Instructor Biographies

A native of Washington, DC, Le’Roy graduated from Duke Ellington School of the Arts in June 1997. He later earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from North Carolina Central University located in Durham, North Carolina. While attending North Carolina Central University he studied under world renowned artists Tom Browne, Dr. Ira Wiggins and Jay Meachum.

Le’Roy has performed with a variety of groups including but not limited to the NCCU Jazz Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble, NCCU Touring & Concert Choir, B.M.Q., Hidden Image, North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra and the Upper Room “Church House” Band. He has performed all over the world touring, recording, and performing in venues such as Euro Disney, Paris, France; Montreaux Jazz Festival, Geneva, Switzerland; North Sea Jazz Festival, Utrecht, Holland; and Vienne Jazz Festival, Vienne, France. Le’Roy has had the opportunity to perform with many notable artists such as: Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Terrell Stafford, Wynton Marsalis, Wynard Harper, Freeman Ledbetter, Yusseff Saleem, Davey Yarborough, Alvin Atkinson, Eve Cornelius, Chip Crawford, Charlie Brown, Vincent Heiring, and Pete LaRoca Simms to name a few. Further, Mr. Barley has held teaching positions at Mars Music Center and Raleigh Music Center where he gave group and private lessons for beginning piano and brass instruments. Currently he is Adjunct Instructor of Trumpet at North Carolina Central University located in Durham, North Carolina. Recording credits include the following “Beyond the Horizon” by the North Carolina Central University Jazz Band, “Central Standard Time” by the North Carolina Central University Jazz Band, and both “Shiloh” and "Worship in the Upper Room: Standing in His Presence" by the Upper Room Church of God in Christ Music & Fine Arts Department.

Aaron Tucker is a graduate of Sanderson high school. He holds a degree in Jazz Studies from East Carolina University, where he had the pleasure of studying with some great teachers. Early in his college career he had the opportunity to march with the Magic of Orlando Drum and Bugle corps, winning a division 2 world championship, and high percussion award. He has since taught private lessons and percussion ensembles across North Carolina, and has consulted for a few groups out of state. In addition to his teaching the fall and winter percussion ensembles at Green Hope high school, Aaron performs with an early jazz band called "The Atomic Rhythm All Stars" as well as a variety of freelance jazz musicians in and out of state. He also teaches a small group of private students.

Biography here