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Rashad Watters - Founder & CEO
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.
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Patrick C Batiste - President
Patrick began life within the Company as an Arranger in 2015. Since he joined our team, he has become our “Most Prolific Arranger” and has 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 9 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.
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Demetrius Spencer - Records Keeper
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.
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Brian Evans - Arranger
Brian Evans is a dedicated arranger for Block Band Music & Publishing, bringing both experience and passion to the team. A tuba player by training, he has been teaching for four years and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. During his time there, he performed with the Marching and Concert Bands, as well as the Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble.
Brian’s musical journey has taken him across the country, including an unforgettable experience performing with the Mississippi Lions All-State Band in Hawaii. Though classically trained, his deep appreciation for HBCU band culture has shaped his approach to music and inspired his work as an arranger. He takes pride in crafting music that fits ensembles of all sizes and skill levels, allowing musicians to shine. Since joining Block Band, Brian has continued to grow as both a musician and an artist, and he is excited to contribute to the company’s mission.
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Shallah St. Leger - Social Media & Marketing Specialist
Shallah St. Leger, a Trombonist from Hampton, VA, attended Hampton University (HU) from 2016 to 2020, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications. Since beginning 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.