2025 JAS Academy Dates:
June 16th, 2025 – June 30th, 2025 – Big Band Session
July 28th, 2025 – August 11th, 2025 – Afro-Caribbean Big Band Session
The highly-acclaimed JAS Academy Big Band Sessions, led by JAS Academy Artistic Director Christian McBride will now overlap the JAS June Experience, allowing attendees the opportunity to perform during the annual Aspen event and to have exposure to the many artists who will perform over the weekend.
The second sessions will be led by Guggenheim Fellowship Recipient, Etienne Charles, with a focus on “non-swing” styles of music – including Latin, music of South and Central America, Africa, and the Caribbean.
McBride and Charles will work in tandem with Frost Dean Shelly Berg, JAS President & CEO Jim Horowitz, and Program Director Chuck Bergeron, who will work on both sessions. Attendees will participate in both combo and big band settings during their residency.
The goal of the JAS Academy is to identify and assist the most talented artists embracing jazz fundamentally while exploring myriad related & unrelated forms of music at the highest level of quality. While at the Academy, in addition to their studies and rehearsals, students will also be showcased at multiple public performances.
The Academy is full-scholarship, with all travel, lodging, tuition and meals provided. The JAS Academy is supported annually by a multi-year gift from Sasha & Ed Bass.
Anthony Casolari
Anthony is a Tamarac, Florida native who moved to Denton, Texas to start school at UNT in the fall of 2019. He graduated with a BM in jazz studies from UNT in Spring 2023, and his master’s degree in jazz studies in Spring 2025. During his master’s he worked as a Teaching Fellow where he taught applied jazz bass lessons, coached small jazz groups, assisted in teaching jazz history, and assisted with teaching jazz bass performance fundamentals. He is the former Bassist in the 7 time Grammy nominated One O’clock Lab band. He recorded electric bass and double bass on “Lab 2024”. As a member of the One O’clock and Two O’clock lab bands and through the UNT jazz lecture series program, Anthony had the honor of performing with the likes of: Helen Sung, Steve Davis, Billy Childs, Nicole Zuraitis, Leon Anderson, Delfeayo Marsalis, Zach Brock, Camille Thurman, Miki Yamanaka, Darmon Meader, and more.
He studied with Lynn Seaton for most of his undergraduate degree and all of his Master’s. He also studied classical bass performance with Gudrun Raschen during all 4 years of his undergraduate degree. In addition to being the bassist in several of the lab bands throughout both of his degrees at UNT, he also played section bass in the university concert orchestra and bass in the Latin Jazz Lab, and was the bassist in several of the jazz small groups. Casolari currently works as a freelance bassist in the DFW area, teaches private lessons, and coleads a wide variety of different musical projects. Before attending UNT, Anthony freelanced throughout the state of Florida, taught private lessons, and took lessons from bassist Rodney Jordan.
Vito Haydar Çakaroğlu
Vito Haydar Çakaroğlu is a trombonist, composer, educator, and multi-instrumentalist based in New York City. A native of Brooklyn and later Staten Island, Vito was immersed from an early age in a rich tapestry of musical traditions and cultural influences. He initially pursued classical tuba, which laid the foundation for his deep musical engagement and versatility.
During his formative years, Vito participated in a wide array of ensembles, most notably the Fat Afro Latin Jazz Alliance in Manhattan, under the direction of the renowned Arturo O’Farrill. Through this ensemble, he had the opportunity to perform at various prominent NYC venues alongside celebrated artists such as Jim Neely, Earl McIntyre, and O’Farrill himself. Vito was also a two-time New York All-State selection on tuba at the NYSSMA Conference, an achievement that fueled his passion for mastering multiple instruments and musical genres.
Vito pursued his undergraduate studies in Classical Tuba Performance at Montclair State University, where he later expanded his focus to include Jazz Trombone under the guidance of Mike Boschen. At Montclair, he performed on trombone, bass trombone, and tuba, and toured internationally with the MSU Balkan Ensemble and Wind Symphony. He also performed with distinguished artists including David Bixler, Marcus Printup, and New York Voices, through the MSU Jazz Ensemble led by Jeffery Kunkel and Oscar Perez.
