McClenty D. Hunter Jr.
Performer/Educator/Dreamer
Destiny, that's how McClenty D. Hunter Jr. would describe his musical talent. He was born to do this. It's something that comes naturally to him. His mother noticed it when he was an infant. His father bought his first drum set for Christmas when he was two years old. While playing drums at Long Reach Church of God Youth Explosion, McClenty met his mentor, Darin Atwater. At seventeen, Mr. Atwater gave McClenty his first opportunity to perform on a live recording. It was for the Long Reach Festival Choir 25th Anniversary CD. Under the tutelage of Mr. Atwater, McClenty performed in three additional live recording sessions with gospel Grammy award winning artists, Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, and for the National Inspirational Youth Conference Choir.
Since then, McClenty has performed in an array of musical genres throughout the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area, including several performances at Blues Alley Jazz Supper Club in Washington D.C. He's played with trumpeter Roy Hargrove, R&B performances with Motown recording artist, Donnie, and the Howard University Choir at the National Cathedral. McClenty has also performed with Darin Atwater's Soulful Symphony at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, MD. In 2005, McClenty graduated from Howard University in Washington D.C. While studying there, he was indoctrinated into the jazz culture. His mentor while at Howard was legendary jazz drummer, Grady Tate. In addition, he was a member of the Howard University Concert Band and Howard University Jazz Ensemble under the leadership of Professor Fred Irby III. This association led to opportunities to perform with legendary jazz artist Jimmy Heath, Yusef Latef, Darren Barrett, David "Fathead" Newman and Larry Ridley to name a few. McClenty has also participated in improvisation classes under the direction of saxophone extraordinaire, Charlie Young. In 2007, McClenty completed his pursuit of a Master's degree in Jazz Studies at world-renowned Juilliard School in New York under the tutelage of Carl Allen, the Artistic Director of Jazz Studies. This affiliation led to performances with Wycliffe Gordon, Aaron Goldberg, and Eric Reed. McClenty had the unique opportunity to play with jazz great Lou Donaldson at the Birdland Jazz Club in Manhattan.
Recently, Mr. Hunter completed a European tour playing with champion bassist, Buster Williams. Presently, he is the Music Director of KIPP Academy String and Rhythm Orchestra in New York. He teaches youth how to play and enjoy music however, his first love is performing. He plans to create a new music genre which is currently in development, so stay tuned.
From the Heart: Here is one thing I've learned along the way; give all praise and honor to God and His son Jesus Christ for gifts He has given me.
This is my destiny!