Biography

A Creative Presence

Kyle "Freckles" Tennyson began playing music at a young age in his church. His first time picking up the trombone was at his middle school, Young Men's Preparatory Academy. At the time, the school only offered jazz band, pep band, and a guitar ensemble. By joining his school's band, he began getting exposed to Miami's music scene. Soon after, he fell in love with music and knew that it was what he wanted to devote his time to. After his first year, he joined his school's jazz band, and his musical journey began. Throughout high school, Kyle was fortunate enough to be mentored by great musicians such as Jean Caze, Javier Nero, Tal Cohen, and Alex Weitz. Working with them inspired Kyle to work hard and become a musician capable of making a name for himself. Kyle began to go out to different schools with YMU his sophomore year to assist with their mission of providing free musical education to underprivileged schools in Miami-Dade County. Through the program, he accumulated experience mentoring other students and performing in various genres at many different venues. Being a part of the organization pushed Kyle in the right direction for his goals. As a high schooler, he performed as a featured artist with the Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), performed at multiple Greenberg Traurig events, and helped host a monthly jazz event in Miami's art district, Wynwood. His dedication led to him being 1 of 2 high schoolers recruited to perform with the 305 Street Band, better known for their role as the Miami Heat's performing group. During his time in college Kyle was recognized for his abilities by the faculty. He was recruited to perform at events such as, the inauguration of the current Dean of Music at FSU and alongside Leon Anderson, Head of the Jazz Program at Florida State, throughout North Florida. He would go on to perform with Marcus Roberts and "The Modern Jazz Generation" and even join him on a teaching residency at Bard College in Hudson NY.  Kyle received a BM of Jazz Performance at Florida State University in 2023, and is continuing to strive for musical greatness and to one day motivate and inspire other musicians to be great.