In 2024, Vito began his graduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music, where he currently studies with acclaimed trombonist and composer Ryan Keberle. In addition to his academic pursuits, Vito is an active performer in a variety of musical settings, including big bands, small jazz ensembles, salsa groups, and funk bands. He is also a dedicated educator, teaching at Jazz House Kids, the College of Staten Island, and through his own private studio.
Vito continues to compose and perform throughout the city, driven by a passion for musical expression, collaboration, and the transformative power of music.
Hannah Goodwin
Hannah Goodwin is a versatile vocalist, pianist, songwriter, arranger, and educator whose artistry blends tradition with innovation. Rooted in jazz and R&B, her dynamic performances create immersive musical experiences that captivate audiences.
A sought-after live and studio artist, Hannah has worked with acclaimed musicians such as Säje, Laila Biali, Dawn Clement, and Nicole Zuraitis. Her journey began in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, leading her to the School for Music Vocations, where she studied under Grammy-nominated Dr. Jeremy Fox. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Voice at the University of North Texas, studying with the esteemed Rosana Eckert and Jennifer Barnes.
As a key member of UNT’s jazz program, Hannah has performed with the award-winning UNT Jazz Singers and serves as the lead vocalist for the Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band. Her original compositions and arrangements have been featured by top-tier ensembles, and her dedication has earned her multiple DownBeat awards, including Vocal Jazz Soloist in the Undergraduate Division.
Izzi Guzman
Izzi Guzman is a Miami-based trombonist, composer, and educator passionate about telling stories through music and inspiring the next generation of musicians. A versatile performer, she has collaborated with jazz icons like John Daversa, Jazzmeia Horn, and Brian Lynch and performed at the 2025 South Beach Jazz Festival. Her compositions and arrangements weave together personal stories and a love for diverse genres, creating a distinctive, multi-dimensional sound. She is currently pursuing her M.M. in Jazz Pedagogy at the University of Miami and performs with the Frost Jazz Orchestra. Outside of performing, Izzi is a photographer, social media manager, and an Outreach Teaching Assistant with the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program.
Ben Hall
Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Ben Hall is a guitarist and composer who now performs regularly across the Northern Colorado area. In addition to playing and recording many styles of music with a wide range of groups, he is also currently pursuing a doctorate degree in jazz guitar at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. On and off the bandstand, Ben’s approach to music focuses on uplifting his fellow musicians and helping to build a stronger community.
Gaston Kaisin
Gaston Kaisin is a multi-faceted jazz trumpeter with an innovative approach. His versatility has enabled him to excel in various musical contexts, from intimate jazz club performances to large-scale festivals and recording sessions. With a fluid and unique improvisational style, Gaston continually explores new possibilities in jazz, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances.
Gaston’s accomplishments include being named a semi-finalist in both the National Trumpet Competition and the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition. He has performed at the Panama Jazz Festival and prominent New York City jazz clubs and has been a part of numerous professional recording sessions. As a band leader and composer, he frequently performs with his own groups, often featuring his original compositions.
As an educator, Gaston is a faculty member of the New York Jazz Academy, where he regularly teaches masterclasses and private lessons. His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom to performances and workshops at the local, national, and international levels. Most recently, he gave a masterclass on blues improvisation at the Panama Jazz Festival. Gaston aims to make jazz accessible to all, and he is passionate about helping young students develop their improvisational skills.
Gaston is a master’s student at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, supported by the Jamey and Sara Aebersold Jazz Fellowship. Upon completing his degree, Gaston plans to launch an online course to help young students improvise, reflecting his belief that jazz is a form of freedom and joy that should be accessible to everyone.
