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.
Afro-Caribbean Big Band Session July 29th, 2024 – August 12th, 2024
Aidan Berg
UT Austin
Aidan Berg – UT Austin
Originally from Houston, Aidan Berg is a 20-year-old bassist in his second year at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in jazz bass performance. At the Butler School of Music, studying under John Fremgen, he has contributed arrangements and is an active member of the UT Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Diego Rivera. A positive force on and off the bandstand, Aidan seeks to uplift and honor the rich tradition of jazz music.
The Austin-based musician has had the privilege of sharing the bandstand and learning from — pianists David Mesquitic and Andy Langham, drummers Carl Allen and Gerry Gibbs, as well as other renowned artists such as Andre Hayward, Mike Sailors, Terrell Stafford, and Terence Blanchard. He is quickly establishing himself as a sideman with recent work including the Pete Rodriguez Quartet, NOW Jazz Orchestra, the debut of the Diego Rivera Octet as well as the CD release of Rivera’s “With Just a Word”.
Isaiah Bravo
Juilliard School
Isaiah Bravo – Juilliard School
Isaiah Bravo is an 18 year old musician based in Manhattan, New York. He was born in Orlando, Florida with Puerto Rican and Venezuelan parents. “My mission is to bring people the same joy and lift I feel, to them through the music that I play, whatever genre it is. It’s a blessing and a gift to be able to do that. I owe that to my parents, who gave me the best life a son could ask for”.
Isaiah started with a set of congas at 3 years old, and since then has blossomed into a very talented young musician. Over his life, he has had the opportunity to work with so many amazing world class musicians and like Sean Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and many organizations from members of New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center to Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz band. Isaiah is currently studying at the Juilliard School for jazz drums.
Christopher Cermak
UT Austin
Christopher Cermak – UT Austin
Chris Cermak is an Austin-based professional trumpet player and music educator who hails from Lake Jackson, Texas. He has performed with many world-renowned jazz artists, including Wayne Bergeron, Bobby Shew, Allen Vizzutti, Marvin Stamm, Bill Watrous, Delfeayo Marsalis, John Fedchock, Paquito D’Rivera, David Sanborn, Paul Shaffer, John Pizzarelli, and Dee Dee Bridgewater.
Chris maintains an active performance schedule working with many groups around Texas including the Brazosport Jazz Orchestra, Christian Wiggs Big Band, NOW Jazz Orchestra, Austin Jazz Band, Austin Nines, Stereomonde, and the Royal Dukes Band. He also spent time working as a show band musician for Carnival UK aboard the Queen Elizabeth and the Oriana.
Outside of performing, Chris is very active as a music educator working with various band and jazz programs around Austin and throughout the state of Texas. Chris earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas and is currently working on his Masters’s Degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Chris is an endorsing artist for Phaeton Trumpets and is a member of the International Trumpet Guild, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Jazz Educators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Paul Covert
UNT
Paul Covert – UNT
Paul Covert is a rising professional bass trombonist living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of North Texas and spent two years studying with Professor Nick Finzer. During his time at UNT, Covert played in the Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band®, performing on the studio albums Lab 2023 and Lab 2024.
Before moving to Texas, Covert studied Music Education at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He was an involved classical trombonist throughout his time at the university. Some of his accomplishments include performing as a finalist in the James Madison University Concerto/Aria Competition and placing third in the North American Brass Band Association Solo Contest.
Covert was also a member of the prestigious James Madison University Brass Band. He traveled with the band to the Netherlands to participate in the World Music Contest, a quadrennial contest. The band was the only American brass band invited to participate. Currently Covert works as a professional performer and educator in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Bailey Ehrgott
UNT
Bailey Ehrgott – UNT
Bailey Ehrgott is a versatile guitarist, composer, and educator who is fluent in a range of styles from jazz to contemporary popular music. Originally from the Tri-Cities, WA, Bailey currently resides in Denton, Texas where she attends the University of North Texas as a Doctoral Teaching Fellow.
At UNT, Bailey studies with Dr. Davy Mooney, and directs UNT’s premier jazz guitar ensemble, the L-5. Under Bailey’s direction, the L-5 won their division in the 2024 International Collegiate Guitar Ensemble Festival. At UNT, Bailey has taught a Digital Audio Workstation course, and assists with the jazz history curriculum. As the guitarist for the UNT Jazz Singers, Bailey has recorded and toured with the group. Recently, the Jazz Singers were award an outstanding performance award with the Downbeat Magazine.
