ABOUT
SYNERGY
OUR MISSION
INSPIRE. INFORM. INNOVATE.
Synergy is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to Innovate, Inform and Inspire students of the performing arts. We provide students with the tools, resources and network, placing them on the pathway to success within the music industry.
THE CULTURE
What began as a private lesson clinic studying drum line and drum set styles, Synergy has now evolved into a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to inspire and teach students of the arts ages 8-18. Using percussion as the driving force, students will gain insight on the music industry, and enhancing professional development skills. Students will have access to established musicians, producers, managers, and entrepreneurs who will share experiences and fundamental information on what it takes to be successful in the music industry.
THE IMPACT
With a desire to provide students with a platform to express their gifts and talents within the South Florida community, Synergy’s reach goes beyond the music. We host and partner with community organizations to provide annual holiday giveaways and outreach. Through targeting our community, we have gained exposure and have been able to take our impact to a global level, spreading over seven continents.
THE FOUNDER
Ray “Quasi” Nelson has proved that he can wear many hats in the music and entertainment industry. Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, Ray’s early musical influences include the church and his grandfather whom he studied with heavily on snare rudiments and jazz drums. Attending arts schools from Elementary to High school allowed Ray to submerged himself in various genres of music and be influenced by a plethora of musicians, which sculpted his diverse playing style.
By the time Ray graduated high school, he had debuted his self-produced DVD entitled, “Out the Box”, performed internationally and on television, and was featured in Modern Drummer magazine.
After receiving his B.A. in Jazz Studies with a minor in Music Industry from Florida A&M University, Ray (who formally goes by Quasi) moved to California to pursue a career in music and entertainment.
Standing on his motto “Inspire. Inform. Innovate.” Ray “Quasi” Nelson has proven that he can wear many hats within the music and entertainment industry. His diverse talents have lead him to share the stage with many artists from The Count Basie Orchestra to Kehlani, co-produced multi-platinum records, event and social media host, and multiple TV appearances including a co-star role in BET’s The Quad. At the age of Thirty, Quasi has been a part of four GRAMMY nominations including Album of The Year (Jon Batiste), Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album (Count Basie Orchestra), Best Traditional R&B Performance (Mykal Kilgore) and Best Música Urbana Album (Kali Uchis).