Encounter Dalton Mumphrey, the individual in question
In the vibrant and creative community of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), one name is making waves in the world of jazz - Dalton Mumphrey. The junior at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, majoring in Global Jazz, is a multi-talented musician with a passion for composition and performance.
Born and raised in Carson, neighbouring Compton, CA, Mumphrey's musical journey began unexpectedly when he picked up the flute after a middle school band runout, surprising his parents. His father, a fan of R&B, soul, and hip hop from the 1970s and 80s, introduced him to a diverse range of music, but it wasn't until a concert at Disney Hall featuring Terence Blanchard, a five-time Grammy Award-winner, that Mumphrey truly discovered his love for jazz.
Mumphrey's passion for music composition took flight at UCLA, initially introduced to the essentials in Blanchard and O'Farrill's classes. Arturo O'Farrill, a Grammy Award-winning jazz icon, has since become one of Mumphrey's most influential mentors, guiding him in his composition journey.
In 2021-22, Mumphrey was honoured to be a Gluck Fellow, a prestigious programme that offers advanced training, networking opportunities, and professional development within UCLA's music and arts community. This experience proved invaluable, with Mumphrey's first performance of his own composition taking place with the Gluck Jazz Ensemble at UCLA.
Mumphrey's time at UCLA is not just spent in the halls of academia. He spends his days immersed in coursework, playing in ensembles, and taking saxophone lessons. He added jazz saxophone when he enrolled at Vista Murrieta High School and later established a jazz ensemble (Earth Foundation) and another ensemble (Continuance) at UCLA.
Mumphrey's ensembles have been making a name for themselves, with Earth Foundation performing for UCLA First Thursdays and being invited back to perform two more times. Continuance has also scored local gigs, including a Fowler Out Loud concert in October. Most notably, Mumphrey and his ensembles are currently recording their own compositions in the Evelyn & Mo Ostin Recording Studio at UCLA.
Looking ahead, Mumphrey's goal is to start getting regular gigs outside of Westwood in 2023. With his insatiable curiosity and desire for challenges, there's no telling what heights this talented musician will reach.
The Gluck Fellows Program, which provides funding for UCLA student ensembles to offer public educational concerts, aims to inspire future musicians like Mumphrey. Through his music, Mumphrey is certainly inspiring a new generation of jazz enthusiasts and composers.
Mumphrey's educational journey at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is not solely focused on academic learning. He also seeks to expand his knowledge in music composition within the prestigious Gluck Fellows Program, drawing inspiration from renowned jazz influencers such as Terence Blanchard and Arturo O'Farrill. Outside the classroom, Mumphrey utilizes entertainment platforms like performances with his ensembles Earth Foundation and Continuance to teach and inspire a new generation of jazz enthusiasts and composers.
