Directors
Jeff Cummins, Artistic Director, is a local composer, teacher and performer. He was the founder and Director of the McLean Jazz Workshop and is the Director of Instrumental Music at Green Hedges School in Vienna, VA. He was a past recipient of the McLean Community Arts Award for Outstanding Contribution. He has been recognized by the City Council of the City of Los Angeles, the Ministry of Tourism of Nassau, The Bahamas, and the Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County, Virginia
Over the past 30 years his student groups have toured extensively throughout the US, Europe, Australia, South America, and the Caribbean. They have performed by invitation at such prestigious venues as Wolf Trap, the Kennedy Center, the National Theatre, Blues Alley, the World's Fair in Knoxville, and the World's Fair in New Orleans. Mr. Cummins has been interviewed on WMAL and WDCU Radio, and was also the feature of a local PBS program.
His composing credits include jingles, themes for public television programs, music for local musical productions, as well as a recorded collection of original compositions. He served as orchestrator and arranger for the musical Vodu which enjoyed a 4 week performance run as part of the 2004 Harlem Repertory Theatre inaugural season. Mr. Cummins currently composes and teaches private lessons in theory, performance, composition, and improvisation. He performs both as a solo artist and as a member of the Summit Trio.
Aaron Broadus, Music Director, is a native of the Washington DC area, and a rising talent in the music industry. Aaron is a professor of music at Georgetown University, accomplished writer, producer and recording artist. He holds a Bachelor of music from George Mason University and a Master of music from Howard University. When he's not in the recording studio, or classroom you may find him directing the Georgetown Jazz Ensemble, or Pep Band at local games and NCAA tournaments. Mr. Broadus has been interviewed on WPFW, WHUR, im4radio.com and featured in the August 2006 edition of Washingtonian Magazine. His performing credits include Pattie LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Al Jarreau, Common, Marlina Shaw, The Temptations, Hug Masikala, Theloneous Monk Jr, and the late Ray Charles just to name a few. Currently Aaron is working on his new solo project showcasing his abilities as both a trumpeter and vocalist.
A Native of Northern VA, Associate Music Director Jon Laine has a Bachelor’s of Music degree from George Mason University and a Master’s in Music from Howard University. He has performed with artists including Aretha Franklin, Phife from A Tribe Called Quest, Dwele, El DeBarge, Erykah Badu, Common, Steve Coleman, Meshell N'Degeocello, Dwele, Louie Bellson, Charlie Byrd, Fred Wesley, Frank Wess, Jimmy Heath, Yusef Lateef and was the drummer for OMAR's "Sing...if you want it" national tour.
In addition to performing with local Washington DC artists including Wes Felton, Justin Jones, and SITALI, Jon Laine has traveled internationally to Paris, the 2007 Moers jazz festival in Germany and the 2008 Sons d’Hiver jazz festival in Paris with Opus Akoben.
His name has become synonymous with other well-respected producers in the DC area. He has released quite a bit of music in 2009, most of which are available on tastefullicks.com. In addition, he is touring the U.S. with country singer Justin Jones. He is currently an artist on Tasteful Licks records and has 4 albums available on iTunes and amazon.com.
Jon Laine is the music director for Annual J Dilla memorial concert in DC, dedicated to his favorite producer. The concert features well-known singers, lyricists, and world reknowned platinum artists.
Steve Lovecchio, Assitant Director, originally from Rochester, NY, received his Bachelors of Music Education at George Mason University. He has been teaching and performing in the DC/Northern Virginia area for the past 10 years. Trained in saxophone, flute, and clarinet and well versed in many different playing styles, his performances have taken him all over the country as well as the Caribbean and Mexico. He has studied with many jazz artists including Pete Christlieb, Jim Caroll, Mike Tomaro, Bob Florence, Jiggs Whigham, Steve Houghton, Rick Baptist, and Shelly Berg. Steve was fortunate to be a part of Chuck Magione’s "The Hat is Back" New York tour in 1994. Locally, he has also studied with Dale Underwood (saxophone), Judy Lapple (Flute), and Sharon Bonneau (Clarinet). He currently teaches in Fairfax County Public Schools and maintains a small private studio.
Instructors
Rob Miller lives in Westminster with his wife, two daughters and soon to be son. He graduated from Millersville University with a B. S. E. in Music in 2000 with a concentration in Euphonium. He taught at Columbia Academy for 8 years, teaching music and drama to students in grades Jr. Kindergarten through 8th grade. He also started the school's first instrumental program. He has worked with students of varying abilities and has performed shows with all levels.
Natalie Hill, a native of Fairfax, VA, received her BM in Music Education from George Mason University with the departmental award for outstanding professional preparation. During her education at George Mason, Natalie served as principal trumpet in the jazz band, wind symphony, and the symphony orchestra. Natalie has lead an active career as a performing musician as well as a music instructor. In the fall of 2008, Natalie toured over 20 different cities in Japan as a featured trumpet soloist with the music motion theatre production "Odyssey"/"Brass Angels" sponsored by the MinOn Concert Association. Natalie can also be heard on Alfred Music Publishing's 2009-10 marching band demo recording. Aside from her continuing performing career, she has been a summer instructor for Vienna Band Camp as well as the Franklin Band Camp. In addition, Natalie maintains private trumpet studios in various locations across Northern Virginia. She has studied trumpet with Mr. Dan Smith and Dr. Dennis Edelbrock of the U.S. Army Band as well as Dr. Stan Curtis of the U.S. Navy Band.
