WELCOME FROM Dean Hughes

Tryphena Hughes, known at Akili as "Dean Hughes," is in her ninth year as a music educator. She was raised in Beaumont, Texas, where she began playing the trombone in the 6th grade. Upon graduating from high school, Tryphena received a partial academic and full music scholarship to Florida A & M University (FAMU). In 2012, she graduated from FAMU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and is a proud member of the Incomparable Marching 100.

Dean Hughes is an arts advocate and believes that every child deserves an efficient, joyful, and high-quality experience. The thing that she enjoys the most about leading the enrichment team at Akili, is seeing scholars grow and develop in the performance process.

"Many times, they begin their performance process nervous, unsure, or with feelings of defeat. At the conclusion of this process, they emerge excited, stronger, and ready to conquer their next task."

Dean Hughes' favorite quote is, "Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand." -Stevie Wonder.