Graduating this spring from Denver School of the Arts, Wes played in the school’s jazz band, wind ensemble (which won a Down Beat Student Music Award), concert band and mariachi band, as well as singing in the school’s vocal jazz ensemble.  He credits his former band directors Dave Hammond and Martin Martinez as being “huge inspirations” that have helped him bring his focus to his music.  He plays the tuba and loves to sing and has been a member of a city-wide choir as well as the Colorado All State Jazz Choir for 2 years.  In addition, he has his own band and plays in a number of jam sessions that take place in Denver.  When asked to name his three favorite trumpeters he cites Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, but indicates there is a three-way tie for third place - Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie.  He credits transcribing recorded music with helping him grow as a player.  Wes will attend Community College of Denver in the fall.