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Sheldon Alexander

Sheldon Alexander is a drummer, educator, and composer based in the Bay Area, proficient in Jazz, Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, and other afro-rooted genres.

About Me

Sheldon Alexander is a drummer, educator, and composer based in the Bay Area, proficient in Jazz, Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, and other afro-rooted genres. He received his undergraduate degree from the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkley California and is currently working on a live octet album to be released in 2023.

Sheldon was born in Pleasanton, California, and began playing drums at three years old in his great uncle’s church, Wings of Love Maranatha Ministries, in Oakland, California. The church was foundational for Sheldon’s approach to thinking about music and art. At 7 years old, Sheldon moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where his love for Jazz was codified. His discovery of the album Headhunters in high school opened the door to a whole new set of artistic possibilities, describing it as “storytelling music”, shaping how he would listen to and play music in the future. In high school, Sheldon thrived in Jazz band, determined to develop as a team member and a drummer as well as be a part of The Nash’s Legacy Ensemble, focused on continuing the legacy of Jazz in youth. Sheldon also developed his knowledge of music while playing in multiple musicals, drumline, and classical ensembles. He learned to become proficient, work hard, and lead by example helping his winning ensembles while receiving personal awards at nearly every competition attended. Sheldon graduated from Maria Carillo high school in 2018 and begin attending the California Jazz Conservatory (CJC) in the Fall.

At the CJC Sheldon’s ability and musical versatility grew exponentially where he studied with Alan Hall, Dillon Vado, Hamir Atwall, and Gerald Cleaver. His undergraduate studies helped grow his knowledge of afro-rooted music, developing a sensitivity to the authenticity of where the music he plays comes from. Sheldon is also an educator for multiple private students in the bay area. Sheldon has become a growing member of the bay area music scene working with the label and production company Oak Town Soul, being a founding member of the art collective Celestial Bodies, and as an all-around side man for multiple other projects.