Composer/Double Bassist Matt Kendrick is a native of Winston-Salem where he attended The North Carolina School of the Arts. In 1977 he moved to New York City and performed for four years in a number of avant-garde venues. After studying with jazz educator Jerry Coker at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and playing in the Knoxville Symphony, he returned to Winston-Salem in 1981. He performs in the area extensively. He has released five CDs, including more than 40 of his own compositions, to critical acclaim throughout the United States. He has also garnered many fellowships and grants. He has performed with numerous Jazz artists, including Marian McPartiand, Archie Shepp and Jaki Byard. A music instructor at Wake Forest and High Point Universities, Matt also serves on the board of the Carolina Chamber Symphony Players and is music director for Carolina Music Ways. He is also board chairman of the Camel City Jazz Orchestra.