Sacramento Trad Jazz Camp - Meet Jason Wanner

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Meet the faculty

Bill Dendle-Camp Director

Rusty Stiers- Trumpet

Terry Myers-Woodwinds

Anita Thomas-Woodwinds

Greg Varlotta-Trombone

Westy Westenhofer-Bass & Tuba

Dannie Balser-Vocals & Trumpet

Shelley Burns-Vocals

Dave Robinson-Guest Lecturer

Bill Evans-Facilities coordinator

Jason Wanner took an interest in the piano at the age of 5, although lessons
didn't begin until he turned 6. From that point he began classical training and at the same time became interested in ragtime and jazz piano.His early influences as a child included Vladimir Horowitz and Vince Guaraldi.

At the age of 12, after being a spectator for quite a few years at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, he attended the Sacramento Trad Jazz Camp for one week where he studied with Johnny Varro and "K.O." Eckland. Immediately following the camp, he received many opportunities to perform with other musicians his age in bands, including The New Traditionalists (1990-1991), Crushed Red Pepper (1991-1992), and Timeless Tradition (1992-1997).

After graduating from high school in 1996, Jason attended the University of Southern California with a major in jazz studies. Having attended the Sacramento Jazz Camp every year since the age of 12, he graduated to become one of the camp's teachers of piano this same year. He has also taught at jazz camps in Mammoth Lakes, CA and Helena, MT. After moving back to Sacramento he joined the Blue Street Jazz Band from Fresno, CA in March '98 and has been performing all over the United States and Canada with them ever since.

Jason recently received his degree in piano performance from Sacramento State University. Visit Jason on the web at JasonWanner.com