Sam Vaughn

Norman, Oklahoma - Local saxophone player Sam Vaughn, age 20, has won the Collegiate Jazz Player of the Year award from the Oklahoma Jazz Educators Association. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in jazz performance and is presented annually to one exceptional student musician in the state.

Vaughn, a junior at Oklahoma Christian University, plays lead tenor in their #1 Jazz band and also plays lead alto for the University of Central Oklahoma’s #1 jazz band, which is recognized as one of the top college jazz bands in the country. The judges praised Vaughn's technical proficiency, musicality, and his ability to communicate emotion through his playing.

"Receiving this award is an incredible honor," said Vaughn. "Jazz has been a passion of mine since I first picked up the saxophone, and to be recognized for my work is a dream come true. I am grateful for the mentorship of my father, musical legends of the area, and my friends and peers who have helped me become the musician I am today."

Vaughn began his musical journey on clarinet in 5th grade at Community Christian School in Norman, Oklahoma, where he attended grades K-12. He picked up the saxophone two years later and has been playing professionally in the Oklahoma music scene since high school, in both the classical and jazz traditions. Vaughn is now an accomplished performer and educator in the OKC area and intends to continue pursuing his career in music in every direction that God leads him.

The Oklahoma Jazz Educators Association formally presented the award to Vaughn at their annual conference in 2023. Congratulations to Sam Vaughn on this well-deserved recognition of his talent and dedication to the art of jazz music. -