Rashad is a 2000 graduate of Hampton University in Hampton, VA with a BS Degree in Music Engineering and Technology. After graduating from Hampton, Rashad attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and performed with the university’s Trombone Ensemble at the International Trombone Festival in Nashville, TN. During this time, in addition to performing with and arranging for UNCG’s pep band, Rashad also performed and arranged with the pep band of North Carolina A&T State University.

In 2011, Rashad founded Block Band Music & Publishing, LLC. To date, Block Band has sold well over 1000 musical arrangements and delivered over $100,000 in equipment to marching band programs. Block Band has also hired dozens of arrangers, drill-writers, social media specialists, and other staff members, most of which are HBCU graduates in its 13 years of operation.

Currently, Rashad resides in Durham, NC where he is CEO of Block Band Music & Publishing, hosts a Video and TV show review channel, “Color Commentary” and is director of the Peace Missionary Baptist Church Male Chorus.

Patrick began life within the Company as an Arranger in 2015. Since he joined our team, he has become our “Most Prolific Arranger” and continuously sought to push the mold of what a music arrangement should encapsulate. As the current President of the Company, Patrick seeks to equip every band director with the resources and tools necessary to be successful.

Patrick is a graduate of Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge, a member of Mu Phi Epsilon Professional Music Fraternity, and has been a band director in Louisiana for 8 years. His vision is that every student that he comes into contact with will learn the scope of their potential, strive for excellence in all they do, and encourage others to do the right thing. His passion for music goes hand in hand with his love for teaching and learning.

Demetrius Spencer has been working with Block Band since 2014 in the Internal Department of the Company. A native of North Carolina, he is a 2010 graduate of Winston-Salem State University and participated in the marching and concert bands while there. He sees being a part of Block Band as a way for him to stay connected to the HBCU music/band community. He is a member of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha. He currently resides in Texas and is a veteran of our country’s armed forces.

Brandon Kinnard is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and a 2018 graduate of Winston-Salem State University where I majored in music. He served as the section leader for the Euphonium section of the Red Sea of Sound. He currently works as a middle school band and orchestra teacher and owns a mobile massage business. He has a plethora of arranging experience for various ensembles since high school as a college. He is excited to use his talents and skills to help band programs around the country!

Deonte’ M. Watts Sr. began his journey with Block Band August of 2023 as an arranger. Deonte’ goal is to become one of the greatest modern arrangers and continues to learn and grow with the company. Deonte’ is a graduate of Lane College with a BS degree in Music Education. Deonte’ is also furthering his education, seeking to earn a master’s degree in music education at Liberty University.

Deonte’ is a member of Tau Epsilon Nu, a National Music Fraternity and lead Memphis Mass Band as the director in 2015 and 2016. He has also been instrumental in building multiple band programs to 1st place contenders in the city of Memphis Tennessee. Deonte’ has also held the position as Associate Director of Bands/Chief Arranger of Lemoyne Owen College Marching Magicians. Deonte’s vision is that through music every student can unlock unimaginable potential. The passion and drive Deonte’ has for music is what translates to building successful students of society.

Freamon McNair III, DME, boasts a rich 21-year tenure as both a seasoned music educator and music arranger. His journey commenced with Block Band Music and Publishing in 2016, where he meticulously honed his craft in crafting music for marching, jazz, and church ensembles nationwide. With 19 years dedicated to the Duval County Public School district, Freamon has been instrumental in shaping the musical education landscape, imparting his expertise in band, chorus, guitar, and music appreciation courses at the elementary and secondary levels. As a band director, he guided ensembles at Holly Hill Middle School and Ed White High School to numerous accolades, including an “excellent” rating at the Daytona 500 parade.

Freamon's academic achievements parallel his professional successes, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Bethune Cookman University in 2002, His commitment to learning continued with the attainment of master's (2017) and doctoral (2023) degrees in music education from Liberty University. Freamon remains dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of young learners. andcurrently serves as an elementary music resource teacher at Spring Park International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program Elementary School. With a natural flair for arranging, his ambition is to create captivating musical compositions, drawing upon his diverse experiences and perspectives gained through his musical career.

Shallah St. Leger, a Trombonist from Hampton, VA, attended Hampton University (HU) from 2016 to 2020, earning a Bachelor’s of Arts in Strategic Communications. Since beginning in his journey playing the trombone in 2009, Shallah was a member of the Marching FORCE at HU, assuming the role of section leader in his junior and senior years. His involvement in the FORCE included performances in 2 Honda Battle of the Bands events and marching in the New Year’s parade in Rome. In 2018, Shallah became an initiate of the Pi Beta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America Incorporated. Throughout his collegiate tenure, he held positions of Vice President and later, President for the Pi Beta Chapter. As a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Shallah strives to harmonize all facets of life.

Today, Shallah continues to play trombone with the band FORTRESSES, led by Zachary Hines II, captivating audiences at festivals, cultural events, and radio stations across the Hampton Roads Area. Beyond music, Shallah is an accomplished visual artist, with his work exhibited in various galleries including the East Village Art Collection and the Art Central Gallery. He honed his artistic talent during his time at HU, creating logos for numerous small businesses within the student community.