Bailey earned her bachelor’s degree in professional music from the Berklee College of Music on the World Tour Merit scholarship, and furthered her studies with a master’s in Contemporary Performance & Production from Berklee’s campus in Valencia, Spain while on the Berklee Groove Scholarship. While at Berklee, she studied with Sheryl Bailey, Gary Willis, Polo Orti, Ed Saidon, Perico Sambeat, Isreal Sandoval, Tim Miller, Richie Hart, Liz Teutsch and more.
In 2023, Bailey was selected as a Diversity Fellow with the United States Air Force Band, where she performed with the USAF Airmen of Note. She is also a current Paul Reed Smith Guitars Pulse Artist. Performance credits include the Jazz Point Ibiza Festival, New Orleans Jazz Museum, George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, The National Harbor, Jimmy Glass Jazz Bar, and many regional appearances.
An active member of the Jazz Education Network, Bailey regularly works as a clinician and educator for young musicians. She has served on the faculty of the UNT Jazz Combo Workshop, and been a guest artist for the Louisiana State University Women in Jazz Celebration, the Puget Sounds Jazz Combo Festival, and Columbia Basin College Jazz Unlimited Festival. Bailey maintains an active private teaching studio in the Dallas area, with students accepted to major university music programs, and the Berklee College of Music’s Five-Week Performance Intensive. Currently, she is working with a colleague to develop a book of compositions by female composers, for use with young students.
Upon completion of her Doctoral studies, Bailey hopes to teach in higher education while recording and collaborating with musicians around the world.
Joseph Foglia
William Patterson
Joseph Foglia – William Patterson
Joseph Foglia grew up in the Triangle area of North Carolina and studied with Dave Finucane in the Durham Jazz Workshop. After high school Joseph moved to Wayne New Jersey to study music at William Paterson University. Since then, he has had the pleasure of working with a long list of mentors including Bill Charlap, Dayna Stephens, Richard Perry, Johnathan Blake, Geoffry Keezer and more.
Selected to be a member of the 2020 National Youth Orchestra, and played tenor in a stellar band led by the great Sean Jones. At William Paterson University, Joseph has had the pleasure of playing with guest artist Randy Brecker in both the William Paterson Jazz Room series and at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Back home In North Carolina Joseph started a weekly jam session at the historic Berkeley Cafe in downtown Raleigh and has played at venues such as The Pour House, The Sharp Nine Gallery, and Yonder Bar.
Sten Greifer
Frost School of Music University of Miami
Sten Greifer – Frost School of Music
Sten Greifer is a drummer and composer from Silver Spring, MD. He is currently attending the Frost School of Music, where he studies jazz drum set with Dafnis Prieto while earning a bachelor’s degree in the Music Industry. At age 14, Sten attended the Jazz Academy of Music summer program led by DC-area saxophonist Paul Carr, sparking his interest in studying jazz seriously and pursuing a career in music. Some of his influences include jazz greats such as Chick Corea, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk, as well as other artists like Hermeto Pascoal, Pat Metheny, Joel Ross, and Tigran Hamasyan to name a few.
Sten hopes to continue playing music professionally throughout his career with a wide variety of musicians and in a broad span of genres. As a passionate supporter of the performing arts, he is also interested in working in live music and venue management. Sten’s life goal is to create a positive impact in communities and individuals by sharing his music and helping other artists share theirs.
Brenten Handfield
Frost School of Music University of Miami
Brenten Handfield – Frost School of Music
Brenten Handfield, born on December 24th, 2003, hails from the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands. He discovered his love for drumming at a very young age and has been dedicated to honing his skills ever since.
Currently going into his third year at the University of Miami’s FROST School of Music, Brenten is studying Jazz Drums Performance. Despite his achievements, he remains grounded and appreciative of the opportunity to pursue his passion in such a reputable institution.
Coming from the Turks and Caicos Islands, Brenten brings a touch of his Caribbean roots to his drumming. He views music as a lifelong journey of learning and self-discovery, always striving to improve and share his humble contribution to the world of jazz. Brenten’s goal is to make music where it can resonate with those who appreciate the beauty and simplicity of genuine passion.
