Jamond McCoy is a dynamic and accomplished musician hailing from Long Beach, CA, known for his versatility as a vocalist and keyboardist. With deep roots in Gospel and Jazz, he has built a reputation for excellence in both performance and education. When he's not lending his voice or hands to recording sessions, Jamond serves as Vocal Director of Commercial Music at California Baptist University and Cerritos College. He directs the Gospel Choir and the Pop Bands, and he has also lectured in Voice, Theory and Musicianship, Arranging, Songwriting, Vocal Genres, Entrepreneurship and Marketing, Popular Piano, and Music Business. His impact extends beyond the classroom, with many of his private students going on to become successful educators, full-time musicians, and even contestants on high-profile shows like *The Voice*, *America's Got Talent*, and *The Four*. Throughout his career, Jamond has collaborated with both major and indie labels, big bands, funk groups, international choirs, and small vocal ensembles, allowing him to hone his ability to navigate diverse musical landscapes. His deep understanding of various genres, coupled with his extensive musical ear, drives his passion for music, whether in the studio, on stage, or in the classroom. Having performed in films and toured across multiple continents, Jamond's unwavering commitment to excellence shines through in everything he does. Above all, his greatest passion lies in teaching—guiding others to reach their full potential while striving to be as versatile and impactful as possible in every aspect of their craft.
Dr. Marshall Hawkins was fortunate to know from an early age that he was meant to be a musician. Born in 1939 in the now "infamous" Anacostia district in Washington, D.C., Marshall's home was always full of music. His mother had a love of the classics, and Bach, Verde, and Puccini were his early companions, along with Nat Cole, Charlie Parker, and Jimmy Lunceford. In 1964, Marshall decided to pick up the bass – and the rest is history. His first professional performance was with Betty Gray, the great Blues singer and pianist. In his mid-20s, Shirley Horn, the amazing jazz vocalist, chose Marshall as her bassist – her youngest ever. He played with Shirley for almost five years, and then another life-changing opportunity presented itself. In the late 60s, Marshall joined the Miles Davis quintet (with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Tony Williams) and toured throughout the United States. In 1971, Marshall organized the Marshall Hawkins Quintet and played in the Washington, D.C., area until the late 70s, when another opportunity arose. Eddie Jefferson (the innovator of "vocalese") invited Marshall to come to California to be his bassist. From this gig, Marshall was chosen to tour internationally with saxophonist Richie Cole. In the 90s, Marshall's musical collaborators included Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Pharaoh Sanders, the Manhattan Transfer, and other jazz greats. In 1978, Marshall moved to Idyllwild, California, home of the internationally famous high school for the arts. In 1986, he founded the Jazz program at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, serving as its head until his retirement. The Idyllwild Arts Jazz program has earned top honors at the prestigious Berklee School of Music High School Jazz Festival. In addition to teaching Jazz as an art form, Marshall has mentored hundreds of talented young people whom he still considers to be "his kids." Being aware of the number of talented young people who cannot afford to attend a private high school for the arts, Marshall saw the need to raise scholarship funds for deserving young musicians. In 1994, Marshall co-founded the enormously successful Jazz in the Pines Festival and served as its Music Director for over 20 years. Marshall is deeply committed to teaching and exposing school children to the uniquely American art form of Jazz. In 2002, he organized the Seahawk Modern Jazz Orchestra (MOJO) and brings unforgettable Jazz and educational programs to elementary and secondary schools. This orchestra also gives Marshall's former students an opportunity to play with a fantastic group of musicians and guest artists.