The Directors
‘Robert’ Evry Mann, Executive Director, founder of the Center for Creative Education and P.O.O.K. (Percussion Orchestra of Kingston), balances his professional time directing the activities of the Center, teaching and working with youth as a drumming instructor and mentor, and working as a performing and composing artist. Evry has composed music for dance and film and has a Masters degree in composition from Mills College. He has performed with Don Cherry, Terry Riley, Ana Ruiz, David Hykes, Bantu, Chakra City, and the Gasha Band, among others. He is featured on thirteen recordings dating from his first album in 1978. Evry worked as an artist in residence with the Mexican Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes for six years and his interest in world percussion has led him to travel and study in Mali, Senegal, Columbia, and, most recently, Cuba. He is a published poet and has written two study guides for use in K-12 schools.
Bryant ‘Drew’ Andrews, Artistic Director, founder of Unique Fitness, and ENERGY DANCE CO., has over 20 years of experience working with youth. He has trained in New York City as well as in California at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, where he studied and taught with some of the most renowned choreographers in the business. Drew has been teaching choreography and performing hip-hop dance in the tri-state and Hudson Valley area for several years. He is known for his high energy dance style and his rich, hard hitting choreography. His passion for dance and for the welfare of children and young adults not only promotes health and fitness, but encourages discipline and motivation for a healthy lifestyle. Drawing from his knowledge as a certified personal trainer and medical technician, Drew has created a comprehensive program which combines health and fitness awareness with artistic growth and development.
Nicole Andrews, Administrative Director, has been working with the CCE dance program since 2002. In addition to her administrative duties, she teaches hip-hop dance and aerobics classes at various gyms as well. She is also a business skills instructor at a local private school.
Board
- Robert ‘Evry’ Mann
- Bryant ‘Drew’ Andrews
- Nicole Andrews
- Maureen Bowers
- Katie Hite
- Cliff Rockmuller
- Linda Wallace
- David Basch
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