Amaury Jorge
Berklee College of Music
Amaury Jorge – Berklee College of Music
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 1998. Admitted in 2016 to the National Conservatory of Music of Santo Domingo into the Folkloric and Popular Music program with a concentration in Guitar Performance. During his time at the conservatory, he was selected as a winner of the 2019 AES presidential scholarship towards a Berklee Summer Program, during which he was awarded a Full Tuition scholarship towards a Bachelor of Music at Berklee College of Music, where he is now on his last year of studies.
During his time in Boston, he has participated in some of Berklee’s most advanced ensembles and concerts, representing the school in different off-campus concerts and events throughout the state and country. He has also introduced himself in the professional scene, collaborating in recordings and live performances with artists like Mike Pope, Randy Brecker, Nate Smith, Geoffrey Keezer, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Tia Fuller, among others, also actively performing in the New England music scene as a sideman with different projects as well as a bandleader.
Ronald Lee Jr
George Mason University
Ronald Lee Jr – George Mason University
Ronald (Ronnie) Lee Jr. is an aspiring musician who was born in St. Thomas, USVI on December 21, 2000. He hails from the beautiful island of St. John. His musical story began at the age of 7 years old, joining a local steel band named Love City Pan Dragons. From hearing the sweet melodies being produced from the instrument, Ronald was heavily influenced to learn music and began performing with them until he graduated from Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.
Enrolling at George Mason University, Ronald was studying both steel pan and piano as his primary instruments and is currently holding a BM (Bachelor of Music) degree in Jazz Studies (under the tutelage of Prof. Wade Beach and Prof. Victor Provost, another proud St. Johnian).
Throughout the years to now, he continues to perform around the Virgin Islands, Antigua, Trinidad, and on the US mainland where his musical talents are recognized and appreciated by many. He is pursuing his current plans, which are to arrange, compose, and produce music, as well as give back to his small community and teach. Ronald serves as a mentor to many young people in the St. John community, as he tutors and fosters their love of music. He is forever grateful for sharing his gifts and talents with this community which continues to mold him for his bright future.
Laura-Simone Martin
Michigan State University
Laura-Simone Martin – MSU
Laura-Simone Martin is an 18-year-old bassist who has performed at nationally acclaimed venues like the BBC Proms, Carnegie Hall, Blue Note at Sea, the Kennedy Center, Monterey Jazz Festival, and more. This past summer, she was part of Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra, where she toured Europe with Sean Jones and 2x Grammy-winning vocalist, Dee Dee Bridgewater. In her junior year of high school, she combined her passions for music and activism by founding the Queen Amina Music Program to help push the “women in jazz” music movement. This program is for 4th-8th grade instrumentalists at the Lawrence Intermediate School and Lawrence Middle School, where she teaches songs, the history of women in jazz, improvisational skills, and how to navigate modal progressions.
This past year she received a grant to invite guest artists and hold a day of masterclasses for the Queen Amina students and the Lawrence High School music department, ending with a public concert on March 15, 2023, featuring Oscar winner and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Tia Fuller. Currently, she is a freshman at Michigan State University studying under renowned bassist, Rodney Whitaker.
Grace Rock
University of Nebraska
Grace Rock – University of Nebraska
My name is Grace Rock, I am a 19 year old musician from Omaha, Nebraska. I currently attend The University of Nebraska at Omaha as a freshman studying jazz studies. This next year I will be attending Juilliard as a freshman undergraduate. I have been involved with multiple programs including NYO Jazz 2023, Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo at Monterey Jazz Festival 2023, Brevard Jazz Camp 2024, Nebraska All State Jazz Orchestra (2021, 2022) and the Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra (2021, 2022). I currently work at Thompson Music in Omaha, Nebraska teaching students and selling instruments.
I have performed with artists such as Wycliffe Gordon, Sean Jones, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gordon Goodwin, Willie Murillo, Jose Valentino, Tanya Darby, Ron Carter, Lakecia Benjamin, and others. I have performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Village Vanguard, The Empire State Building, Monterey Jazz Festival, The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Konzerthaus in Berlin, The BBC Proms, The Jewell, and others. I have received awards like The Young Artist Merit Scholarship, Nebraska Jazz Orchestra Young Artist Competition Winner 2024, Outstanding Soloist at UNO Jazz Festival (2021,2022), and was accepted to The Juilliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Peabody Conservatory, Temple University, University of Southern California and The New School. I currently study with both Christopher Leach and Andre Hayward, but have previously studied with Willie Murillo, Dr. Peter Madsen, Jacob Melsha and Jason Stromquist. I aspire to be a professional musician and educator.
