SEMO alumnus selected as Recording Academy voting member

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri State University alumnus Jordan Redd has been selected as a voting member of the Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards.

Redd will vote in Grammy categories that align with his professional experience, including classical music.

Recording Academy applicants must demonstrate recent recording credits, receive endorsements from current members and undergo a review of their professional work.

“It still feels surreal,” Redd said. “I’m only 31 years old, and this wasn’t something I ever imagined would happen.”

Redd serves as assistant chair of the Department of Music and assistant professor of horn at the University of North Alabama. He teaches horn, conducting, music appreciation and other courses.

Earlier this year, Redd won first place in the professional horn division of the Kings Peak International Music Competition.

Originally from Hope Mills, North Carolina, Redd played trumpet in high school before switching to French horn. He later transferred to SEMO and studied under Dr. Nicholas Kenney, chair of the university’s Department of Music and professor of horn.

Redd credited Kenney with helping him envision a career in music and higher education.

“Jordan becoming a Recording Academy voting member is a great example of what can happen when talent is paired with consistency, mentorship and a willingness to keep showing up,” Kenney said.