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    Tuesday, May 14, 2024

    Music Education Pay Off

    pictured left to right: Russ Becker, Kedric Becker, Steve Roane, Derek Van Wormer

    In 2002, drummer Kedric Becker and bassist Derek Van Wormer graduated with honors from The Morgan School in Clinton and went on to become distinguished college students. Kedric graduated from Purchase College (S.U.N.Y.) with a degree in anthropology and Derek from Berklee College of Music in Boston with a degree in music. Both started their musical careers together in fourth grade at Pierson School under the guidance and expert training of music teacher Ray Smith. While students in Clinton, Kedric also studied privately with percussionist Rich Dart of Guilford and Derek with acclaimed New Haven bassist Jeff Fuller. Both men have remained close friends and have continued their pursuit and love of making music. Although Kedric now lives in New Haven and Derek in Boston, they have teamed up with veteran musicians Russ Becker (saxophone & clarinet) and Steve Roane (guitar) to become the latest members of the Russ Becker Quartet. In September they recorded an album of jazz originals entitled "Tunnel Vision", that has received much positive attention from musicians and music fans alike. The quartet will feature music from their recording in a free public concert at the Henry Carter Hull Library on Saturday December 8th at 2:00 p.m. Free will donations will be accepted on behalf of the library to help support cultural events and programs. The concert is sponsored by Community Music School of Centerbrook, Liberty Bank, Fine Band Repairs of Guilford, and Bauhaus Walstein Saxophones.

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