Reynard Burns
IAC Advisory Council Member
Born in Harlem in 1946, Reynard has followed a path that has been rewarding, inspiring, and always moving forward.
After over 40 years of directing orchestras and teaching at both the public school and college levels, Reynard has more recently been engaged in projects and programs that reach a larger audience.
In the field of music he has appeared as guest conductor for youth orchestras on the New York area. He is the founder and president of Reynard Burns Publishing Inc. His compositions have been performed across the United States and abroad. Reynard continues to present workshops and lectures bout composers of color.
He has served as Public Relations officer for the Islip Town Branch of the NAACP and has been Public Relations Officer for the Claude B. Govan Tri-State Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen Inc. for many years. In 2017 Reynard served as liaison between West Point and the Tuskegee Airmen for the dedication of the Benjamin O. Davis Barrack s at West Point.
Awards received:
2001 - Winner of a National Composition Contest
2014 – Black History Month Distinguished Service Award from the Town of Islip
2017 – Golden Eagle Award from Claude B. Govan Chapter TAI for Preserving the Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen
2018 – Eastern Region Award from the National Office of the Tuskegee Airmen
2022 – Legacy Award for Community Service from the Islip Town Branch NAACP
