Kendell Haywood is a dynamic and highly skilled percussionist based in Alexandria, Virginia who known for his expertise in classical percussion, jazz drum set, and world percussion. With a deep-rooted passion for music and performance, Kendell Haywood has built a diverse career as a versatile musician, educator, and collaborator, consistently pushing the boundaries of rhythm and sound. He is also a talented audio engineer, blending his musical talents with technical proficiency to create memorable performances and recordings.

Kendell honed his craft at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where he studied under the guidance of esteemed percussionists John Kilkenny and John Spirtas. Graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance in the Spring of 2019, his academic journey was marked by a strong commitment to both technical proficiency and artistic expression. Since completing his undergraduate studies, Kendell has continued to refine his skills, most notably through private study with renowned percussionist Tom Teasley. This ongoing mentorship has helped him expand his repertoire and further develop his versatility across multiple percussion disciplines.

Throughout his academic career and beyond, Kendell has worked with an impressive array of ensembles and music organizations. His involvement spans a wide range of musical genres and settings, from classical orchestras to contemporary jazz groups, from world music ensembles to experimental and commercial collaborations. His ability to adapt to different musical styles has earned him the opportunity to collaborate with some exceptional artists, including:

• Lady Antebellum at Jiffy Lube Live

• GRiZ at The Anthem

In addition to his work in commercial music, Kendell has taken his talents to international stages, performing at prestigious events such as:

• Percussive Arts Society International Convention (2016) in Indianapolis, IN

• McCormick Marimba Festival (2018) in Tampa, FL

• The College Music Society International Conference (2018) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

These experiences have not only broadened his performance resume but also allowed him to connect with musicians and audiences across the globe, enhancing his artistic perspective and technical skill.

Beyond his performance career, Kendell has contributed to the production and technical aspects of music through his work as an audio engineer. He serves as a key member of the technical team at Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, where he manages sound design and engineering for live services, events, and recordings. His expertise ensures that every performance and service is heard with clarity and precision, contributing to the church's vibrant musical and worship experiences.

Kendell has also traveled with Alfred Street Baptist Church’s music ministry on several notable tours and performances, including:

• A worship service at The MET in Philadelphia, PA

• A worship service at The Belk Theatre in Charlotte, NC

• A concert at Capital One Hall in Tysons, VA

These tours have allowed him to hone his live sound engineering skills, while also enriching his experience as a performer, collaborating with talented musicians and artists in diverse venues across the country.

In addition to his work with Alfred Street, Kendell is a sought-after performer in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, contributing his musical talents to a wide variety of professional organizations, theaters, churches, and orchestras. He has performed with distinguished groups such as:

• GALA Hispanic Theatre

• Keegan Theatre

• Constellation Theatre Company

• Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, D.C.

• Alfred Street Baptist Church

• Providence Presbyterian Church

• Piedmont Symphony Orchestra

• Fairfax Symphony Orchestra

• Arlington Community Orchestra

Moreover, his work with local schools and educational institutions—including Fairfax County Public Schools and Arlington County Public Schools—demonstrates his commitment to fostering the next generation of musicians and sharing his knowledge and passion for percussion with young learners.

Kendell's multifaceted career continues to thrive as he performs, composes, arranges, collaborates with artists, and engineers for live performances and recordings. His dedication to the craft, his versatility as a percussionist and audio engineer, and his enthusiasm for exploring new musical horizons ensure that he will remain a prominent figure in the music community for years to come.