Julius Rogers
Frost School of Music University of Miami
Julius Rogers – Frost School of Music
Julius Rogers is a drummer, producer, and composer accomplished in a wide array of genres. He has performed all around the world in various musical groups; playing in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Paris as well as his home country of Australia. Being extremely versatile, he has training in Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, Latin, World, Metal, and Classical music; He has performed with many formidable artists including the Rodriguez Brothers, Dick Oatts, Linda Oh, Fabian Almazan, Maria Schnieder, Anat Cohen, and George Garzone. Julius is currently studying a Master of Music (Jazz Performance) at the prestigious Frost School of Music.
Aidan Siemann
San Fran Conservatory
Aidan Siemann – San Francisco Conservatory
Whether reinterpreting classic jazz repertoire or debuting modern compositions, saxophonist Aidan Siemann adds passion to every note he plays. A powerful and positive presence on the bandstand, Aidan has performed internationally and has won awards in jazz festivals and competitions across the country, including the YoungArts Competition.
He has shared the stage with modern jazz legends such as Terri Lynne Carrington, Orrin Evans, Warren Wolf, and Helen Sung, performing at venues like SFJazz and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Aidan performs regularly both as a sideman and leading his own groups.
Originally from Seattle, WA, Aidan is now based in New York. Aidan has a Bachelor’s Degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied with David Sanchez, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Matt Brewer, and Joshua Redman, among others.
Kevin Shinskie
Frost School of Music University of Miami
Kevin Shinskie – Frost School of Music
Kevin Shinskie is a multi-woodwind musician based from the east coast of Florida. Trained at Vanderbilt University, where he studied under the mentorship of Dave Mathew’s Saxophonist, Jeff Coffin, Kevin has received multiple individual downbeat awards for his compositions and performances as a soloist.
At the age of 22, Kevin’s career has already landed him professional opportunities with the Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra, Alabama Symphony, Stephen Guerra Big Band, Broward Center for Performing Arts, and 2023 finalist at the esteemed Jazz at Lincoln Center Jack Rudin competition.
Kevin is receiving his Master’s in Jazz Performance from the Frost School of Music with his mentor, Marcus Strickland.
Richard Stanmeyer
New England Conservatory
Richard Stanmeyer – NEC
Hailed as a “trumpet prodigy” by Berkshires Jazz, Richard Stanmeyer has performed with renowned artists such as Rutshelle Guillaume and Belle & Sebastian, and he has performed at venues including Symphony Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival. In July and August of 2022, he taught and performed with his group in Morelia, México, including performing a sold-out show at the city’s cultural center, Centro Cultural Allende 637.
His mentors include many of the who’s-who for jazz and classical trumpet, including Ben Wright (2nd trumpet of the BSO), GRAMMY award-winning trumpet player Nicholas Payton, Marquis Hill, and Tanya Darby. Richard studied for his Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance and music business at Berklee College of Music, graduating Summa Cum Laude in the class of 2022. This May, Richard graduated from the New England Conservatory with a Master of Music degree in jazz studies (trumpet performance) on a full-tuition Helena Foundation Presidential Scholarship.
Ziaire Sherman
Berklee College of Music
Ziaire Sherman – Berklee College of Music
Ziaire Trinidad Sherman is a Cincinnati-based Baritone Saxophonist, Multidisciplinary Artist, and Designer, whose artistry emanates from the rich tapestry of the black diaspora. By blending futuristic and historical sounds, he weaves captivating narratives that not only capture attention but also invite others on an immersive journey. His distinct approach has earned him victories in beat battles, opportunities to tour across the USA, and leadership roles in international projects hosted at esteemed institutions such as the Fabrica Research Center, MIT Media Lab, and Documenta.
Ziaire Trinidad Sherman describes his work as a fusion that brings distant memories to the forefront, achieved through a dialogue between computer-based technology and the resilience of human willpower.
