“If I could conjure up an image that represents the best of creativity, class and culture, it would be Brandon Waddles. Brandon brings multiple passions to every artistic process he touches. His love for music, community, collaboration and God are beautifully wedded together to produce music that changes lives.”
— Dr. Tony McNeill, Professor of Music, Clinton College
Tenor, Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers
Brandon’s choral compositions and arrangements have been performed by vocal ensembles the world over. In addition to professionally recorded interpretations by the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers and Sacra/Profana, most recent performers include the Harvard Glee Club, London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the King’s Singers and Voces8. Aside from his original work and arranging, Dr. Waddles is a sought-after transcriber of Black gospel music. He served as a contributing editor for the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism hymnal published by GIA Publications, Inc. His release of Just In Case You’ve Forgotten is the first selected compendium of works by the late Thomas Whitfield, the subject of his dissertation. Dr. Waddles’ scholarship on Black sacred music has been experienced in the halls of Harvard, Yale, Morehouse and Hampton, and most recently on American Black Journal as seen on PBS.
Recently serving as Music Director for Grammy award-winning recording artist Ledisi, Brandon has collaborated with the celebrated singer on multiple occasions, venturing from Carnegie Hall to the White House. The Ledisi Sings Nina concert series has witnessed performances with major national orchestras such as the LA Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Cincinnati Pops, among others. Other performances include the LEDISI: THE LEGEND OF LITTLE GIRL BLUE show-run at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and Ledisi Live: A Tribute to Nina Simone as seen on PBS.
In addition to his current posts with Ledisi and The Wiz, Dr. Waddles serves as National Music Director for NAACP ACT-SO. He is also co-editor of the Rock My Soul Choral Series with Gentry Publications.