Draft:Allen A. Dennard Jr.

Allen Dennard
BornJune 16, 1994
Detroit Michigan
CitizenshipUSA
EducationBachelors Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Michigan
OccupationJazz Trumpeter
AwardsD/Album “Flashback” nominated for a Detroit Music award, 2023.
Websitewww.allendenard.com

Allen Dennard, born Allen A. Dennard Jr. (June 16,1994) is a trumpeter, composer, recording artist, bandleader, and activist.[1] Dennard is currently the Jazz Director at the Detroit School of Arts through the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation.

Early Life and Education

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Dennard was born in Detroit Michigan on June 16,1994 and grew up there. He comes from a musical family; his father, Allen Dennard Sr., mother, Noreta Dennard, sister, Allena Williams, and aunt, Elreta Dodds, all have musical backgrounds.[2] Dennard was introduced to jazz at the age of nine while attending John Trix Elementary school and chose to ingratiate himself into the musical genre around the age of fifteen.[3] He was subsequently mentored by trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, introduced to him by pianist Geri Allen.[4]

Dennard graduated (2016) from the school of Music, Theater, and Dance at the University of Michigan[5] with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies.[6]

Activism

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Dennard is a member of “Detroit will Breathe,” a civil rights activist group that became a substantial voice in Detroit for racial equality during the national uprising that resulted from the murder of George Floyd in 2020.[7]

Awards and Acknowledgements

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Dennard’s Likeness was included in a public mural created by Torri Smith, located at 4219 Woodward Ave in Detroit’s Historic District, 2022.[8]

Dennard's quintet was selected to be showcased as a headliner at the 2022 Detroit International Jazz Festival.[9]

Dennard’s CD/Album “Flashback” was nominated for a Detroit Music award in 2023.[10]

Discography

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Recording date Title Year released Personnel/Notes
2018 Steppin’ in 2018 Allen Dennard (Trumpet), Nolan Young (Tenor sax), Evan Mercer (Piano), Rocco Popielarski (Bass), Kavvon Gordon (Drums)
2022 Flashback 2022 Allen Dennard (Trumpet, piano, vocals), Ian Finkelstein (Piano) Jonathan Muir-Cotton (Bass), Louis Jones III (Drums), Nolan Young (Tenor sax), Stephen Grady (Tenor sax), Kasan Belgrave (Alto sax), Desean Jones (Tenor Sax)

References

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  1. ^ "Allen Dennard – Glass City JazzFest". Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  2. ^ Coombe, Doug. "Allen Dennard takes jazz into the future". Detroit Metro Times. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  3. ^ "BIO". allendennard. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  4. ^ Coombe, Doug. "Allen Dennard takes jazz into the future". Detroit Metro Times. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
  5. ^ Coombe, Doug. "Allen Dennard takes jazz into the future". Detroit Metro Times. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
  6. ^ "Allen Dennard – Glass City JazzFest". Retrieved 2024-12-27.
  7. ^ "Protesters take to Detroit streets". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  8. ^ "Black History Month: Reflecting on a year of progress". Blog. 2023-02-20. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  9. ^ "African World Festival | THE WRIGHT". www.thewright.org. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  10. ^ "African World Festival | THE WRIGHT". www.thewright.org. Retrieved 2024-12-27.