(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) – A saxophone sat in the front corner of  Vernon Percy “VP” Howard III’s living room, catching the rays of the autumn sun setting as shadows danced across his walls.
Papers lined his counters with lyrics he had yet to complete, scribbled up with asterisks, doodles and lines he had either crossed out or erased to make room for better phrases.
VP sat in a recliner across the room, his laptop on his lap, headphones in his ears and his feet propped up the coffee table he had a concentration that could not be broken.
VP is a junior digital media production major and traces his love for music to his time growing up in St. Mark Union Church in Kansas City, Mo., where his dad was the pastor and his mom was a Sunday school teacher. Self-taught, VP began playing the piano at the age of 3 and began singing in the choir by the age of 5.
He said playing music for the church members was a platform that soon became an opportunity to experiment with different instruments and vocal styles.
“The church gave VP a safe platform to share his art, and it allowed me to brag on my son without having to do so verbally,” said Vernon Percy Howard II.
Into his adolescent years, his father said he saw the potential in his son’s musical capabilities and took him shopping for his first instrument.
“I remember reaching for the cymbals,” VP said. “I was fascinated by their simplicity and the sounds they were able to create by smashing together two items.”
He said his father did not approve, saying he was going to play a real instrument and pointed him to the saxophones. VP said he didn’t consider himself an artist at the time, but he acknowledged the power of music because of the emotion it evokes in people.
For years VP, would play under the direction of his father and the choir. VP said he wanted to explore other genres besides Christian varieties. He said he would secretly play the tunes of Kenny G while his parents were away.
VP said he always did as he was told and learned the music by the books. He said experimenting became a distant thought as his father wanted him to take his art seriously.
Starting college at the University of Central Missouri in the fall of 2016, he said his goal was to find a new platform in which he could share his music while pursuing a degree in the arts.
“The professors at UCM genuinely want me to do well in school and with my music career,” VP said. “Professor Stephen Price, gave me a tour of the digital media labs and introduced me to the program when I had my visit at UCM. He was also one of the first professors who took a serious interest in VP the student as well as VP the artist.”
Since enrolling at the University of Central Missouri, VP has worked to master his craft. Early this year, VP3 busked at local bars, networked with musicians in the area, scored some gigs throughout mid-Missouri, has been featured in local media, and increased his online presence by starting a YouTube channel and Facebook page devoted to his music.
“I have collaborated with VP on a couple of tracks now and every experience he is able to bring a different melody to play,” said Isaac Barkley, sophomore music technology major.
Audiences are captivated by his dynamic saxophone styles, harmonized with his vocals. VP is continually fueled by feedback, often filling his school textbooks with notes of areas to improve in.
“VP is always striving to perfect his craft with the sole idea that he is his biggest competition in mind,” Barkley said.
After graduating in May 2019, VP said he wants to become an artist and producer so he can find hidden talent throughout the country.
“Music is one of the most powerful languages on the planet,” VP said. “You don’t need words for it to make an impact. When I am playing my saxophone, I often close my eyes and feel the beat. If I can make just one person feel the beat as well, then I know I am doing my job. I hope that I can inspire hundreds through the power of music.”