Born: August 29, 1986 Primary Instrument: Saxophone
Originally from Gaithersburg, MD, Jason Hammers grew up in Stafford, VA where began his musical journey on the alto saxophone at age 11. He then attended Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA to continue his musical education. It was during his freshman year that the tenor saxophone became his main instrument. As a member of the CNU Jazz Ensemble, he performed at the Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Festival from 2007-2009, performing with Kurt Elling, Steve Zegree, The New York Voices, Kenny Garrett, and Dave Douglas. In his senior year, Jason was a member of the CNU Jazz Combo I that was selected to perform at the 2009 North Texas Jazz Festival and earned an Outstanding Soloist Award. He had also become an established freelance musician in the greater Hampton Roads area, perfoming at many venues in Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach. Later that year, Jason graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.Mus. degree specializing in Classical and Jazz Performance.
In the fall of 2009, Jason was accepted in the Masters of Music program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where he was a student of Ben Schachter. While at UArts, Jason's music was heard at some of the area's most well known venues such as Chris' Jazz Cafe, as well as on WRTI, Philadelphia's NPR affiliate and jazz radio station. He also became the first recipient of the university's Jazz Scholar Award. Jason completed the program in 2010 writing his thesis titled “The Comeback: Frank Foster’s Impact on the Count Basie Orchestra.”
He is currently a freelance performer, composer, and educator in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Primary Instrument:
Saxophone
Location:
Fredericksburg, VA
Willing to teach:
Beginners
Credentials/Background:
B.M. Classical/Jazz Performance
M.M. Jazz Studies
