Vernon James - Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet

Vernon James is a professional saxophonist born and raised in New Castle, Delaware. He is an alumnus of Cab Calloway School of the Arts, where he majored in music and participated in marching band. Vernon continued on his musical path after being accepted to Berklee College of Music, where he received his Bachelors in, “Performance.”

Only a few years into his professional career, Vernon has made tremendous strides as a musician. In 2015, he composed a jingle for, Under Armour featuring the late great, Muhammad Ali. Vernon has had the opportunity to work with Freda Payne, Ernie Watts, Greg Osby, and Maria Schneider, amongst others. In 2017, Vernon had the opportunity to tour both nationally and internationally with DeRobert & the Half-Truths as a Baritone Saxophonist. Some of his most notable performances include The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival (Wilmington, DE), St Paul Soul Jazz Festival (France), and The Pontevedra International Jazz Festival (Spain). His most recent performance included a role as a tenor sax player in the musical, “Ella”, with the Delaware Theatre Company.

Now residing in Philadelphia, Vernon continues on his musical journey as he participates in regional jam sessions, recording sessions, auditions, and just about any gig in order to stay on top of his craft. He found that teaching provided another outlet for not only fulfilling his need to keep sharp but, also providing him the opportunity to help mold the next generation of musicians.