Gina Payne – Violinist / Vocalist

The daughter of late educators Wendell O. and Bessie J. Jordan of Hampton, Va., GINA J. PAYNE completed her undergraduate studies in Public School Music at Norfolk State University under the instruction of former Concert Master for the Virginia Symphony violinist Dr. Peter Zaret. Gina is also an alumnus of the Graduate College of Hampton University. She holds a B.A. degree in Public School music and a M.A. degree in Community Agency Counseling. Gina holds dual State of Virginia endorsements for Public School Counseling and Public School Music. She is the mother of one son Clarence Jordan Payne. Gina began playing violin in the Hampton Public Schools under the instruction of the late Margret “Ma” Davis along with Ms. Dianne Chapman.

Gina has performed with various groups in the Tidewater area such as Forte Jazz Band, the “Church Band,” Ty Marquis Smith and “Pure Chemistry” bands of Hampton Roads. She has also performed as a solo artist at many venues in the Hampton Roads Area as well as Norfolk and Richmond Jazz Festivals. Gina has also performed at the Blues Alley in Washington D.C. She has an upcoming CD entitled “High Strung” produced by Martin Blockson.

Gina last perfromed in the Women in Jazz production – ‘Tr3ple Threat in Concert’ featuring Gina Payne,  Yo Jonesy, Theresa Grayson on December 11, 2022 at the Sterling Event Center in Austin. TX.  The referenced live steam concert is available for viewing on YouTube.com. This is the promo leading into the show. https://youtu.be/miSKoGFeu98

This project was supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department and a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts.