By Cathy Cruise
Music graduate student was recognized by his native Virgin Islands for his musical talents. Photo by Evan Cantwell.
Musician Victor Provost has come a long way from the 9-year-old whose father helped him press the right piano keys to peck out “Für Elise,” and who, by age 12, was traveling across the globe with a steel pan youth ensemble. A native of the Virgin Islands, Provost, BM Music ’12, is now receiving a master of music degree with a concentration in jazz studies.
Provost was one of six individuals recently awarded a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition as one of the Virgin Islands’ finest musicians, and was a 2014 Jazz Benefit Concert Honoree. He was recognized for his “outstanding accomplishments and invaluable service to the Virgin Islands community” for his work with youth in his home country.
“To be recognized for this effort is an indescribable honor,” he says.
In 1998, Provost became the first steel pan player featured as a solo artist at the Umbria Jazz Festival. Since moving to the United States in 1999, he’s shared the stage with such renowned jazz superstars as Hugh Masakela, Paquito D’Rivera, Nicolas Payton and Joe Locke.
When he first decided to complete his formal education in music, Provost contacted several universities. George Mason University music professor James Carroll, then director of jazz studies in the School of Music, suggested a meeting and, Provost says, “we’ve had a wonderful relationship ever since.”
Now an adjunct professor of music at Mason, Provost directs the university’s Steel Pan Ensemble as well. “I’ve built amazing relationships, and benefited from the advice and guidance of our great faculty,” he says. “At Mason, students are expected to be both excellent performers and scholars.”