This Composer/Producer/Arranger/Pianist and Emmy-Award Winner is a native of Detroit, Michigan graduating from our own Mackenzie High School. He received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Southern University A&M College, and a Master’s of Music Education Degree from the University of Louisville and . This awesome musican also studied orchestration and arranging with jazz composer/arranger John LaBarbera. He was also a trumpeter, student arranger and Band Captain of the Southern University “Human Jukebox” Marching Band.
He has toured professionally as a pianist with jazz guitarist Mark Whitfield and the late jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste. He is multi-talented and has composed, produced, performed and arranged music for recording artist such as: gospel great, Yolanda Adams, Howard Hewitt, Keith Washington, and L.J. Reynolds. His remarkable musicianship landed him studio time and work with Detroit’s legendary Music Producer Michael J. Powell. and was the understudy for the most sought-after string arranger and composer, Motown Arranger Paul Riser. He also served as Co-Director of Music for the nationally televised funeral of Rosa Parks, Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement, while serving as Director of Music for Oak Grove AME Church.
He currently teaches music with Southfield Public Schools, while serving as the President/CEO of the Michigan Fine Arts Institute, (Beverly Thomas Fine Arts Institute.) He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Phi Mu Alpha Professional Music Fraternity, The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). I present to you during Black History Month, Detroit's Own: LaShawn Gary.