Jon Barnes, trumpet
Jon Barnes is a world class trumpeter, pianist, composer, producer, and dedicated educator who played in the movie “Dirty Dancing” and on Earth, Wind and Fire albums, and has performed in some of the most important jazz festivals and clubs nationwide.
Growing up in Baltimore, Jon started studying music in church and elementary school. His first of many mentors was the late Robert Smith who was his music teacher as well as a violinist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and a jazz pianist. Another mentor, the late David Hairston from Garrison Jr. High School taught Jon music theory and composition. In high school Jon’s mentor was Charles Funn, who further exposed Jon to learn classical, improvisation, big band and bebop styles of music. At Virginia Polytechnic University, Jon’s mentor, Dr. Allen Batchelder unlocked the mysteries of musical technique and encouraged him to pursue music and business.
Jon has performed internationally in Germany and in China including concerts in Beijing, Shanghai, and the Great Wall of China. Jon has recorded, toured and produced many projects with renowned musicians including Gerald McCaulley, Natalie Cole, Billy Preston, Arturo Sandoval, The Temptations, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Wynton Marsalis, Chris Botti, Gary Bias, Brenda Russell, Little Anthony and the Imperials, the West Coast Allstars, and many more.
Jon is endorsed by DaCarbo Trumpets and instrument makers. He enjoys spending time with his family in jam sessions and teaching music to his grandkids. Jon believes “a family that plays together will stay together.”
Growing up in Baltimore, Jon started studying music in church and elementary school. His first of many mentors was the late Robert Smith who was his music teacher as well as a violinist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and a jazz pianist. Another mentor, the late David Hairston from Garrison Jr. High School taught Jon music theory and composition. In high school Jon’s mentor was Charles Funn, who further exposed Jon to learn classical, improvisation, big band and bebop styles of music. At Virginia Polytechnic University, Jon’s mentor, Dr. Allen Batchelder unlocked the mysteries of musical technique and encouraged him to pursue music and business.
Jon has performed internationally in Germany and in China including concerts in Beijing, Shanghai, and the Great Wall of China. Jon has recorded, toured and produced many projects with renowned musicians including Gerald McCaulley, Natalie Cole, Billy Preston, Arturo Sandoval, The Temptations, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Wynton Marsalis, Chris Botti, Gary Bias, Brenda Russell, Little Anthony and the Imperials, the West Coast Allstars, and many more.
Jon is endorsed by DaCarbo Trumpets and instrument makers. He enjoys spending time with his family in jam sessions and teaching music to his grandkids. Jon believes “a family that plays together will stay together.”