Jalen Terry is a trumpeter and composer from Auburn Washington, currently in pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Trumpet Performance at the University of Idaho. Terry has performed in and composed multiple pieces for the University of Idaho Jazz Band I, such as Khopesh; a thrilling modal swing chart centered around Terry’s fascination with Egyptian history, and Jump Creek; a hip-hop inspired chart that highlights minimalistic baselines and funk-oriented melodies.
While honing his craft of trumpet performance and composition at the University of Idaho, Terry has co-founded the contemporary big band, the Palouse Jazz Society with Thomas Wieland. Terry has composed for, and performed with the band, as well as recorded an album with the band in Washington State University's recording studio, featuring 2 of his original compositions.
From 2019 to 2023, Jalen Terry has performed alongside Steve Tressler, Pat and Amy Shook, and Marshall Gilkes at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festivals. Terry has been featured on the University of Oregon All-Stars Jazz Band alongside Terrell Stafford in January of 2018, the University Idaho Jazz Bands I and II from August 2018 to present, and was the sole trumpeter for the Idaho Shakespeare Festival Production of Aint’ Misbehavin’ in July of 2022. Terry has also recorded with Pumice Pocket on their album When The Dam Breaks, released in February of 2023, and with his Palouse Jazz Society big band in May 2024, with an album release approaching.
Jalen Terry started playing trumpet in 2011, and by 2012 he was playing with the Johnny Lewis Big Band in Olympia, Washington. He has studied under alto saxophonist Johnny Lewis, trumpeter Josh Deutsch in Eugene, Oregon, trumpeter Bobby Medina in Auburn, Washington, and trumpeters Vern Sielert and Sean Butterfield at the University of Idaho.
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