Monae’s love for music did not start until she watched the movie Drumline. At that moment she knew she wanted to be involved in music Monae Clancy was born in Paterson NJ. The first of five children. Monae grew up just like any child did in her city. Monae started her musical journey in the fourth grade. She started to take lessons as a drummer from her elementary school music director. She continued on through eight grade. During these four years of school she played in concert band, all city band and in a local high school marching band. However Monae decided to tackle the euphonium seeing it as a challenge. During her eight grade year she would go to another local elementary school after school and learn how to play the euphonium.

              Once graduated from elementary school Monae auditioned for Rosa Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts high school.  Monae picked up a valve trombone to join her high school jazz band. Not learning slide until her senior year of high school. She joined a program called Jazz House Kids directed by Christian Mc Bride and Melissa Walker. Throughout this program she got the opportunity to learn and work with great Jazz Musicians such as Peter Lin, Tedd Chubb  Oscar Perez , Andy Mckee, Bruce Willams, Freddie Hendrix, Mike Lee, Lovett Hines and Dee Dee Bridgewater. She was also apart of NJPAC all female jazz residency were she got the same opportunity to learn and work with Tia fuller, Gerri Allen, Jeff Tain Watts, Ingrid Jenson and Marcus Belgrave.

 Through these programs she also had the opportunity to compete at the Essentially Ellington Competition with the Jazz House Big band, who finished second, as well as the Charles Mingus Jazz Competition with the same band who won . Through these programs Monae was able to share the stage with Al Jarreau, David Sandborn, Christian Mc Bride. And most recently Andra Day, Shelia E, Christian McBride and Esparanza Spalding. Monae is  currently studying Jazz education at Montclair State University. She studies with Jazz Trombonist Mike Boshcen.  She is an aspiring Music Educator and Jazz musician. In her upcoming days she will be performing with her college Big Band and combo.  During the summer she will be teaching assisting at Jazz house kids as well as playing at local Jam sessions.