Sebastian Kuchczyński
Sebastian Kuchczyński – drummer, music producer. Graduate of the Jazz Institute at the Academy of Music in Katowice and the Master program at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute at Berklee College of Music in Boston program. Scholarship recipient from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. Currently he is a Fulbright scholar recipient and DMA Jazz Performance student at Frost School of Music in Miami. Founder of the Gravity Jazz Collective and the New York-based label „Pomade Records”. Producer of the concert series „Jazzowa Brodnica”. As a session musician, he has recorded over 50 albums in various genres (jazz, soul, hip-hop, contemporary, pop) for labels like Igloo Records, Challenge Records, Hevhetia, and SJRecords. His debut solo album „Yavia” was released in 2024 which was considered for Grammy Award nomination as “The Best Alternative Jazz Album”. He has collaborated with artists such as Victor Mendoza, George Garzone, Zbigniew Namysłowski, Wojciech Karolak, Michael Patches Stewart, Artur Dutkiewicz, Mino Cinelu, Benjamin Drazen, Lora Szafran. In 2017, he received a full scholarship for the prestigious master’s program at Berklee Global Jazz Institute in Boston, awarded by Grammy-winning artistic director Danilo Perez. Award winner at jazz competitions: Most Talented at Tarnów Jazz Contest 2008, second prize at Jazz Hoeilaard in Belgium 2010, first prize at XXXIV Getxo Jazz in Spain, first prize at Krokus Jazz Festival in 2011 and 2012.
Liam Laird
Saxophonist and composer Liam Laird was born and raised in Carbondale, Colorado. Growing up in the Roaring Fork Valley, he was mentored by local musician Mark Johnson and supported by Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ in-school educational efforts. Laird went on to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston before moving to New York City and completing a master’s in jazz studies at NYU. Currently living in New York City, Laird continues working to share his voice molded by the mountains of Colorado with New York City and beyond.
Natalie Lewis
Natalie Lewis is a baritone saxophonist, arranger, composer, and educator from Plymouth, MI. She received her undergraduate degree in music performance in 2023 from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, under the tutelage of Professor Gary Bartz. Throughout her musical education and career, she has performed at venues internationally and performed alongside a number of legendary musicians, including Gary Bartz, Gerald Cannon, Walter Blanding, Randy Napoleon, and Rodney Whitaker. Natalie recently completed her Master’s of Music degree under Professor Walter Blanding at Michigan State University, during which time she has toured the state of Michigan and the country of Japan as a member of the acclaimed MSU Jazz Orchestra I. She currently lives in East Lansing, MI, with plans to put down new roots in Brooklyn, NY in the coming fall.
Charlee Loyst
Charlee Loyst is a 21-year-old pianist from St. Pete Beach, FL. He has performed around the country, playing with jazz artists including Sean Jones, Jason Moran, and Jaleel Shaw. He graduated from Berklee in 2024, where he studied at the Global Jazz Institute, and is now pursuing his M.M. at the Frost School of Music.
Lois Majors
Lois Majors is a 19-year-old bassist from Charlotte, North Carolina. She began studying jazz double bass at age 13 through ensemble workshops at JazzArts Charlotte, a nonprofit dedicated to jazz education. Through JazzArts Charlotte, Lois performed with artists like Wycliffe Gordon, The Jazz Preservation Hall All-Stars, Joshua Redman, and Ashlin Parker.
Lois graduated from high school as a homeschooler with an Associate in Arts from the University of South Carolina – Lancaster. She is currently a freshman at Berklee College of Music, pursuing a major in Performance with minors in Music Education and Music Business. She studies with a range of notable instructors, including John Lockwood, Linda May Han Oh, Mike Pope, John Patitucci, Jason Palmer, Neal Smith, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, and Kris Davis.
Zakk Machemer
Zakk Machemer is a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer based in Jacksonville. Growing up in Plaistow, New Hampshire, he took an interest in jazz from an early age with influences spanning from Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane to contemporary musicians like Eric Marienthal and Kazui Katsuta of the Mario Kart Band. He recently graduated from the University of New Hampshire, where he was selected as a finalist for the Carinthian International Jazz Award (CIJA) Saxophone Competition during his junior year. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Jazz Studies at the University of North Florida, where he was recently selected as the winner of the 2025 International Saxophone Symposium Jazz Competition.
