Jason Vazquez joins the Mandarins as Low Brass Coordinator, bringing more than a decade of experience in brass education, performance, and visual design. Most recently, he spent three seasons with The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps as Lead Euphonium Technician and Media Caption Head, where he directed the organization’s digital content strategy, social media presence, and brand storytelling while elevating the brass section to new heights.
Originally from Flushing, Queens, New York, Jason is a trombonist and euphonium performer who earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Jazz and Commercial Music from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During his time at UNLV, he performed with Jazz Ensemble I and the Latin Jazz Ensemble, earning multiple DownBeat Music Awards and a first-place finish at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival. He also performed with the Grammy-nominated UNLV Wind Orchestra and has shared the stage with internationally recognized artists including Joe Alessi, Wynton Marsalis, Allen Vizzutti, Kenny Rampton, and Elliot Mason.
For more than 13 years, Jason has taught and mentored low brass students throughout Las Vegas. Most recently, he served as Assistant Brass and Visual Caption Head at Foothill High School and currently choreographs movement, and assists in designing productions for marching programs across the valley while remaining active as a freelance performer with professional big bands and ensembles. His perspective is shaped by experience as both an educator and performer, including marching with Gold Drum & Bugle Corps and several independent winter guards. Jason’s teaching philosophy emphasizes musical excellence, individual accountability, and intentional performance, creating an environment where students are challenged to grow with confidence both on and off the field.