Hello, my name is Manny! Music and movement have been passions of mine from a very young age. I am a percussionist whose rhythms have reached far beyond just playing instruments. This passion has led me to not only become a band director and instrumentalist, but has also led me to become a dancer, stepper, HBCU drum major, and a cast member of the hit off broadway show STOMP. I strive to share this passion with students so they can see the true joy that comes from music making no matter how you choose to make it and my current position allows me to do that and more!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Do what you love and love what you do.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher.

Describe the coolest picture you’ve taken while traveling.

I have a picture from when I was in front of “The Bean” in Chicago. The picture is a closeup that shows me smiling but only the right side of my body can be seen. It looks like the greatest album cover ever created.

​

What sports team do you root for the most and why?

The Atlanta Braves! I am a huge baseball fan and I grew up in Atlanta so I will always root for my home team. And we have been on fire lately!

​

What movie could you watch over and over again? 

I could watch the movies “Drumline” or “Stomp the Yard” over and over again. I know them verbatim.