J'Vaughn selected to attend the 2010 InnerSpark Program

July 3rd, 2010
2010 California State Summer School For The Arts InnerSpark Program


After auditioning in front of a screening panel of qualified musicians and instructors, J'Vaughn was selected to participate in the "California state summer School for the Arts InnerSpark Program." The summer session was held on the campus at "California Institute of the Arts" in Valencia California. The California state summer school for the Arts is the result of unique public and private sector planning and support. now embarking on its twenty-fourth summer of operation the school has trained more than eleven thousand highly talented students.
While attending the "InnerSpark" program J'Vaughn was able to study new musical sounds, cultures, styles, and genres from all over the world. Such as African drum rhythms & dance, as well as the Indonesian music known as Bali. There was also a great emphasis on musical theory, Aesthetics, musical expression, & musical performance. 3 weeks into the program J'vaughn was asked about the program and to give his own personal critique. "Innerspark is great! Even with me being exhausted from going constantly and learning non stop since I arrived 3 weeks ago, I really do feel like a better musician. A more intelligent musician. I have been exposed to a much larger musical world and if I could, I would do this all over again. I am really enjoying myself. I appreciate the people at InnerSpark who selected me. What an experience!"

J'Vaughn & The Washington Prep Jazz Band Play the famous Catalina Bar & Grill

June 27th, 2010

A Fitting Farewell

With his high school graduation just days behind him J'Vaughn & the Washington Preparatory High School Jazz Big Band & Jazz combo ensemble (under the leadership of Corey Hogan) took the stage and played to a packed house at the world famous Catalina Bar & Grill located in Hollywood, California for what most likely be their last performance together.
The hour long set contained a smooth balance of big band jazz standards performed by the Washington Prep. Jazz Big Band, while the Washington Prep. Jazz combo ensemble played their own renditions of some of their favorite jazz tunes. J'Vaughn Thrilled the crowd with his numerous dynamic filled solos throughout the entire set, but none was more memorable than the combined trade off solo finale between J'Vaughn and his musical director Corey Hogan. When asked , "was this the way that you have envisioned ending your high school career"? J'Vaughn replied, "A trade off solo battle with Mr. Hogan? I wouldn't have it any other way.

J'Vaughn Graduates from George Washington Preparatory High School

June 23rd, 2010

Finally!

After 4 long years J'Vaughn graduates from George Washington Preparatory High School with Honors. Ranked #24 out of 474 students at his school, J'Vaughn earned a well deserved 3.7 GPA. graduating near the top of his class. During his tenure at G.W.P. High School J'Vaughn participated in the Washington General Marching Band, the Washington Jazz combo ensemble and the George Washington Prep. Jazz Big Band. He was also active in the theatre department playing a role on the musical staff for school plays and other annual school events such as "Jazzin' at the prep" and "the Renaissance."

J'Vaughn Plays the Hollywood Bowl

June 13th 2010 Playboy Jazz Festival

Once again his talents have landed him in the spotlight. Through his association with the Thelonious Monk Institute and the Washington Preparatory High School Jazz combo, J'Vaughn was invited to join the "Los Angeles All District High School Band"to perform (under the direction of Tony White & J.B. Dyas) as the opening act during the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl. When asked, how did it feel to be on that stage where so many legendary acts have performed, J'Vaughn replied, "It was awesome but all seemed to go by so quickly. The stage started to rotate and BAM! There we were playing in front of thousands of people. My first reaction was wow, look at this, but after a few quick moments of soaking it all in I transitioned into performance mode and I was OK. I have played at quite a few venues, but this is the Hollywood Bowl. I just thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful gift."

"J'Vaughn" & "Daryl Coley"

Pictured here is J'Vaughn with the star of the gospel play "One", and gospel music recording artist, the Reverend "Daryl Coley".

A thank you from Pastor Terrell Taylor, founder of "The Young Black Minister's Association"

A Messege to J'Vaughn, From Your Mother

J' - Words cannot express the happiness that I have for you and all of your accomplishments. My heart is simply over joyed and full of pride due to both your accomplishments as a musician and as a young black man. God has his hands on your life and his light shines through you.
My son, my prayer is that you continue to strive to be the best in whatever it is that your heart desires.
I just want you to know from your mother, that there is nothing that is too hard for God to work out in your life. If music is your passion, my wish is that you continue to pursue that passion, grow strong in your craft, and be the absolute best that you can be. Remember son to always put God first & include God in all that you do. Once again I am very proud of you, but most of all I love you for being you.

