← Grammy Award Winner Wynton Marsalis and Mr. Rickey Ford

Rickey Ford, Director Of Winds of The Music and Arts Program, is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, performer and award-winning educator with over 30 years of teaching and performance experience. In 1989, Rickey started the program as a summer initiative at Good Hope MBC, providing music lessons to disadvantaged individuals. With the help of six specialized teachers, the program offered instruction in woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, voice, and piano. Beyond music, Rickey assembled a dedicated team to provide meals and transportation, ensuring students had the support they needed.

Over the years, his vision has grown into a full-scale community nonprofit serving single mothers, the elderly, people with special needs, and more, empowering them through music and life skills. Rickey’s dedication to making a difference has touched countless lives, solidifying his role as a leader in Houston's arts community.