Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Vilpin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
At nine years old, my parents got me into playing trumpet at a Haitian church. I performed for anniversaries, church events, parades, and funerals. I bounced around schools all through childhood but maintained music throughout my matriculation. I was blessed with a Miami Heat/Carnival scholarship my senior year and paired it with a band scholarship and took my talents to Tallahassee, Fl.
In college, I got the opportunities to travel around the east coast by participating in the Marching 100 and various performing groups on campus. In 2015, I was blessed again to perform in Carnegie Hall with the FAMU Wind Symphony, as well as a feature as a rapper in the Florida Classic Battle of the Bands.
I released my first musical project “Vacation” online upon graduating college. A month later, one of the songs caught traction and got a couple hundred thousand listens! After getting a brief part-time teaching gig I got the call to go on the 2017 national tour with Drumline Live!, a traveling production based on the Nick Cannon hit movie: Drumline (2003). We also did summer residency at Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, as well as a Holiday Tour last winter. Throughout that entire time, I saved up and got a mobile studio to record music in every hotel we stayed in. I was performing on a cruise ship in Vancouver, B.C. with the BB Kings All-Star Band and was offered one of my dream jobs to become a band director back home.
Since I have been back in Miami teaching, gigging, and producing music. My magnet marching band program has grown from 24 to 70 students in two years and the experience has been immeasurable! I also still get to play my trumpet at Miami HEAT games regularly, and I serve as assistant musical director for the Miami Heat Street Band, led by Miami Natives Michael Randle and Travis Quinn.
Has it been a smooth road?
Everyone has obstacles and challenges, everything from professional to personal.
Most recently, I started my band program virtually with no money and a small inventory of working instruments. It’s still a work in progress but we’ve had donors step up and bring in instruments as well as crowdfunded to get more in the band room.
Before then, I had social obstacles of living by myself as a nomad on a boat in the middle of the sea. I also had to learn fiscal responsibility while traveling, and understand the entails of contract work. Not to mention performance anxiety, staying on top of health and eating habits and logistical challenges that we went through on tour—including snowstorms.
And personally growing up, my parents went through episodes of unemployment because of sickness in a home of four children while also taking financial responsibilities for immediate family in Haiti.
We’d love to hear more about your artwork.
I am an artist. Some call me a renaissance man. I specialize in creating positive waves through my works.
Primarily I am a Musician, I play trumpet, and I teach Band—emphasis on Marching Band. The Mighty Marching Rams at Charles R. Drew K8 bring an energy that is incomparable and is guaranteed to show out at every venue, parade or event!
I do wear different hats, I am also a record producer and recording artist, under the name JAY VILPIN. I have released half a dozen solo projects and I also make beats for rising local artists. I co-operate a label: The Good Stuff Entertainment, founded in college with fellow Miamian artist-trumpeter Dishon Carey. We create industry quality urban music & content that is good for the culture and for the soul.
I also am a curator and founder of the YouTube platform FLORIDAMUSICONLY with over 1,100 subscribers. I provide local Hip Hop talent from Florida vast online exposure via submission
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
God. My Family. My small circle of real friends. The people that took leaps and did not know me. My followers and fans who consistently encourage me.
My dad, Rev. Jean Vilpin Sr is an inspiration, a role model a pillar. I can go on and on.
My mentors Michael McCullough and Ancel Pratt from the Miami Heat gave me an unparalleled experience as a teen, they helped guide me through troubled times, saw the potential and invested time in my personal growth.
As well as a few teachers like my former band directors, Miami natives Dr. Shelby Chipman, and Joshua Figueroa.
My artist friends especially from TGSE who consistently challenge me, bring good vibes and insight.
Contact Info:
- Email: For Inquiries and Donations to the Charles R. Drew K8 Band Magnet, Email JVilpin@Dadeschools.net
- Instagram: @JayGotBars_, @TheGoodStuffEnt, @DrumlineLive_Entertainment , @MiamiStreetBand, @CharlesDrewMagnet
- Other: YouTube: Jay Vilpin
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
