For Viewpoint student Jasper Hughes ’27, years of dedication to music recently culminated in his selection for one of California’s top student jazz ensembles.

“The story my mom likes to tell is that she first realized I was rhythmic when she gave me a couple of straws to play with and I was banging on my stroller to the music,” Hughes said.

Hughes was selected to perform with the California All-State Jazz Ensemble, an elite honor group that brings together top student musicians from across the state through a highly competitive audition process. The ensemble rehearsed and performed January 15-17 as part of the California All-State Music Education Conference.

“All-State is such a long shot for jazz,” Hughes said. “There are only three drummers in one jazz band.”

Hughes, who began formal drum lessons at age 4, deepened his focus on jazz during the pandemic, studying with professional drummer Bernie Dresel beginning in late 2020, a mentorship he credits with preparing him for opportunities like All-State during his high school years.

Preparing for All-State required months of focused practice, from refining technique to learning complex jazz and Afro-Cuban styles. Hughes said much of his preparation centered on listening, repetition, and understanding the language of the music before stepping into rehearsal.

“Four bars into the first rehearsal, I thought, ‘These are the best players I’ve ever played with,’” Hughes said. “It sounded just like the recordings I practiced to.”

In addition to All-State, Hughes was also accepted into the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Symphonic Band, another selective honor ensemble. The group will rehearse January 30 and 31 before performing February 1.

“The music is completely different,” Hughes said. “It’s much more serious and much more structured, and it’s pushing me in areas where I’m less experienced, which is what makes it valuable.”

Music has remained a constant throughout Hughes’ life, shaping both his growth as a musician and the way he approaches new challenges. For younger musicians hoping to follow a similar path, Hughes emphasized the importance of committing fully to the process.

“You have to fall in love with practicing,” he said. “If you want to do this, you can’t go halfway. You have to go all in.”