McClenty Hunter, Jr.: Drummer, Educator, Composer, Arranger
McClenty is a Grammy-nominated drummer who has worked with jazz icons such as Lou Donaldson, Cedar Walton, Jimmy Heath, Kenny Garrett, Buster Williams and Curtis Fuller, among others. In the August 2019 edition of Downbeat magazine, McClenty has been acknowledged as a rising star, as well in Modern Drummer magazine Readers Poll 2017 and in February 2016 edition of Modern Drummer.
In 2017, McClenty debut as a leader and composer on The Groove Hunter (2017) receiving 4 stars in Downbeat magazine, with a raving review in Modern Drummer, among others. His masterful work can also be heard on several notable recordings: Dave Stryker’s hit records Eight Track series (2019), The Stryker & Slagel Band’s Expand (2016), Dave Styrker’s Messin With Mr. T (2015), Javon Jackson’s Live at Smoke: Expression (2013) and Kenny Garrett’s Grammy-nominated LP Pushing The World Away (2013).
McClenty successfully balances an international performance schedule with his role as Director of the KIPP Academy String and Rhythm Orchestra in the South Bronx. As conductor, he has led students in collaborative performances with VH1’s Save the Music Foundation and Robin Hood Foundation featuring artists Roger Waters, Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, John Mayer, and Mary J. Blige. McClenty received his Bachelor’s Degree in music education from Howard University in 2005, and completed his Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School of Music in 2007.