HISTORY
RADICAL ELITE was born out of the artistic vision of its Assistant Principal Mr. Issac Daniel who wanted an ensemble that showcased the diverse and multiple talents of Ellington students. RADICAL ELITE is under the direction of the Head Band Director Kieron C. Irvine, Sr. and Assistant Band Director Tyra Flotte. Many of the band’s pieces are arranged specifically for this unique group by Ms. Flotte and Mr. Irvine, two musicians and technical instructors at the Ellington.
RADICAL ELITE FACULTY
KIERON C. IRVINE, SR.
HEAD BAND DIRECTOR
Head Director Irvine received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Performance from Howard University. He is currently the Head Band Director of the Ellington Wind Ensemble and the RADICAL ELITE. He also serves as the Trumpet Technique Instructor.
As a freelance trumpeter, Mr. Irvine has performed in the premiere showing of “Gun & Powder” at Signature Theatre, “The Wiz” at Ford’s Theatre, “Camelot” at Shakespeare Theater, and The 2005 Kennedy Center Honors just to name a few. Mr. Irvine is a proud brother of the Eta Omega Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc.
TYRA FLOTTE, ASSISTANT BAND DIRECTOR, ARRANGER AND DANCE COORDINATOR
Assistant Director Flotte earned her Bachelor’s & Master of Music Education Degrees from Howard University and the University of Maryland. Tyra has worked at Ellington since 2011 teaching Music Theory II, Clarinet Technique and Concert Band where she hones the
skills of each talented student while providing them with a relatable perspective on the importance of theory in their overall competency and development. She also arranged pieces for Wind Ensemble and several pieces which have been performed by RADICAL ELITE, a band which she played an integral part in establishing at the historical institution. Tyra has composed music for Walking In Spiritual Excellence (W.I.S.E.), an online Christian magazine and the book trailer soundtrack for the children’s book, “The Moon Is Broken!”.
DESA | ARTS | INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
RADICAL ELITE
THE DUKE ELLINGTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS RADICAL ELITE SHOW BAND is a hybrid band marrying the traditional technique and pageantry of marching bands with the showmanship and movement of performance ensembles. This talented group is comprised of students from several arts departments within Ellington’s pre-professional arts program. RADICAL ELITE’S range of genres consists of symphonic and military band marches to funk, hip-hop, and R&B or whatever is requested of the ensemble.