Aaron began playing the cornet at age 12 in Steger, Illinois, a South Suburb of Chicago. Although he had never experienced the sound or the look of the trumpet, he remembers being first drawn to the instrument by it's shiny exterior and seemingly easy three-button system. However, his love for the sound of the trumpet and jazz music came months later after being exposed to the sounds of Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard through a substitute teacher who had handed him a mixed CD titled "Jazz for Aaron".
After diligent practice and guidance from his private instructor Larry Bowen, Aaron sat first chair in the top concert band at Homewood-Flossmoor High School and was a featured soloist in the top jazz band for three years. Being in the top ensembles allowed Aaron to tour England and Wales.
By the end of high school, Aaron had been named an IMEA All-State musician in Jazz, recognized as a Rising Star in his community and had performed with the Prairie State Community Big Band. Additionally, Aaron was a part of a unique rock group that was comprised of students and teachers from his high school, known as "Staff Infection and the South Side Horns".
After high school, Aaron attended Illinois State University with a talent scholarship to receive his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. During his time there, he was classically trained by Dr. Amy Gilreath-Major and briefly studied with Vince DiMartino. Washington has also shared the stage with guest artists such as Ernie Watts, Marshall Gilkes, Wayne Bergeron and Doug Stone while in the top Jazz Band and combo at the university. Outside of performing in the ensembles at school, Aaron has also freelanced and recorded with local artists and bands around the Central Illinois and Chicagoland area such as the Heartland Jazz Orchestra, led by David Hoffman, and Ska's the Limit.
Although Aaron had never listened to Ska-punk music prior to joining the band, he jumped at the opportunity to gain a new musical experience. The group has played a number of shows and festivals around campus and Chicago, steadily gaining popularity with fans of the music. Their growing popularity has led to opportunities to open for legends in the ska-community like Mustard Plug, Reel Big Fish and Five Iron Frenzy. Ska's the Limit has also been featured on the radio station 103.9 The Fox with their debut single, "Bring Back Ska". The group continues to build momentum with their live performances from songs on their recent release in 2015 titled, “Ska’s the Limit EP”.
Aaron will continue his education in the fall of 2016 after receiving his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois State and teacher certification. Washington will attend DePaul University in Chicago to pursue his Master's degree in Jazz Studies where he will be studying from trumpeter Dr. Bob Lark. Through this next step in his education, Aaron further pursues his dream of making a living as a professional musician and entrepreneur.
Aaron Washington plays on a B&S Challenger II 3143/2LR-S Bb trumpet.
After diligent practice and guidance from his private instructor Larry Bowen, Aaron sat first chair in the top concert band at Homewood-Flossmoor High School and was a featured soloist in the top jazz band for three years. Being in the top ensembles allowed Aaron to tour England and Wales.
By the end of high school, Aaron had been named an IMEA All-State musician in Jazz, recognized as a Rising Star in his community and had performed with the Prairie State Community Big Band. Additionally, Aaron was a part of a unique rock group that was comprised of students and teachers from his high school, known as "Staff Infection and the South Side Horns".
After high school, Aaron attended Illinois State University with a talent scholarship to receive his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. During his time there, he was classically trained by Dr. Amy Gilreath-Major and briefly studied with Vince DiMartino. Washington has also shared the stage with guest artists such as Ernie Watts, Marshall Gilkes, Wayne Bergeron and Doug Stone while in the top Jazz Band and combo at the university. Outside of performing in the ensembles at school, Aaron has also freelanced and recorded with local artists and bands around the Central Illinois and Chicagoland area such as the Heartland Jazz Orchestra, led by David Hoffman, and Ska's the Limit.
Although Aaron had never listened to Ska-punk music prior to joining the band, he jumped at the opportunity to gain a new musical experience. The group has played a number of shows and festivals around campus and Chicago, steadily gaining popularity with fans of the music. Their growing popularity has led to opportunities to open for legends in the ska-community like Mustard Plug, Reel Big Fish and Five Iron Frenzy. Ska's the Limit has also been featured on the radio station 103.9 The Fox with their debut single, "Bring Back Ska". The group continues to build momentum with their live performances from songs on their recent release in 2015 titled, “Ska’s the Limit EP”.
Aaron will continue his education in the fall of 2016 after receiving his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois State and teacher certification. Washington will attend DePaul University in Chicago to pursue his Master's degree in Jazz Studies where he will be studying from trumpeter Dr. Bob Lark. Through this next step in his education, Aaron further pursues his dream of making a living as a professional musician and entrepreneur.
Aaron Washington plays on a B&S Challenger II 3143/2LR-S Bb trumpet.
