Baltimore native, Keresse Dorcely wrote her very first song in the 6th grade for her youth choir at church.  That experience ignited a fire in her and led her to pursue a career in music.  She earned a Bachelor of Music, in Choral Music Education from Virginia State University and went on to earn a Master of Music in Music Business from William Paterson University.  After graduation, she briefly worked in the music industry issuing mechanical licensing for the Harry Fox Agency, but soon found herself teaching where she could be closer to her music. 

 

For the past ten years as public school teacher in Newark, NJ, Keresse has composed music for more than 1,000 school students, earned the title of the Governor’s Teacher of the year in 2010,  and was recognized in 2013 with a proclamation from Newark, NJ Mayor Corey Booker for her commissioned work,  “Adoration” commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  \

 

Keresse has a gift of story telling through words and melody.  She recently worked with Real House Wife of New Jersey daughter Gia Guidice on an emotional piece entitled, “Just 13” that helped Gia express her feeling about her mother’s incarceration.  Keresse is excited to lend her talents to Water Music where her gift for story telling, classical training, and genuine spirit will lead her to work with some of the best in the business.