Al Williams was born and grew up in Philadelphia, PA where he attended the Philadelphia Musical Academy (PMA).
One of Al’s early recollections was being invited to rehearse with one of the early incarnations of "Return to Forever." The band was Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Earl Klugh, and Lenny White, with Al and Joe Farrell on saxes, flutes, oboe and bassoon.
Al later had opportunities to perform with Cuban percussionist Mongo Santamaria, touring the US, Canada and South America, and recording five albums including, "Amanacer," which won a Grammy for best Latin album. AL has performed with Stanley Clarke and the "School Days Band, and with Jeff Beck and Simon Phillips. He recorded three albums with Stanley Clarke: "Modern Man," "I Want to Play for You," and "Stanley Clarke Live, '76, '77."
Mr Williams toured Japan with The Nighthawks and again with singer Amy Keys, recording a one-hour concert on BET as a member of the Grant Geisman Band, and recorded a movie soundtrack with Nils Lofgren. He also performed for a period of time with bassist Keeter Betts (Stan Getz & Ella Fitzgerald). Al currently performs on a fairly frequent basis Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra) and Gary Grainger (John Scofield). Recent concerts have included major jazz festivals in Nashville, TN, and Fez, Morocco.
AL has recorded three CD’s under his own name as well, "Never Too Late," See for Yourself," and "Heart Song." His latest project "Heart Song" is the winner of the "Washington Area Music Association" Award for "Best Jazz Recording of 2008".
It also marks the continuation of a decade long collaboration and friendship with singer/composer/producer John Stoddart.
Al shares "I look forward to experiencing and learning more and about this wonderful human expression of music and the crazy, wonderful people who make it!"
Clinicians
Julietta Marie Curenton. At the age of seventeen. Julietta Curenton made her debut with the National Symphony under the baton of Marvin Ilamlisch. In addition, Ms. Curenton has appeared as soloist with the Baltimore Symphony, Kennedy Center Institute Orchestra, and the U.S. Army Orchestra. Julietta has been heard on Washington DC’s WGMS and Boston’s WGBH radio station. She has participated in various summer festivals including the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Orchestra, the National Repertory Orchestra held in Breckenridge, Colorado, and the Spoleto Music Festival located in Spoieto, Italy. Her awards and honors as a soloist include first prizes in the young artist competitions sponsored by the National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Flute Association. Most recently, Julietta performed with world- renown soprano Frederica von Stade at The Kennedy Center’s terrace theater. The Washington Post deemed her “a worthy support” to the opera diva.
Matthew Heap, is a prolific music composer, with many stage musicals already performed in prestigious locations, and others under development. The most well known examples being Dies Irae, Peter and Maimie, I Want to Grow Old with You and, most recently, Dumped! Premiered at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA in late 2003. He is particularly interested in creating effective and challenging theater and film musicals, and would welcome commissions to collaborate on new ventures. He has also composed a range of classical pieces, both accessible and challenging!
Rob Holmes has been playing the saxophone professionally for twenty years. Currently based in the Washington, DC area, Rob has been in great demand as a freelance performer, composer/arranger, and private teacher. Rob has recorded two of his own CD's for the Resurgent Music Label based in Los Angeles, California. Please visit robholmes.com. "The Looking Glass" (RM108) released in 1994 features six original compositions and two standards performed by his quintet. "The Write Time" (RM115) released in 1998 features four original compositions and five original arrangements performed by groups ranging from trio to octet. His third CD, "Turnstyles" was released in 2002 and introduces all original compositions with a contemporary jazz flavor.
He can be heard performing regularly with his own groups; bassist Mykle Lyons and his trio Thursday nights from 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM at the Westin Hotel in Reston, VA and Saturday nights at the Market Street Grill from 8:30 PM to 12 AM in the Hyatt Hotel/Reston Town Center; the Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra; pianist Dan LaMaestra and his quartet "One Step Up"; Doug Richards and "The Great American Music Ensemble"; and "CompLexBlue". Rob combines his performing career with writing and arranging music for CD projects, government/industrial films, studio sessions, school commissions, and the Navy Band.
Rob currently plays baritone saxophone and writes for The United States Navy Band Commodores Jazz Ensemble. He is a "graduate" of the VMA's predecessor, McLean Jazz Workshop.
