TESTIMONIALS

Here’s what presenters say about Victor Haskins & SKEIN:

 

 "As a presenter, we look to bring artists into our community that will engage our audience on all levels. Victor and his ensemble are not merely EXCELLENT  musicians; they are lovely human beings who are professional, friendly, and enjoyable. We expected an outstanding performance, but the beautiful human connection was a bonus."

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-Tammy Scruggs-Duncan, Executive Director, Alleghany Highlands Arts Council, Alleghany County, VA

 

“Victor Haskins & SKEIN provided a truly immersive listening experience for our patrons and had them talking for weeks. Working with Victor, Randall, and Tony was seamless, from the behind the scenes planning to performance, everything was top notch. We look forward to having them again in our venue.”

 

-Chelsea Buyalos, Executive Director, Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education, Chester, VA

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"We've been fortunate to have Victor Haskins bring his talent and professionalism to our festival stage twice, and each visit has left the staff of Lake Anna Jazz in awe of his creativity, stage presence, and personality. He is not only a great communicator of musical ideas, but he also possesses much appreciated business communication skills that make it a pleasure to plan, brainstorm, and work with him. Our audience and staff had nothing but raves for his festival appearances, and I look forward to collaborating on additional projects in the near future."

 

-Robert McBride, President, Lake Anna Jazz, Mineral, VA

 

“For over an hour, Victor Haskins played cornett and electronic wind instrument, Randall Pharr played bass, and Tony Martucci played drums while the audience listened to original compositions. Shoulders swayed, heads bobbed, and toes tapped to the lively music. Haskins introduced each piece by talking about how it came to be or meaning of the title. This added context allowed listeners to contemplate the music on a deeper level than simple enjoyment.”

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-Jill Hames, Director, James L. Hamner Library, Amelia, VA

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Here’s what presenters say about ImproviStory:

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"We had the pleasure of hosting master improviser and multi-instrumentalist Victor Haskins at Sweet Briar College February 8-9, 2023.

 

Before, during, and after his visit, Victor was a joy to work with as an artist and a professional. He engaged with our students with very different levels of experience and inspired each one to participate freely by providing clear instruction and positive encouragement. He demonstrated his novel approach to live sound design and answered our students’ questions in a thorough and inspiring way.

 

Victor’s concert was electrifying as he looped together acoustic and digital sounds to create an immersive and dynamic sound experience for the audience. He welcomed questions and reflections from audience members, creating space for dialogue which allowed the public to better understand and appreciate his artistry.

 

After Victor’s visit, students commented that they valued the chance to interact with an artist who spoke so clearly and passionately about both his methods as well as his artistic vision.

 

We look forward to hosting Victor Haskins at Sweet Briar again in the future!"

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-Anne Elise Thomas, Assistant Professor of Music, Sweet Briar College, Co-chair, Society for Arab Music Research (SAMR)

 

“Victor’s performance was unlike any other that our guests had experienced. His ability to convey a story through layering sounds and building a song right in front of our eyes was incredible to both watch and hear. A truly special experience!”

 

-Heather Ernst, Deputy Director, Branch Museum of Architecture & Design 

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“Haskins has created one of the most compelling, unique, and provocative musical experiences available to date with the ImproviStory. Haskins creates lush and creative soundscapes that can’t help but to captivate the audience. Haskins has his own collection of these ImproviStories, and also, is able to tailor the performance for a specific audience. Not only that, his ability to articulate his creative process, explain the various instruments and music technology that he’s using is truly impressive. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much of a delight he is to work with. He’s very responsive, adaptable and, a great communicator on top of being one of the most talented musicians this generation has seen.”

 

-Morgan Davis, Reference Librarian – Music Division, Library of Congress

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"Victor's multimedia work, "The American Way", was a raw glimpse into the soul of a nation that has struggled with racial inequality.  His multi-dimensional musical and artistic talents were on full display throughout the performance and, partnered with Monte Meoleaeke Jones' dance, offered a poignant perspective on the tribulations of the African American in our country."

David Kauffman, Senior Manager, Performing & Visual Arts Magnet Program, Anne Arundel County Public Schools

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Here’s what teachers say about Victor’s “Speaking of Jazz” Educational Presentation:

 

“Mr. Haskins and his fellow musicians brought jazz alive for my students through quality performance and stimulating questions. I have never seen my students so attentive for an entire hour!"

Graciela Briceno, Music Teacher, Garrison Elementary School, Washington, D.C.

“They gave insightful discussions, encouraged audience participation and had fun with their topics and pieces that kept the students’ interests while still maintaining the high standard of performance expectations and learning atmosphere.

“…I highly recommend administrators, teachers and schools to put forth the effort in having these musicians come to them and share some of the musical knowledge that they are willing to give."

Michael Utell, Band Director, Woodburn School for the Fine and Communicative Arts, Falls Church, VA