BRANDON RELEFORD JUST LOVES CROWDS
(Media please note: Brandon Releford may be contacted at: 859-992-8242)
COVINGTON, Ky. – For Brandon Releford – the bigger, the better.
“I prefer large crowds,” the Executive Director for the Zembrodt Education Center at The Point/Arc said.
The largest incoming class at the ZEC certainly pleased him last Fall. He also prefers large crowds when he’s performing.
Oh, did we mention this educator is a singer.
“I actually started singing when I was about four years old,” he said. “It was in Covington at the Church of God, 11th and Banklick Streets.”
Releford said he got much support from his grandmother, and at one point in time thought of a career in singing. “Gospel music,” he said.
“But my real goal was to be an educator,” the 42-year-old native of Independence, Ky., said. “The love of music never left.”
So why not combine teaching and music? “Well,” said the graduate of Lee University (Cleveland, Tenn.), I taught myself piano, I’m not sure I could teach others.”
Not true, at all.
Releford spent five years as a classroom teacher at a private school in Northern Kentucky. He spent 10-plus years in Workforce Development as a Coordinator of Career Services, a Workforce Instructor, Career and Placement Specialist and a Case Management employee.
He served as a Program Director for Northern Kentucky Community Action (NKCAC) Commission’s Senior Community Services Employment Program. At Gateway Community and Technical College, Releford served as adjunct faculty in the Early Childhood Education and Human Services departments.
His greatest memories are, of course – related to music. He sang the National Anthem at Great American Ball Park on Sunday August 6, 2023 – the date of Judi Gerding’s 83rd birthday. (Judi Gerding is Founder and President of The Point/Arc – and she tossed out the first pitch when the Reds hosted the Washington Nationals on that date). Florence (Ky.) Y’alls invited him as a guest performer last summer.
In 2010 Releford represented the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the International Male Vocalists of the Year in St. Louis, Mo. And, he has performed at the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn.
Releford takes his musical talents to Truist Arena – the home of the Northern Kentucky University Norse – where he will sing the National Anthem prior to their game with Cleveland State, Wednesday, February 5th.
One thing for sure will make him happy – a large crowd.
The Zembrodt Education Center (ZEC) is an extension of The Point/Arc. ZEC was created to increase growth and support for individuals and families in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region. The mission – to give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) opportunities to reach their highest potential educationally, residentially, socially and vocationally.
The ZEC officially opened in 2020; and was totally vacant in 2021 thanks to the pandemic. Releford is the first active Executive Director in the Center.
