Jason completed a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies in May 2007 at Indiana University, and served as an Associate Instructor for David Baker and the Jazz Department from 2005 to 2006. Part of his responsibilities included assisting with the Jazz Improvisation course, directing a Big Band, and assisting with the Jazz Combo Program. While at IU he played in the Jazz Ensembles of David Baker and Brent Wallarab, the Latin American Popular Music Ensemble, the Marque/Miller Project, Morgan Price’s Mingus Tribute Band, and the Monster Zero Orchestra. He studied trombone with Peter Ellefson and composition/arranging with Brent Wallarab. Jason is a member of the Indianapolis based Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra and Mid Coast Swing Orchestra, appearing every Tuesday night at the Jazz Kitchen. He also is the trombonist for Indianapolis salsa band Orquesta Bravo. Other local groups Jason has performed with are: the Steve Allee Big Band, the Leisure Kings Vegas Revue, the Bossa Rio Sextet, and the Impalas. Jason is the drummer for Bloomington based rock band Character Zero, performing a mix of original music and classic rock from Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Led Zeppelin, Phish, Radiohead and many others.
A graduate of the Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Jason earned a Bachelor of Music in Trombone and Jazz Studies in 2003. While at UNCG Jason studied privately with Dr. Randy Kohlenberg and Steve Haines, and was able to work with artists such as Ed Neumeister, Byron Stripling, Dick Oatts, Dan Hearle, and Fred Wesley. An original composition for jazz ensemble, Distant Dream, is featured on the 2003 UNCG Jazz Ensemble album Honestly.
