Instruments
Trumpet
Education
Central Washington University (2016-2018)
Western Washington University (2018-2022)
Bachelors of Arts in Music Education
Jazz studies minor
Skills/Specialties
Trumpet (jazz and classical, any age any level)
Music theory (any age any level)
Improvisation/jazz theory and arranging (any instrument)
Bio
Jason started his instrumental music journey in 2nd grade when he started taking private lessons on alto saxophone. Once he reached middle school he became unmotivated having played for a few years and being amongst people who were new to music; so with an extra trumpet at home, he switched instruments. Since then, Jason has played in a plethora of community big bands, brass quintets, community orchestras etc. After high school, Jason attended Central Washington University where he studied under John Harbaugh and several graduate students. After two years at CWU Jason decided to finish his Music Education degree at Western Washington University where he is now in his last couple quarters. Jason will graduate with a degree in Music Education and a minor in Jazz Studies.
Jason has a vast interest in music of all genres and cultures. He has played in performing groups of varying styles such as Klezmer, Ska, Funk, Soul, Jazz combo, Jazz big band, Western Classical, and several more. Jason views music as a holistic art form that doesn’t need to be taught through single lenses, moreso that it is a creative expression and a student should learn through the lens that they relate with and prefer. He takes a fundamental approach with every student regardless of level or experience and builds curricula through the goals of the student.
Influences
Most of Jason’s inspiration comes from the jazz and Black American Music communities. Some examples are Miles Davis, Roy Hargrove, Chet Baker, Kenny Garrett, Ron Miles, Wynton Marsalis, Louis Armstrong, and many more. Some other general music inspirations are Jacob Collier, Youngblood Brass Band, Pink Floyd, Huntertones, as well as plenty others. Jason has taken much inspiration from education philosophers such as bell hooks, Tracey Pyscher, Patricia Bourne, and Paulo Freire.
Current Projects
Currently, Jason plays with the legendary Bellingham native band Analog Brass. Other than that he is working on solo projects, starting up a jazz combo, and creating a Klezmer fusion band.