Bio - Ragsdale Music

Jessica Ragsdale is a versatile drummer that performs throughout the world in various genres. In addition to her own jazz groups, she can be seen performing with her electronic band LJ Laboratory, with the Fresh Rhythm Big Band, the martelle jazz orchestra, or Mostly Kosher (seasonal at Disney). She graduated from California State University of Fullerton with a Bachelors of Music in Jazz and Commercial Music. As a jazz drummer, she has had the great privilege of studying closely with world class jazz musicians such as Jeff Hamilton (Oscar Peterson, Natalie Cole, Ella Fitzgerald), Bill Cunliffe (Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra), and Paul Kriebich (Ray Charles). She has had the opportunity to perform and record with many notable jazz/commercial musicians including John Clayton, Bob Mintzer, Wayne Bergeron, Gary Foster, Fransisco Torres and Freda Payne.
Jessica has also had the pleasure of studying with exceptional orchestral/symphonic percussionists including Todd Miller (Los Angeles Philharmonic) and Ken McGrath (Hollywood Bowl Orchestra). She also enjoys performing with orchestral groups such as The West Coast Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Kevin Mayse, and The Hollywood Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Steve Charpie.
While in college, she received numerous Outstanding Musicianship awards from several notable jazz festivals including the Reno Jazz Festival, RCC Jazz Festival, and the Western States Jazz Festival. As an educator, Jessica enjoys holding masterclasses at schools and jazz festivals all over Southern California. She is also a proud jazz instructor at Eleanor Roosevelt High School.