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."