.png)
Tojmere Cordy
Before coming to P.A.C.E, Tojmere had struggled with finding himself. He lacked goals, ambition, and identity. By joining his high school band and learning to play the bass, Tojmere began to figure out who he is. His passion for music has inspired him to focus on his future. Through the connection of his band program, Tojmere was able to receive guidance through the P.A.C.E program. As of now, Tojmere is attending his dream school, Berklee College of Music. Occasionally, Tojmere visits the P.A.C.E program to share his story and experiences in the hope of inspiring students.
His Story
Tojmere Cordy came to PACE as a troubled student. Both of his parents were in prison by the time he entered high school and he was being raised by his grandparents. Tojmere’s school didn’t know what to do to ensure that he excelled, so he was referred to P.A.C.E by one of his teachers.
Tojmere was assigned to play the Bass. He had never played it before however, he began to learn fast and took a liking to it. Soon it became his passion. P.A.C.E director Jamal Dickerson, instantly noticed what path he was on and connected Tojmere with some of the most successful bassists in the country, including Douglass Matt, Buster Williams, and Christian McBride.
All of Tojmere’s studying led him to grow a desire to attend Berklee College of Music, one of the most elite musical conservatories in the world. However, the school is very selective and expensive. The P.A.C.E director, knowing his background, knew that he not only had to get accepted but had to secure a full scholarship if he had any hope in attending Berklee.
P.A.C.E then found funding to send Tojmere to the Berklee City Music summer program where they offer a full scholarship to the top participants in the program. While Tojmere was there, P.A.C.E alumni, who graduated from Berklee, met with him and coached Tojmere on everything he needed to do to win the scholarship.
By his senior year, Tojmere graduated at the top of his class, with a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music.