Born on September 8, 1980 in Maryland, Melvin C. Eley III, known as "Trey", learned to read music before he learned to read words. He began his musical journey playing the piano at age 3. At age 9, when his father discontinued his piano lessons and gave him the choice of an instrument to play, young Trey Eley excitedly cried out to his father, "That one!" while pointing at a flute. This moment began the future career of a talented musician.

Trey was always determined to be a musician. Students in Kenmoor Elementary School had to be in the 5th grade to join the band, but the determined 9-year-old snuck into the band as a 4th grader. By the time the teacher found out, it was too late, and Trey was allowed to continue to participate.

In Largo High School, Trey continued playing in the band, under the leadership of Band Director Russell Wright. He participated in the stage band, concert band, pep band, played with the school choir, and was the sole Piccolo player for the marching band. He directed the pep band for a year and then became the Student Band Director for all the bands in the music department during his senior year. During his junior year he participated in the Prince George's County and the Maryland State Solo & Ensemble Festivals, where he performed the complex piece, "Flight of the Bumble Bee". He received the second highest score, merely because he didn’t have piano accompaniment. His senior year, with piano accompaniment, he went back to the competition, and claimed the highest score possible. Also that year, he played at the Kennedy Center in the All-County Band and Orchestra. At age 16, Trey started playing for the Lord, at his church, Ark of Safety Christian Church, and continues to serve there.

After high school, Trey took a brief hiatus from music to attended the University of Maryland and receive a bachelors degree in Computer Science. After college, moved by God to pick up his flute, Trey began to pursue his musical craft once more.

Trey has played with such musicians as Eric Byrd, Anthony Walker, and Stephen Hurd. He has played at venues such as DC’s Blues Alley, Charlotte’s Jazz Café, Raleigh’s Zydeco Downtown, New York’s Ashford & Simpson Sugar Bar, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 2005, he played at the Strathmore in Rockville, MD with United in Worship for a Live CD/DVD recording.

In 2006, Trey created MCE3 Entertainment, parent company to MCE3 Music (artist management division) and QV Publishing (music publishing division). He continues his music education by studying under saxophonist Paul Carr. Trey also has begun playing the saxophone. Furthermore, he is an Artist & Repertoire representative for an independent record label, 24th Music.

In addition to his own band, Trey plays in a group called "Winds of Praise" with his father, Saxophonist, Melvin Jr. and also performs in the Marcus Mitchell Project with a host of accomplished musicians.

Trey Eley continues to participate and to grow in the music world. Though the flute is not a "traditional" jazz instrument, Trey continues to prove that it deserves to be included in the genre right alongside the saxophone.

Written by LaShawn V. Eley
Capital S Communications