Aidan McCarthy
Aidan McCarthy is a bassist and composer hailing from Oakland, California. An impassioned musician of eclectic interests, Aidan plays a wide range of musical styles on the acoustic and electric bass. Growing up amidst the vibrant musical landscape of the Bay Area, Aidan cut his teeth on the local scene, ultimately gaining admittance to nationally acclaimed jazz programs such as Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz Band and the Vail Summer Jazz Workshop while in high school. Following his time at Vail, Aidan had the distinct opportunity to spend an incredibly formative year studying with the great John Clayton, bassist, composer, and pedagogue. Aidan has performed professionally with jazz luminaries such as Jazzmeia Horn, Samara Joy, Miguel Zenon, Brian Lynch, Paquito D’Rivera, Ingrid Jensen, Etienne Charles, Sean Jones, Ulysses Owens Jr., Allison Miller, Melissa Aldana, Carl Allen, Kemuel Roig, Faye Carol, etc. Internationally, Aidan has performed in Singapore, Japan, Ecuador, Switzerland, and Italy. Nationally, he has appeared at Birdland, Dizzy’s Club Cola, and The Festival of New Trumpet Music in New York City, along with Boxley’s Jazz Club in Seattle, The Faena Theater in Miami Florida, The Ringling Theatre in Sarasota, etc. Aidan is currently a senior at the University of Miami, finishing up his undergraduate degree in Media Scoring and Production, with a focus on Jazz Bass Performance, with a minor in French Language Studies.
Giovanni Martinez
Giovanni Martinez, 20, is a trumpet player currently based in New York City. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Martinez started playing trumpet at the age of eight after learning that he is the great nephew of legendary trumpeter and composer Miguel Martinez. Giovanni discovered his passion for jazz in the 7th grade after joining his middle school’s jazz band, where he fell in love with the music. Since then, Martinez has performed with groups such as the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra at the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Herbie Hancock Institute Peer-To-Peer Quintet, the Jon Faddis Big Band, the Frank Lacy Dectet, and the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band. Martinez was also named an award winner of the prestigious ASCAP 2025 Herb Albert Young Jazz Composers Competition. Martinez currently leads his own small groups in New York City, as well as leading and managing the Giovanni Martinez Big Band. Martinez currently attends at the Manhattan School of Music, where he continues his studies as a jazz trumpeter under the tutelage of trumpet legends Jon Faddis, Ingrid Jensen and Scott Wendholt.
Garnet Müller
Garnet Müller is a trombonist and composer from Cape Town, South Africa. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance at the Eastman School of Music. Before beginning his graduate studies, Garnet toured internationally across Asia and the Middle East as a member of the orchestra for Matilda the Musical.
He has performed and recorded with several iconic South African artists, including Khaya Mahlangu, Judith Sephuma, Hilton Schilder, and Muneeb Hermans. Outside of music, Garnet enjoys amateur film photography.
Isaiah Nygard
Isaiah Nygard is a jazz pianist from Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Currently in his fourth year at the University of North Texas as a double major in jazz studies and mechanical engineering, Isaiah has worked as a freelance jazz musician in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the past three years. He is a current member of the UNT One O’Clock Lab Band. Isaiah has performed alongside artists like Vincent Herring, Miguel Zenon, Allison Miller, Tia Fuller, Matt Wilson, Ed Soph, Jose Aponte, Lynn Seaton, Scott Tixier, Quincy Davis, Nick Finzer, Bradford Leali, Philip Dizack, Alyssa Allgood, Shelley Carrol, Quamon Fowler, and Carlos Averhoff, Jr. Isaiah has performed at the Detroit Jazz Festival as part of the collegiate combo competition, and is the winner of the U.S. Army Blues collegiate solo competition.
