to try to influence the next generation of music educators and musicians in the territory. Virgin Islands music is unique so trying to bridge the understanding of its components for generations to come is important for me.”
– Kevré Hendricks
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I think my career choice was inspired by a lineage of musicians in my family, as well as being around it consistently since I was a child. Though I did not recognize it at first, I think the result may have been inevitable in retrospect.
How did your time at UVI prepare you for the road to Maestro?
I initially was accepted to Howard University, but due to my immaturity I did not do my due diligence to apply for the appropriate financial support. This resulted in me attending UVI, which holistically contributed to who I am today. UVI provided a quality music education while still allowing me to have the opportunity to participate in cultural events and activities. I was able to merge the classical training and bridge the similarities between classical training and cultural execution. This still resonates in my performance techniques, classroom teaching, and musical production.
As a twelve-time Road March Winner, which one stands out the most to you?
As a twelve-time Road March Winner, my production of “We Shall Rise” always stands out to me. I produced that song during hurricane Maria knowing the devastation that was to follow. It was then recorded using an electronic converter that was hooked up to my vehicle’s battery to provide enough current to run the studio. I provided the concept of the song to my artist Darnelle “Blackest” Phillip and mentor Roy Vialet. They came up with the rest of the lyrics, and the rest is history.
As the 2024 Crucian Christmas Festival Village Honoree you took the opportunity to raise money for the music programs of public schools in the St. Croix District. What led to this initiative, and why is supporting music programs so important? The instrumental music teachers in the St. Croix district are former students of my music program that decided to pursue music education. I was passionate about this initiative because I remember the feeling of running a music program starting from a ground zero perspective. I wanted to provide a resource for my colleagues to assist with enhancing their music programs in the early stages.
“Discipline matters in what we do. We must have enough integrity to fail a million times to eventually become successful.”
– Kevré Hendricks
Define Success
Success to me is being able to visualize a goal, plan a concept, and work consistently to execute the goal in increments.
Why does what you do matter?
Whether it is academically or culturally it is important for me to try to influence the next generation of music educators and musicians in the territory. Virgin Islands music is unique so trying to bridge the understanding of its components for generations to come is important for me.
As you reflect on your career as a professional musician and music educator, what does the University mean to you?
In retrospect, my time at UVI is probably the key component to my success in all areas. The excellent education balanced across the classical, and culturally arenas, can never be taken for granted.
What is the most notable tool (technical or otherwise) that Professor Austin Venzen imparted to you that you implement in your journey as a teacher?
Austin A. Venzen taught me the importance of treating people with respect. He was very stern during rehearsals because he demanded a premiere product, however, after every performance, he would do a huge thank you event that involved food and music. I use this same method for my students, and that is the secret to the success of my program.
What advice would you give an aspiring musician?
Discipline matters in what we do. We must have enough integrity to fail a million times to eventually become successful.
What’s next for Kevré “Maestro” Hendricks?
I look forward to inspiring another generation of students to become music educators, while networking with artists locally and abroad to bridge gaps musically.
Where can we follow your work?
