Written by Dr. Maurya Cockrell November 2022
Tishaura Jones, Mayor of the City of St. Louis City, Missouri, recognized August 2022 as Marvin F. Cockrell and Music Focus Month.
Marvin F. Cockrell and Music Focus impact the St. Louis community through musical entertainment, education, and awareness.
Every August since 2004, Marvin F. Cockrell and Music Focus have hosted an intergenerational celebration of the arts recognizing the contributions of smooth jazz, r&b, blues, and gospel musicians.
Marvin was a music educator in the East St. Louis school district. His background has encouraged the development of resources in the St. Louis community and surrounding area to continue music education.
He believes the community must strive to support individuals of all ages, cultivating an environment in St. Louis City where music transcends all racial, socioeconomic, age, and access boundaries.
With his band, Focus, Marvin plans to host various workshops on music education, playing, writing, leading a band, and the business of managing a band.
