2016 Marshall Maley Percussionist Award Presented to Kevin Slappey

Virginia Music Adventures is extremely pleased to announce the presentation of their new scholarship, the Marshall Maley Percussionist Award, presented to a percussionist each year chosen by VMA’s Board of Directors. The recipient of this award will have demonstrated the following: a dedication to developing good technical skills; an ability to support the group; a healthy work ethic with regard to practice and development; a well-rounded performance aspect on all percussion “stations”; and a good sense of humor, a willingness to accept others as they are, and above all a joy for life, music, and percussion. 2016 marks the first year the award has been presented, and is the beginning of what the organization hopes will be a fruitful scholarship fund for many years to come.

The recipient this year was one of VMA’s seniors, Mr. Kevin Slappey. The award was presented on May 20, 2016, during the course of VMA’s annual Welcome Home Concert. Students and audience members alike cheered on Kevin’s achievement.

Kevin Slappey is a graduating senior at Chantilly High School. He has been playing the drums since 2013, when he was just 13 years old. Kevin joined Virginia Music Adventures in 2013 as well, playing in various Summer Institutes, the Annandale Jazz Ambassadors, and the Chapel Square Combo at different times throughout his career with the organization. Next year, Kevin will attend Shenandoah Conservatory, and plans to major in Music Production and Recording Technologies.

Now in its 37th year, Virginia Music Adventures is a non-profit organization that promotes the preservation of American jazz through performances by exceptional young musicians. VMA teaches young area musicians the rhythms and articulation of jazz in preparation for performances locally and around the world on domestic and international good will tours. Each year, approximately 50 young musicians ranging in age from 11-18 develop skills as performers of jazz and swing-era classics in educational programs during the school year and summer months.

For further information on Virginia Music Adventures’ Programs visit www.VaMusicAdventures.org or contact our Music Director Jon Laine at (202) 412-7271.