JAZZ STANDARD YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Jonathan Batiste works with Jazz Generation!
Award winning artist Jon Batiste stopped by for a masterclass with our students in the JSYO
Our Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra program provides young talented jazz musicians with a stage and audience where they can hone their craft in performing at a very early stage of their development. They put together their own show as they choose repertoire, and line up soloists and guest artists all under the watchful eye and supervision of today’s most prominent jazz musicians. Take a look at some of our alumni testimonials below!
TESTIMONIALS
"The knowledge, experience and lasting relationships that I made while both being a member and working for the JSYO are immeasurable. In today’s society - especially now during the pandemic - its easy to forget about the performance aspect of being a jazz musician. Luckily that was something we didn’t have to worry about, as we were given the opportunity to perform every Sunday afternoon starting at a very young age. I am eternally grateful for everything I learned during my my time there, but that alone really helped to instill a sort of confidence, comfortability and respect for the music that I plan to spend the rest of my life performing in front of live audiences. In these trying times this is a program that wholeheartedly deserves the support it needs to continue enriching the lives of young musicians, composers and arrangers!"
Davis Whitfield - Pianist/Composer/Arranger
“I was beyond fortunate to be a part of the JSYO for three straight years, and I can easily say that I would not be the musician I am today if it weren’t for my time in that group. It just comes down to real-world preparation and experience and the JSYO gave that to all of us in so many ways. The other component was one of personal growth: being around so many players who were at that time better than me really inspired me to dig deep and actually push myself hard to get better. This is the type of group you want to be a part of.”
Jonathan Saraga - Trumpet/Composer/Arranger
"Participating in the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra as a teenager every Sunday was life-changing. It was like going to church or temple every week. As a young musician, the opportunity to play regularly and learn new material with a serious group of peers helped solidify my foundation for becoming a professional. “
Evan Sherman - Drummer/Arranger/Composer/Bandleader