Tess Overmyer
Tess Overmyer is a saxophonist and composer based in New York City. Originally from Newcastle, Australia, she is currently studying a master of music at the Manhattan School of Music.
Tess has performed extensively throughout Australia as both a bandleader and side-person, appearing at major festivals including the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Sydney Women’s Jazz Festival, and Perth International Jazz Festival.
Recent recognition of her work includes being awarded second place in the 2024 Australian National Jazz Awards; being selected as lead alto in the Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra from 2021 to 2024; and receiving a commission from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to compose eight new works for her quartet.
Tess is currently working towards the release of her debut album of original compositions, due out on Earshift Music in mid-2025.
Jauron Perry
Jauron Perry, is a rising Trumpeter, Composer, Arranger, and Bandleader from Detroit, MI. Selected as the Next Generation of Talent award recipient, Jauron quickly gained experience performing and working with Detroit jazz masters such as Rodney Whitaker, Dwight Adams, James Carter, Marion Hayden, Wendell Harrison, Regina Carter, and Ron Brooks to name a few. Jauron has also been seen performing with Marquis Hill, Jazzmeia Horn, Camille Thurman, Michael Dease, Walter Blanding, Rick Roe, and Joe Farnsworth. His other connections extend to Dee Dee Bridgewater, Theo Croker, Wynton Marsalis, Jerome Jennings, Tim Warfield, and Helen Sung. He continues to be featured in prominent events such as the Detroit Jazz Festival, Michigan Jazz Festival, and African World Festival. Additionally, as a member of the Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra, Jauron has performed at the East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival. Being a part of the top jazz orchestra at MSU, he performed with MSU’s Jazz Orchestra 1 (The Bebop Spartans) placing in the top 3 of collegiate ensembles at the Jack Rudin Jazz Championship at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Jauron was the winner of the 2024 Michigan Jazz Festival Rising Horn Competition, and also toured Japan at just 19 years old. He currently leads his band, the Jauron Perry Quintet, that recently just won the 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival Combo Competition. The quintet performed their debut set at the 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival, creating Jauron’s debut album as a bandleader. Jauron always ensures to bring the fire and soul to the stage. His music represents sincerity, purpose, and devotion. Having performed all across Michigan as a bandleader and sideman, Jauron looks to break out of Michigan and bring his band to more audiences. Some of his sideman endeavors go beyond jazz and include collaborating with Motown Hitsville U.S.A., opening for The Commodores and performing with T-Pain through the Urban Art Orchestra. Heavily influenced by legends such as Fats Navarro, Dizzy Gillespie, and Roy Hargrove, Jauron has a pursuit to be a leading voice of the bebop trumpet traditions with a profound stamp of the grit and sound of Detroit. He is an alumni of the acclaimed Detroit School of Arts High School, therefore, a strong foundation and seriousness was established for him early on through receiving effective exposure in and outside of school within the heart of Detroit. Jauron is now a third-year Jazz Studies major at Michigan State University, under the mentorship of Rodney Whitaker, specializing in straight ahead jazz (Bebop/HardBop/Post-Bop) while also expanding his performance skills in funk, soul, classical, and Afro-Cuban music. Jauron dedicates his career strides to his grandfather as he was Jauron’s initial musical influence through his deep appreciation for music and gave Jauron his first trumpet at 8 years old.
Scott Schaffer
Scott Schaffer is a Miami-based trombonist who currently studies at the esteemed Frost School of Music, studying under Professor Dante Luciani.
Scott has performed with artists such as Etienne Charles, Andy Hunter, Marcus Miller, and Rene Marie. He has played in prestigious ensembles such as the Frost Jazz Orchestra and the Studio Jazz Band.
Scott is a recent winner of the 2025 American Trombone Workshop in Arlington, Virginia. He also has performed in an award-winning trombone ensemble at the 2025 American Trombone Workshop.