Your Mother,
Tonya

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love god, and are called to his purpose.

J'Vaughn in his first gospel theatrical production, "One" starring "The Reverend Daryl Coley"

"J'Vaughn" can be seen this July in the Urban Arts Theater West's new gospel theatrical production of "ONE" starring Gospel Music Recording artist, "The Reverend Daryl Coley" as "Peter". "J'Vaughn" will be playing the role of "Shango", warrior of lightening, guardian of the drum.
This gospel play takes place fifty years after the death of Christ, as Christianity begins...
Click on the advertisement for ticket information and show times.

"J'Vaughn's First Live Keyboard Performance"

"Unconditional Praize's Musical Debut"

In the video clip you can hear J’Vaughn playing at his very first stand alone live keyboard performance. Playing with his new gospel Praise & Worship music group “Unconditional Praize” in their musical debut at “Emmanuel Bible Church” on Sunday June 28th 2009, singing featured song , “Never would have made it” by “Marvin Sapp”

“Unconditional Praize” is the official Gospel Praise & Worship music group for the “Young Black Minister’s Association” founded by Minister “Terrell Taylor”. To learn more information about the "Young Black Minister's Association" please click on the following link http://www.youngblackministers.com/

Featured in this video presentation are “J’Vaughn” (keyboards), “Curtis Dion Travis” (drummer), “D’Valarie Travis Taylor” (soprano vocals), “Nichelle Travis” (alto vocals), & Minister “Sydney L. Van Devener” (tenor & lead vocals)

Unconditional Praize's 1st Rehearsal

J'Vaughn seen here at his first live rehearsal on Keyboards, playing for his new Gospel Praise & Worship music group, "Unconditional Praise". J'Vaughn is the Co-Founder of the Gospel Praise & Worship music group along with his Father(Drummer), "Curtis D. Travis".

Outstanding Acheivement

On Tuesday June 15th, 2009 during a formal school assembly at Washington Preparatory High School, J'Vaughn was awarded the "11th grade Outstanding Student Award" for his outstanding achievements in the "Communication Arts & Math/Science Magnet Program" with a 3.5 GPA.

Javon Harvey and Levon Henry on the Tavis Smiley Show. "White House Jazz"

The Tavis Smiley Show

"Javon Harvey and Levon Henry White House Jazz"

White House Jazz L.A. area teens Javon Harvey and Levon Henry were among 150 high school students invited to the White House to soak up some lessons from the Jazz masters.Hear Javon and Levon jamming in our LA studio:Web Extra: Autumn Leaves Web Extra: Tenor Madnesshttp://www.monkinstitute.org/

Click below to listen to the entire interview and in studio performances by Javon Harvey & Levon Henry.
http://www.tavissmileyradio.com/guests09/061909/WhiteHouseJazz_mp3.html

A Thank You From: J'Vaughn

Hello everyone,

As you all know I recently returned from Washington D.C. where I, along with a few selected students from around the country were asked to perform in the White House. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to meet the living jazz music legend, "Wynton Marsalis". This experience provided me with a deeper insight into the world of music and also introduced me to new forms of musical expression that I had not been exposed to.
However, all of this would not be possible without the love & support of so many. First I must thank my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. If it were not his blessings I would not even be here. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of my mentor's & friends at Park Windsor Baptist Church, whom were among the first to allow me to develop my musical talents. Special thanks to my Father for always pushing me to do better and introducing me to music. My Godmother's Bernetta Major Thomas (choir director of the Gospel Choir) & Olivia Hilburn ( Praise & Worship leader & head of the Drama dept.) for giving me the avenues and encouragement to grow musically. Thank you Minister Gloria Zurveen (Owner of "Pace Newspaper") for recognizing me and having enough confidence in me to put me on your FRONT PAGE. I would also like to thank the "Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Program" for selecting me to take part in such a wonderful experience.

