Vaughn Brown

Vaughn Lipiec Brown
Vancouver, Washington
360-904-3110
vaughnlbrown@comcast.net
http://www.percussionship.com

My Talent

I adore playing Jazz, Swing, Latin, Gospel, Soul, and Reggae. My approach to Rock, Funk, and Blues carries equal enthusiasm. I delight in using rudiments for varied grooves and solos. My syncopated rhythm and steady tempo enhances my role as a complimentary team musician. When listening I hear the theory and science of the chart. My right or left-handed roll enables me to add more rhythms. To have an interesting conversation with the musician leading the melody is my goal. My birthplace, New Orleans, has influenced my style and preferences.

My Training

I started drumming as soon as I could get the pots and spoons out of the kitchen pantry. At age four, my hands found the head of an African conga drum. Lessons and drumming circles excited me. I experimented with saxophone under Clifford Waits at seven. By age ten, I sat behind my first drum kit. At that time, my formal education really took flight with Jennifer Hervey. Degreed in Percussion Performance from Peabody Conservatory, Jennifer drilled in her own preference for perfection in technique and theory for eight years. She expanded my percussion repertoire to include vibraphone, marimba, kettle drum, congas, bongos, timbales and triangle. Down in New Orleans in 2004, Herman LeBeaux, Jazz percussionist, sharpened my skills at having musical conversations with bass and piano players. In 2005, Henry Butler, Director of New Orleans Jazz Camp for the Blind, focused my attention on professional performance skills. More recently, Portland percussionist Gary Hobbs instructed me in syncopation as it is found in Jazz and Latin music. I am fluent in reading Braille sheet music. My formal training enables me to talk to other performers in musical terms.

My Time Travel

My performance engagements have been many and varied. At age twelve, I began accompanying the Contemporary Choir at Holy Family Church in Portland on hand drums. I played drum set, hand drums, vibraphone, bass guitar and piano for the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) Advanced Band for 6 years under the direction of Jennifer Hervey. On four occasions, I competed in the Lower Columbia River Music Educators’ Association Solo and Ensemble Contest. I took First Alternate in 2004 and First Place in 2006 which allowed me to represent Lower Columbia in the State Competition at Central Washington University. In 2005, I accompanied the WSSB DeCapo Singers at the Clark Community College Jazz Competition; we took Third Place. I received the WSSB Director’s Choice Award four consecutive years which honored my devotion to my music education and performance.
I have delighted in playing with and for many superb musicians. In 2003, I presented the Mark Hatfield Award to Evelyn Glennie, famed symphonic percussionist, for her untiring work with deaf children and played quiet jazz at her private reception. On many occasions I provided percussion to “Three Together” which features Grammy Award Winner guitarist, Doug Smith. They also gave me the opportunity to be studio drummer on their CD, “All Over the Map.” While visiting family in Detroit in 2006, I sat in with James Carter, New York saxophonist, at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. Throughout that year, I played engagements with the Vancouver Community Band. The Hank Hirst Quintet invited me to jam with them at Jax in Portland. The New Paradise Worship Center hired me to play with their band and choir. Many have enjoyed my performance and playful stage presence at private parties and local establishments.

My Teaching

My patience reflects the respect I have for my students regardless of their level of skill and knowledge. Students new to the art of percussion can expect to learn posture; stick, hand and foot techniques; and rudiments such as paradiddles, drags, flams, and rolls. I teach grooves and solos from varied genres. Music theory and terms are essential to the learning process. Experienced drummers can always benefit from my attention to their syncopation and music interpretation. I work with them to expand their comfort level with Jazz, Soul, Latin, Reggae, and Funk. My only requirement is that students have a positive attitude.

References

Jennifer Hervey: (360)771-6007
Daniel Clark: (360)601-1680
Judy Koch-Smith: (360)798-1097