Sam Schaeffer
Sam Schaeffer is a jazz drummer, percussionist, educator, and composer hailing from Harrisonburg, Virginia located in the Shenandoah Valley. Sam graduated with honors from The State University of New York at Fredonia in December of 2022 with a BA in Jazz Studies. While at SUNY Fredonia, he studied privately with Dr. John Bacon (jazz drums) and Dr. Karolyn Stonefelt (vibraphone/classical percussion). He was a member of the Fredonia Jazz Orchestra and the 2-time Downbeat award-winning Fredonia New Jazz Ensemble, and received the Juliet J. Rosch Scholarship, The Monroe-Poumitt Big Band Award, and the prestigious President’s Out of State Scholar Award.
Sam is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies at the renown Eastman School of Music where he studies jazz drums with Rich Thompson and composition with Dariusz Terefenko. Sam also plays with the Eastman New Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dave Rivello and the Eastman Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Christine Jensen. Under his teaching assistantship, he teaches all secondary jazz drum set lessons to majors and non-majors at Eastman and the University of Rochester and is on the faculty as a jazz drums instructor at the Eastman Community Music School.
Sam is active as a drummer and percussionist on both the New York and Virginia jazz scenes. An accomplished and varied performer, Sam has played and worked with such diverse musicians as John D’Earth, Brad Leali, Derrick Gardner, Sal Valentinetti, Delefayo Marsalis, Stephanie Nakasian, Sherrie Maricle, Mike Rud, Kim Nazarian, Mike Gibbs, and many more. Sam also leads and composes for his own groups who have performed at the Fredonia Jazz Festival, Rochester International Jazz festival, and other numerous venues in both Virginia and New York.
Bell Thompson
Bell Thompson is a trumpet player and composer originally from Seattle, WA, currently based in New York City. Bell’s playing celebrates the jazz tradition of swing and hard bop, while showcasing her vibrant tone and exciting sense of melody.
Bell has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Bruce Barth, Jaleel Shaw, and Steve Tressler, and has also performed with the 8-Bit Big Band, and Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. She has performed at venues including Chris’ Jazz Café, Seattle Jazz Fellowship, Close Up NYC, and festivals including Panama Jazz Festival, Washington (DC) Women in Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, and Jazz a Vienne, among others.
Bell pursued her undergraduate studies in Jazz Studies Performance at Temple University in Philadelphia, where she studied with Terell Stafford and Joe Magnarelli. She then went on to study at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute Master’s Program, under the guidance of GRAMMY award-winning pianist Danilo Perez.
Bell’s independent qualitative research project, “Gender and Jazz: The Experience of Women in Jazz Education,” was funded through the Temple University Diamond Research Scholars Program in 2020. She received the 2021 Temple University Livingstone Undergraduate Research Award for Diversity and Social Justice, and was featured at the 2022 Jazz Education Network Conference.
Bell is a 2025 recipient of the Temple University 30 Under 30 Award as an Arts and Culture Visionary.
Roman Wells
Roman Wells II is a Jazz musician and performance major with a deep passion for music. He is currently pursuing his studies at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, pushing his artistic boundaries every day. Roman is excited to grow alongside world-class musicians and mentors this summer in Aspen.
Eli Wyatt
Eli Wyatt is a tenor saxophonist from Fairbanks, Alaska, who began playing jazz at the age of 12, after studying violin through the Suzuki Method since the age of 6. He received his bachelor’s degree in Jazz and Studio Performance at the University of Memphis, studying with Dr. Michael Shults and Dr. Jack Cooper. He played in the university’s flagship jazz ensemble, the Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra throughout college career. In 2022, Eli was selected as a semifinalist in the North American Saxophone Alliance Jazz Soloist competition. Since August of 2024, he has held the second tenor saxophone chair of the Memphis Jazz Orchestra, performing weekly on Memphis’ historic Beale Street, while also performing freelance throughout the city. He will begin his master’s degree in the fall of 2025 at The University of Texas at Austin, studying with Professor Diego Rivera.