Lexi Hamner

Lexi Hamner, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and versatile producer, hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she began her music studies at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Lexi, also known as Lexicocoa, has 16 years of experience playing soulful trombone and has been singing since the age 4. She has written and composed music since the age of 12. Her musical abilities led her to study with the likes of Peter Norton, former trombonist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the illustrious director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis. Throughout her middle/high school career, Lexi performed and competed nationally/ internationally at the ‘Verona International Choral Competition 2014’ in Italy, ’Festival Disney 2015’, and the ‘Disney Music in the Parks2016’. She has also participated in masterclasses with Branford Marsalis, Chick Corea, Evelyn Glennie, Todd Stoll, and Steve Turre, among other established artist. During the summer, Lexi participated in the ‘Summer Jazz Academy’ (2014-2016) curated by Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center.Lexi graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music as a Presidential Scholar and Sarah Vaughn scholarship recipient with a B.A. in Songwriting. During her studies at Berklee, she was instructed by Tia Fuller, the world-renowned jazz saxophonist & composer, who taught her to step outside of her comfort zone & stand in her own power. One of Lexi's most significant experiences was stepping into the world of flamenco during her sophomore year in Berklee's study abroad program in Valencia, Spain. Since graduating, Lexi was chosen as one of the inaugural Next Jazz Legacy awardees of 2022 with New Music USA, where she was mentored by Terri Lynne Carrington, Bobby McFerrin, and Tia Fuller. As part of the grant program, Lexi was given the opportunity to participate in Tia Fuller’s 2022/2023 "Intersections" Tour.Her most notable work has been with Montreux Jazz Festival jam session in Miami w/ Jon Baptiste, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Black , Brown, & Beige" mentorship program, the “Future of Jazz” Orchestra, and the “Essentially Ellington” Competition, Soul Train Awards, etc. When Lexi is home in Cincinnati, she holds the 2nd chair trombonist position in the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra, which she has participated in since 2021. She also teaches as an adjunct educator in conjunction with Cincinnati Public Schools for ‘Black Music of America’ which is a educational program for 4th-6th graders. Lexi also instructs jazz trombone at the ‘Cincinnati Jazz Academy’. Lexi now tours with Janelle Monae as the lead trombonist. In the fall of 2023, Lexi played in Janelle’s National U.S. Tour, “The Age of Pleasure,” and also for COLDPLAY’s “Music of the Spheres” 2024 World Tour.Starting this fall semester Lexi will study at Michigan State University for her Masters Degree in Jazz Studies under the guidance of Michael Dease & Rodney Whitaker. She has been awarded Michigan State University’s Distinguished Fellowship which will provide a tuition-waiver and a 2-year financial aid package as part of the Graduate Assistantship. As Lexicocoa continues to grow in her artistry, she hopes to be so genuine that she inspires people to explore beyond the mundane traditions of music through her sound.