Jaimeo Brown, 23 graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Performance and Composition from William Paterson University May 15, 2001. The son of Dartanyan Brown and Marcia Miget of Marin County, Ca., Mr. Brown, a percussionist and composer in WPU's world renown school of Jazz Studies was recognized for his artistry and his academic excellence at ceremonies held this week at the , Wayne New Jersey campus. Under the tutelage of artist/professors like Harold Mabern, Rufus Reid, James Williams and David Dempsey Jaimeo has begun honing his craft in the New York City Jazz scene. "Jaimeo is a very strong-minded individual" says Mabern, himself a legend in the lineage of Jazz pianists. "He thinks for himself and has the work ethic to match his talent. He doesn't just accept everything you say, he has to test it and that makes him a formidable player." says Mabern. Bobby Hutcherson, hired Jaimeo to play a San Francisco concert recently and he remarked on the maturity that Jaimeo displayed. "He is a strong player but he allows me to play everything I want without inhibiting either of us." With the ink barely dry on his diploma, Jaimeo will be appearing with the legendary baritone saxophone player, Ronnie Cuber. One of the finest improvisors on any instrument, Cuber, currently featured with the Charles Mingus Big Band, has recorded with George Benson and countless other bebop veterans. In addition to supporting Cuber's efforts, Jaimeo will also be in the drum chair at the Blue Note, New York City's oldest Jazz club as house drummer for weekend sessions. In addition to his professional endeavors, Jaimeo is taking time to nurture his local community by teaching free music lessons to children from underprivileged circumstances in Paterson N.J. Using resources provided through a partnership between the city of Paterson and Interfaith Performing Arts Center of Patterson, Jaimeo is providing kids ages 6-11 with a the gift of music and creativity. Jaimeo begain his collegiate studies in northern California with Mel Greaves at Sonoma State University in 1996 transferring in 1998 to the NYC area and enrollment at William Paterson. He maintained a grade average of 3.8+ during his entire collegiate career. In addition to Jazz-related music, Jaimeo is devoted to music of the spirit and to producing music with his family members including his parents and sister Marisha.