Theo Stathopulos
Frost School of Music University of Miami
Theo Stathopulos – Frost School of Music
Theo Stathopulos is a bassist, bandleader, and composer originally from Denver, Colorado currently studying at the University of Miami. His music draws from a variety of influences across many genres and eras while remaining faithful to the longstanding tradition of jazz. Theo ultimately aims to foster connection with diverse groups of people through music.
Jack Timmins
UNT
Jack Timmins – UNT
Jack Timmins is a trombonist, arranger, composer, and educator originally hailing from Tampa, Florida who currently resides and works in northern Texas in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. As a senior in his undergrad at the UNT College of Music, Jack has had the honor of studying trombone with Nick Finzer, Afro-Latin Jazz with Jose Aponte, and contemporary arranging and composition with Rich DeRosa, as well as much more from a myriad of great teachers and professors the past four years.
At UNT, Jack has played with nationally acclaimed ensembles such as the Two O’Clock Lab Band, the Afro-Latin Jazz Lab, and the U-Tubes Trombone ensemble. As a student, Jack has also been fortunate to study from and perform with musicians such as Marcus Miller, Dafnis Prieto, Miguel Zenon, Steve Turre, Steve Davis, Rufus Reid, Billy Childs, and Arturo O’Farrill. Currently, Jack works by playing and teaching trombone both locally in the DFW area and all around the United States.
Carina Triplett
Western Michigan University
Carina Triplett – WMU
Carina Triplett is from the small town of Galesburg, Illinois. A talented saxophonist and vocalist, she finds joy in seamlessly blending both skills during her performances. Growing up, Carina was surrounded by music because both of her parents are musicians. This created the foundation of her love of music and encouraged her to pursue music as a career.
Currently a Junior at Western Michigan University, Carina is immersed in her studies as a jazz studies major, focusing on saxophone performance under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Rathbun. She has had the privilege of learning from esteemed professors including John Hebert, Matthew Fries, Carlo De Rosa, Matt Landon, John Vana, and Scott Cowan.
Throughout her time at Western Michigan University, Carina has been an active member of various ensembles, including the Lab band, Afro-Latin jazz ensemble, Gold Company, and several jazz combos. Her musical journey has been enriched by performances alongside renowned artists such as Rosana Eckert, Michael Mayo, Peter Eldridge, and Darmon Meader. Carina recently had the honor of performing at the Jazz Education Network Festival in New Orleans with Gold Company, marking a highlight in her musical career.
Bruno Tzinas
Manhattan School of Music
Bruno Tzinas – MSM
Originally from Miami, Florida, Bruno Tzinas is a trombonist currently finishing his sophomore year at Manhattan School of Music for a Bachelor of Music in Jazz, under the mentorship of Ryan Keberle, Steve Turre and John Benitez. At a young age, Bruno began his musical journey under the tutelage of Bobby Keating, Nicole Yarling and Jim Gasior. While attending New World School of the Arts, Bruno was a part of the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra directed by Gerald Clayton in 2021, he also was selected to perform as a special guest playing with Christian Sands at the Monterey Jazz Festival. He also had the chance to perform at the Essentially Ellington Festival in 2022 with NWSA and received the Outstanding Trombone award. While in NYC, Bruno has performed with varying types of bands and orchestras, a few of his favorites are Russell Hall’s Septet, the MSM Jazz Orchestra conducted by Ed Neumeister, and Domo Branch’s Big Band. He has also started to teach beginning musicians at the Summer Jazz Workshop hosted at Fordham University in Lincoln Center. When he is back in Miami, he is the trombonist in the ‘Miami Nites’ Cuban Timba Band, and he performs with his own bands. He also likes to swim, eat good food and enjoy the beach with his friends and family.
Jade Wesley
UNT
Jade Wesley – UNT
Jade Anaiah Wesley has been hailed for her “deep rich tone” and having a “very expressive and engaging” stage presence by Voice Faculty from Southeastern University and the University of Montevallo. She is internationally awarded across the United Kingdom and around the United States including New York, Texas, and Washington D.C. Wesley is studying Vocal Performance with a focus in Violin at the University of North Texas College of Music. Originally from Glassboro, New Jersey, Wesley started her studies at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University before transferring to UNT.
