About
JP Wogaman II (b. 1994) is an American composer, producer, and musician who is most known for his arrangement of Strauss Waltzes for The Washington Ballet. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, his portfolio of achievements includes working with esteemed choreographers such as Trey McIntyre, Mimmo Miccolis, and Katherine Barkman. JP’s primary musical influences are pop, rock, and orchestral. Subsequently, his music can be described as fun, fearless, and unforgiving. He recently completed his first feature film score and continues to compose a wide range of music for ensembles and productions in Washington, D.C. and New York City.
Quick Life Story
I was born at the Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington D.C. to the world’s best mom, Karen Sweet. I am so fortunate to have wonderful and supportive parents in my life. I was given every opportunity to play sports (little league baseball and community league basketball), video games galore; you name it. I was even able to drive a family car the minute I turned sixteen. By most global standards, I had an unbelievably easy and privileged upbringing.
My musical journey began in fifth grade where I unsuccessfully tried to form a rock band with my friends. Fortunately for me and my frustrated ambitions, the band director came around to all the classrooms one day, handed me a trumpet mouthpiece, and asked me to buzz. That was that! By middle school I was taking private trumpet lessons and easily became obsessed with band music. In high school I was, no surprise, in marching band and by tenth grade I knew I wanted to be a professional musician. I actively participated in every youth orchestra in the area that I could get into; I placed at the top of the district, regional, and state bands. I was accepted into the Honor Band of America with the opportunity to perform in Indianapolis, IN. A year after that, I headed off to Ann Arbor, MI with the dream of becoming an orchestral trumpet player. Five years later, in August of 2018, I received a Bachelor of Music degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Forever and always, GO BLUE!
My obsession with composing began with the film scores of John Williams because we played an arrangement of Raider’s March in middle school band. My palette expanded exponentially after I joined several youth orchestras and I began receiving inspiration from Beethoven and Stravinsky. I enthusiastically joined the composition department at Michigan during my third year, where my passion for composing and producing new music surpassed my love of the trumpet. After graduation, I spent a year back home in McLean, VA. While it was a difficult transition into the real world, I am so grateful to have access to such an inexhaustible support system. I am now married and live in Centreville, VA with my fabulously incredible wife, Lin.
Much Love,
JP
Press and Testimonials
MET.AMOR.PHOSY (2019)
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"Let the magic begin. The MET.AMOR.PHOSY ballet puts the triumph of music, bodies, and soul into motion, leaving everyone in ecstasy." - Luca Passani for La Voce di New York.
Two Strauss Waltzes (2019)
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"A wonderful addition to the chamber music canon. Thank you, JP Wogaman II." - Glenn Sales, Music Supervisor of the Washington Ballet
Full List of Works
Click on a work to listen and view more information. Click on a category (i.e. "Year") to sort.
Videos