Julian Lee is a 15-year-old vibraphonist and a rising 10th grader at the Shipley School. Passionate about jazz, Julian is an active member of several prestigious ensembles, including the Helen K. Schwartz Advanced Study Ensemble at Settlement Music School, the Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra, and the Mosaic Jazz Collective. Julian also plays in the Shipley School’s Jazz Band and Honors Jazz Combo, as well as in a traditional Korean Drums Ensemble.
Julian's dedication to music has earned him recognition at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Germantown Jazz Festival, and the Kennett Jazz and Funk Fest. He was awarded PMEA Best Soloist, the Shipley Arts Award, and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for his achievements and community contributions.
Beyond music, Julian enjoys filmmaking, traveling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
10 Questions with Julian Lee:
1. What first drew you to the vibraphone, and how did you start playing jazz?
I started jazz in the fifth-grade school jazz band. When I was 11, my mom was looking online for a jazz show but somehow found a summer vibraphone workshop in Philly. I met my mentor, Tony Miceli, there as well as the vibraphone. I didn’t even know what a vibraphone was! But I was drawn to it immediately. I started taking vibraphone lessons at age 13.
2. What do you enjoy most about playing in a jazz ensemble?
I love the freedom and creativity in jazz and improvisation. I enjoy interacting and collaborating with musicians in an ensemble, which can’t be replicated by backing tracks, unlike solo practice.
3. What is the most interesting thing about the vibraphone?
The vibraphone is a percussive instrument with a melodic sound. It combines elements of drums and piano, both of which I play. You can play as a horn or a pianistic instrument, which is only similar to a few instruments, like the guitar.
4. How do you balance your schoolwork with your music commitments?
I set certain days to get ahead on homework, so I don’t stay up until 2 a.m. after music rehearsals or shows.
5. How do you prepare for a performance?
I listen to a set list of the songs. I especially take the time to learn the melody of unfamiliar songs and practice until I can play as confidently on those songs as the ones I know well.
6. What’s your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a great vibe, and it’s rich in music history. There are great musicians playing live music every night in Philly.
7. Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your style?
At the moment, John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock have impacted the way I approach harmony in my playing. Also, Bobby Hutcherson, Gary Burton, Steve Nelson, and Tony Miceli have influenced the way I approach the vibraphone as an instrument.
8. How do your hobbies inspire your creativity as a musician?
I am learning to cook for my family and friends. In both cooking and music, you can put your own creative spin, but still need to follow a certain amount of rules to make it work. This reminds me to stay grounded but also be creative in my jazz playing.
9. Looking ahead, what are your goals for your music and your other interests in the next few years?
I would love to record an album. I would also like to try out for ensembles that I was not old enough to do last year.
10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out learning an instrument?
Have fun with it!
Julian's Recommended Playlist:
