The Power of Music: Kevré "Maestro" Hendricks Links Band Programs to Academic Growth

Hendricks emphasizes the connection between music education and improved student performance, urging the community to continue supporting the arts

ST. CROIX — On Wednesday, Kevré “Maestro” Hendricks was all smiles as he delivered a series of checks to schools across St. Croix. Mr. Hendricks, the 2024-2025 St. Croix Festival Village honoree, had issued a challenge to the community during his short acceptance speech on the Village's official opening night.

“Every night of the Village is going to be dedicated to a school in St. Croix's music program,” Mr. Hendricks declared, urging patrons to donate funds to support music in local schools. “All I need from everybody is $1. The dollar that you could find under the seat in your car, that's the one I want,” he quipped.

By the time the curtains came down on the Crucian Christmas Festival, Mr. Hendricks had raised well over $10,000 through the initiative. This week, he personally made a check presentation to each of the seven schools that benefited from the effort. “I just want to thank the community for buying into the initiative,” Mr. Hendricks told the Consortium in an interview on Thursday.