Sincerely,
J'Vaughn

"Los Angeles Times", L.A. jazz students to participate in White House program

Article published by the Los Angeles Times
By Juliette Funes June 15, 2009
Continuing to spotlight the importance of the arts, First Lady Michelle Obama will host the first in a series of White House musical workshops today for 150 middle and high school jazz students, including 14 Los Angeles-area teenagers from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. The event will bring together young students from several jazz education and outreach organizations throughout the country to interact with and learn from jazz sensations Wynton, Branford, Jason, Delfeayo and Ellis Marsalis. Students will participate in seminars where the pros will teach them American history and how it has shaped jazz, improvisation through different jazz styles and Duke Ellington's musical influence.
They will then attend a concert at the White House featuring Cuban musician Paquito D'Rivera and 14-year-old jazz pianist Tony Madruga.Although the Monk Institute moved its college performance program from USC to New Orleans in 2007, the organization continues to work with local schools, including Eagle Rock High School, Walter Reed Middle School and North Hollywood High School. Rewarding 14 of the most gifted and hardest-working students from the program will help foster their passion for the music and help them find their own authentic voices, said J.B. Dyas, vice president of education and curriculum development at the Monk Institute."These jazz students are the jazz musicians of tomorrow," he said. Sammy Miller, 18, a recent graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, couldn't believe he'd be working with the musicians he's only heard and played along with on his record player. "Usually when I'm learning jazz, I learn it from people who are great teachers, but these guys who we're going to be working with are some of the creators of jazz," he said. "To get a chance to work with them is beyond rare."Miller has been playing the drums since he was 5."It's great that jazz can be honored in a workshop setting at a national level," he said. "Jazz usually doesn't get much recognition, but having the president recognize it in such a way is beyond amazing."Stunned when he was told a week ago that he was one of the students selected to go to the White House, 16-year-old Bryan Johnson is embracing the chance to improve his musical abilities. "I'm here just playing my horn and all of a sudden the opportunity comes . . . to play my horn for people who actually. . . love music and can do stuff for our school," said Johnson, a trumpet player from Washington Prep High School. Javon Harvey, 16, a saxophone player at Washington Prep, was equally excited. "It's a big opportunity to go to such an important place with important people," he said.The next sessions of the White House Music Series will focus on country and classical music. Dates and guests haven't been announced. juliette.funes@latimes.com

Javon Harvey, 15, Chosen To Play for President Obama at White House

Article published by Pace News

PACE NEWS
Serving Greater Los Angeles and Surrounding Areas Since 1995

Vol. 18 No. 38 (323) 295-9157 Address: 4859 W. Slauson Avenue, # 490, Los Angeles, CA 90056 Website:www.pacenewspaper.com Email: pacenews@pacenews.net Friday, June 12, 2009

Harvey To Play for Obama

LOS ANGELES—
Javon Harvey is a Junior at
Washington Preparatory High
School. As he nears his 16th
birthday on June 23rd, instead of
being focused on his birthday,
Javon is preparing to make one of
the most important trips in his
young life.
He has been chosen as
one of five students from his
school’s music program to visit
President Barack Obama and
play for him at the White House!
A student in the Magnet
Music program at Washington
Preparatory High School, Javon
is a member of their marching
band, the Jazz Combo Ensemble,
the Subsequential Band, and The
Thelonious Monk Ensemble.
He was first introduced
to music by his father when he
was twelve years old. Javon began
by playing percussion at the
Park Windsor Baptist Church,
where he has played for the Gospel
Choir, The Praise Team,
Youth Choir, Sanctuary Choir,
and the Male Chorus.
He then moved on to the
drums and then learned to play
the saxophone his Freshman year
in High School. This year, Javon
started learning how to play the
piano and is already able to play
at the intermediate level. In addition
to the groups and bands previously
mentioned, Javon also
has played with the gospel music
groups Rhythmick Praize and is
currently playing with Unconditional
Praize. Additionally,
through his music, Javon has had
the opportunity to share the stage
with jazz greats such as Joshua
Redman and James Carter.
Javon is an impressive
young man who has been inspired
and mentored by his father, grandfather,
his godmothers Bernetta
Major-Thomas and Olivia Hilburn,
school band teacher Corey Hogan,
and his Theloneous Monk instructor
Dontae Winslow.
When asked what inspires
him to play music, Javon said that
music is a tool for him to express
what he feels. He enjoys playing
traditional jazz, Latin jazz, rock,
R&B, Neo soul, Funk, Oldies, Gospel,
the list goes on and on.
This busy young man is
not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus
Christ. Despite his busy schedule,
he has time to attend youth Bible
study at his church each week and
works part time at Word of Life
Christian Bookstore.
After graduating from
high school, Javon has plans to
attend California Institute of the
Arts or Berkeley College of Music
where his emphasis will be on music
performance and minor in Business.
When asked what is exciting
about this trip to play in front
of our first African American
President, Barack Obama, Javon
stated that the idea of venturing to
such a historic place at a time like
this and being chosen among so
many others is simply an honor.
He is excited about the
opportunity and thanks God for
blessing him with his musical talents