Vicksburg, MS native Ra’Shaude Kenney began playing drums at the age of nine. He got into music when his dad was playing drums for a local traditional gospel band. Ra’Shaude remembers, “When my dad brought home his drum set, he and my mom told me not to play on it. I would watch my dad play at home and at rehearsals, and once he left the house I would try to play everything that he played.” Shortly after sneaking on the drum set, his dad caught him playing and saw the natural talent that he possessed. Ra’Shaude also remembers, “Before my dad bought his drum set, I would beat on my desk in class everyday until my fourth grade teacher allowed me to listen to classical music while she taught.”

Ra’Shaude went on to join the Vicksburg Warren School District’s music program in the sixth grade where he developed his skills, and remained in it throughout his high school career. Kenney, a scholastic scholar graduated from Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with his Master’s degree in Music Education with a focus on percussion. He has played with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Natchez Orchestra for the Natchez Opera Festival, McCoy Tyner at the Alcorn State Jazz Festival, Brandon Robinson and the VintageJazz Orchestra, and many more artists and groups.

Currently, Ra’Shaude is the Percussion Instructor for Vicksburg High School Marching band and playing for the Word of Faith Christian Center Vicksburg church, as well as the Vicksburg Orchestra. He teaches private lessons and conducts drum clinics in the Vicksburg area.