Destin Scott comes by his musical talent naturally. His mom, Tiffany, has been involved in music ministry at their church, Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, for over 40 years and members of Destin’s family are musically inclined as well.
“Ever since I came out of the womb, I have been connected to music,” says the 13 year old. “I like to express myself through music.”
An eighth-grade student at Franklin Military Academy, Destin was invited to sing the National Anthem at the RVA East End Festival on Sept. 27 after singing it at the Festival’s press conference in July.
“He was the only student there on behalf of Richmond Public Schools,” his mom says of the press conference. “My husband and I are elated to know he’s representing the district at the festival this year.”
The RVA East End Festival celebrates the immense talent of musicians who began their careers in Richmond and are now well known to regional, national, and international audiences. The stellar lineup of musicians will take the stage from noon to 7 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby Street, due to the forecast of inclement weather on Saturday. Check the Festival’s website and Facebook page for any updates.
The free, family-friendly event supports music and cultural arts programs at Richmond Public Schools in the East End. Since 2016, it has raised over $550,000 to support music, visual arts, and performing arts programs at schools in the East End communities of the Richmond Public Schools system.
Destin’s mom noticed his musical abilities when he was a toddler.
“At age two he began picking up different items like a brush and singing around the house, songs he’d heard in church. We knew he was destined for greatness,” she says.
Destin says he wants to get more invested in R&B and Gospel music. He wants to learn more about music theory. He would love to one day be on NBC’s The Voice or America’s Got Talent.
“Right now, Destin is a teen, but his vocal ability and range amazes me,” his mom says.
Destin, who will sing the National Anthem a cappella, has been practicing every day.
“I’m not scared,” he says. I’ve been singing the National Anthem since I was five or six. Singing makes me feel free. It makes me feel like me.”