Marshall Maley, the PASIC ‘97 Chapter President of the Year, is an active percussion instructor and working musician in the Washington, D.C. area. In 2000 and 2002, he received the Governors’ School Outstanding Teacher Award, presented by the Virginia Department of Education. He teaches at the University of Mary Washington, Prince Georges’ Community College, and Northern Virginia Community College. He taught at George Mason University from 1986 to 2006. In 2007 and 2008, he taught at the Goucher College Drumset and Percussion Camp. As a professional musician in the D.C. area, Marshall’s work spans commercial, jazz, rock, show, and classical fields. He has worked with the Baltimore Symphony, Eugene Fodor, Hour of Power Orchestra, Patti Lupone, the Sesame Street Show, and Yakov Smirnoff. For eleven years, he worked in and led the big band at Andrews Air Force Base Officer’s Club. Additional studio/media performances include the sound track for television’s “America’s Most Wanted” and WMAL radio appearances. Besides university teaching, Marshall has written for and instructed a number of Northern Virginia high school marching drum lines and concert percussion sections. He owns and manages Maley’s McLean Music in McLean, Virginia. Marshall serves Percussive Arts Society in a number of capacities. He is the President of the VA/DC Chapter, and participates on the Education Committee. He presented a Fundamentals Accessories clinic at PASIC 96, Drum Set clinics at PASIC 2001 and 2004, and he has published articles in Percussive Notes. In addition to a B.A. and M.A. from George Mason University, Marshall has studied corps style marching, show design, and drum line at West Virginia University and drum set at Capital University.
A resident of Fairfax Virginia, Ricky Parrell recently completed his master’s degree in saxophone performance at the University of North Texas with a related field of jazz studies. He also holds a bachelors degree in music education from George Mason University. Comfortable in all performing styles Mr. Parrell may be seen frequently in the Washington D.C area working as a freelance musician and sideman. He has appeared at such notable venues as The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (Dallas, TX), The Eisemann Center (Dallas, TX), and Wolf Trap (Vienna, VA). His past teachers include Eric Nestler, Dale Underwood, Rick Parrell, Jim Carroll, and Ed Freadrich.
Interns
The Raymond P Rogers Internship was created by VMA in 2008 to provide a promising future music educator the opportunity to work within his or her field to gain experience while also contributing energy to VMA students and diversity to the staff. The internship is named after Raymond P Rogers, retired Fairfax County Public Schools Band Director who was middle school teacher and mentor to both Artistic Director Jeff Cummins and Music Director Aaron Broadus in their formative years as well as being a supporter of the organization at its inception.
James E Ottaway, IV is a 2007 Honors graduate of Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. After studies at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory Mr. Ottaway is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education at George Mason University. He has studied with Trombonist James Olin (Associate Principal Trombone, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra) and Bass Trombonist Matthew Neff (Bass Trombonist, United States Navy Band). Mr. Ottaway is a two time Virginia District Band member, was recognized by the Big Band Society with an Outstanding Soloist Scholarship at the 2007 Chantilly Jazz Invitational Festival, and received the 2007 Louis Armstrong Jazz Award from Great Bridge High School.
Mr. Ottaway joins the VMA staff as trombone sectional clinician and intern for the 2009/2010 season.
Kimberly A Williams is a native of Forest Grove, Oregon. Ms. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with a minor in Art from Pacific University; a Master of Arts in Teaching with a Music Endorsement from Pacific University; and is currently pursuing a Masters of Music in Instrumental Conducting at George Mason University. She has worked as a Music Librarian, Reference Librarian, and Music Head Mentor. Classroom experience includes work as a Teacher’s Aid and Band Assistant for grade 6 – 12 students in Forest Grove School District, Forest Grove, Or and as a Student Teacher in both Orchestra and Band for the Yamhill-Carlton School District, Yamhill, OR. She has offered Private Music Instruction in Forest Grove and Hillsboro, OR for the past 8 years, and has designed and presented Wind Instrument Clinics and Lessons.
Ms. Williams joins the VMA staff as the first “Raymond P Rogers Intern” for the 2009/2010 season.
Support Staff/Chaperones
Taty Frankin, Premier Travel. Drawing upon over 28 years of experience in the travel industry, Taty Franklin has traveled extensively and brings to you her expertise and knowledge of travel. A 1977 graduate of McConnell Airline School, in Minneapolis, MN, Taty returned to the Washington Metropolitan area and operated All Star Travel Center, Inc. in Bethesda, MD for 25 years. She now owns and operates Premier Executive travel, a full service agency. She is currently on the board of advisors for eTravCo, a multi-channel marketing and distribution network for the travel industry with over 3 billion in sales. Wherever in the world you're bound, with a group or alone, on business or pleasure, call Taty at Premier Executive Travel. 1-888-57WORLD.
Premier Executive Travel is an experienced, independent corporate & leisure travel management company. Located in Boyds, Maryland, we have been servicing clients worldwide in a broad range of travel services since 1977. We offer personalized service via our consultants who understand the needs of our clients. Our corporate headquarters is located in New York City, 255 West 35th St., and our sister office is located at 839 W. University Parkway, Baltimore. Our combined resources provide our clients with custom tailored, cost-effective, programs and services of the highest quality. Visit us on the web: www.onlinepremier.com
Chaperones
- Janet Cummins
- Roddy Moscoso
- Vickie Strange-Moscoso
- Ryan Fernandez
- Scott Lieberman
Additional information about VMA, including our directors, pictures of some of our performance, and ways to donate to VMA, please browse our website using the navigation bar. If you have any questions, please send an email to: jeff@vamusicadventures.org.