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Reginald Cyntje
Trombonist, Educator, Composer

Reginald Cyntje (born January 27, 1976, in Roseau Dominica and raised on St. Thomas, USVI) is a trombonist, educator, producer and composer.

Growing up in the US Virgin Islands (USVI), he was steeped in the rich cultural music known as Quelbe (the official music of the USVI).

Quelbe was Reginald’s introduction to improvised music. One of his favorite Quelbe songs, Queen Mary, has a powerful message set to syncopated rhythm. This song sets the tone for his mission as a musician - to inspire change with music.

With cultural heritage at the forefront and social justice as the message, this passionate performer has “a deep-seated knowledge of Caribbean music and culture which has settled into his jazz trombone playing” (NPR Music).
 
After being featured on NPR's Jazz Night in America, Cyntje recorded his fourth album on February 10, 2015. Spiritual Awakening musically embodies humanity’s complex journey from introspection to a celebration of freedom. Cyntje released Spiritual Awakening on May 4, 2015. 
 
On April 22, 2014 (Earth Day), Reginald Cyntje released his third album Elements of Life (Washington City Paper Recording of the Year) featuring pianist Allyn Johnson, bassist Herman Burney, drummer Amin Gumbs, vocalist Christie Dashiell, steel panist Victor Provost and saxophonist Brian Settles. The album explores the connection between the human being and the elements that nurture us.
 
In 2013, Cyntje released his sophomore album simply titled Love. The Washington City Paper said Love “is thoughtful and surpassingly gorgeous.” After debuting at #3 on the CMJ Jazz chart, Love made it to #10 on the CMJ Top 40 Jazz Chart. The album is a tribute to the human spirit.

His highly anticipated debut album, Freedom's Children: The Celebration, was released in August of 2011. The album quickly became a favorite among fans with hits like Queen Mary, Children’s Parade, Daybreak and a performance favorite Peace and Love.

As a trombonist, educator and activist, he's toured the United States, Europe and the Caribbean. 

On his recordings, you can hear the sounds of calypso, reggae, and other African influenced genres which now give his music a unique flavor.

Reginald Cyntje, “blessed with impressive facility and an immediacy of sound” now resides in the Washington DC area (The Independent Ear). Capital Bop views him as “arguably D.C.’s most agile and expressive trombone player.”

Reginald Cyntje has won the Washington City Paper Best Trombonist Award (2011, 2013, 2014).
 
Reginald is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia and received his master’s degree at the University of Maryland. He is currently a part time faculty professor at Montgomery College and the founder / owner ofJegna School of Music, LLC.

Mr. Cyntje is also the author of Stepping Stones: 15 studies in improvisation.

The concept of his music ministry is to spread love, peace and social justice with each expression.

$upport goes to compensating collaborators & remote engagement infrastructure

son of #DuSableCity.
raised at the feet of tall Blacks.
ready to grow into the space they leave if you
ready to carve the space we need.

A weekly LIVE youth radio program sharing music, history, local artists, cultural and arts events often co-hosted by youth with the intention of teaching youth radio production as a means of public service through advertising, marketing and promoting digital e-learning. Co-hosted by DaraMonifah Cooper, students from Sankofa Saturdays as well as the Environmental Rangers LIVE in our WUVI Studio here at the University of the Virgin Islands.

Sankofa (symbol seen above in our logo) can mean either the word in the Akan language of Ghana that translates in English to "go back and take" (san=return, ko=go, fa= take) or the Adinkra symbols seen as our logo(s). It symbolizes one taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress through the benevolent use of knowledge.
 
Using the radio and internet airwaves, we continue "Passing on the torch of culture bearing and preserving (traditions and values) through experiences in the arts, cultural education, and community service.”

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