A “home-grown church girl,” Wesley has a deeply rooted connection to Gospel music which she transports into jazz along with her classical training. She made her professional orchestral debut in New York when performing with renowned gospel and inspirational artists including Yolanda Adams, Donald Lawrence, and Iyanla Vanzant. Wesley plays violin in the UNT Jazz Strings Ensemble with Professor Scott Tixier. She has also been featured on Channel 8 WFAA Daily Morning News for the day after the Oscars Morning Special singing Oscar-nominated and winning songs. Wesley is an educator, producer, and composer who doesn’t want to be put into a box when it comes to genre.
Nathaniel Williford
The Julliard School
Nathaniel Williford – Julliard
Nathaniel Williford is a trumpet player, composer, and arranger from Kissimmee, Florida, currently living in New York City and studying at the Juilliard School. Nathaniel is an alum of a few great music education programs such as NYO Jazz, Essentially Ellington, and NAfME All-National Jazz Band, to name a few.
As a sideman, he has performed and/or recorded with acts such as The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Roy Hargrove Big Band, The Helen Sung Big Band, Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Fugees, Jazzmeia Horn, and Dee Dee Bridgewater, amongst others.
Nathaniel is an endorsing and performing artist for LOTUS Trumpets.
Big Band Session June 10th, 2024 – June 24th, 2024
Sebastian Arias
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Sebastian Arias – UMKC
Sebastian Arias grew up in a small town in Costa Rica where he began to play music and take lessons at the age of 9. He took up electric bass when he was 11 and upright bass when he was 14. At the age of 18, he moved to the state of Utah, where he got his Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Snow College. There, he developed his jazz bass studies under the instruction of Philip Kuehn, as well as other mentors such as Carl Allen and Chase Baird, and was an active player in the Salt Lake City jazz and pop scene during this time. In 2023, he moved to Kansas City, where he’s currently pursuing his Master’s Degree at UMKC, continuing to study under Carl Allen and other instructors such as Eric Hitt and Marcus Lewis. Since moving to Kansas City, he has continued to maintain a regular performing schedule with musicians such as Adam Larson, Peter Schlamb, and Matt Villinger, among others.
Allie Biancoviso
Frost School of Music University of Miami
Allie Biancoviso – Frost School of Music
Allie Biancoviso is a trombonist, composer, and educator from Staten Island, New York. An experienced performer in jazz, classical, and popular music settings, Allie performs regularly with her quartet and as a freelancer. Her quartet was recently selected as a finalist for the Music at McBride Performance Series in January 2024.
Allie currently attends the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami where she is pursuing a master’s degree in Jazz Pedagogy and studying trombone with Dante Luciani. Allie serves as a teaching assistant for the University of Miami’s Shalala MusicReach Program. She also holds a bachelor’s in Music Education from Penn State where she studied with Mark Lusk. In addition to performing,
Allie has conducted research centered on ways to create inclusive learning environments for girls in jazz. She has presented this research at many conferences including the 2023 Jazz Education Network Conference. Allie is a recipient of the 2022 Jazz Education Network Hal Leonard Scholarship and 2022 Margot Jazz Fund Award.
Kevin Brewster
Michigan State University
Kevin Brewster – Michigan State University
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kevin Brewster is a saxophonist, composer, and arranger whose musical journey is deeply rooted in the vibrant traditions of Gospel music. Kevin is a sought-after sideman and bandleader, captivating audiences across Michigan with his dynamic performances. As a sideman, he has appeared with Jazzmeia Horn, Patrice Rushen, and Terri Lynn Carrington at the Carr Center, Detroit School of the Arts, and the Detroit Institute of the Arts Museum with the Gathering Nonet Jazz ensemble, an outreach program formed by the late great Detroit jazz pianist, Geri Allen, Christian Sands and Immanuel Wilkins at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 2021 with the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra. As a band leader, he has performed at Cliff Bells, Blue Llama Jazz Club, GRNoir, 333 Lounge, etc. His latest project as a bandleader, “For the Culture,” released in 2021, serves as a tribute to African American heritage, weaving together the soulful rhythms and melodies of Black-American Music. Kevin recently founded “Black Renaissance,” a collective dedicated to propelling the narrative of Black American Music into uncharted territories. His repertoire, a fusion of contemporary, straight-ahead, gospel, R&B, and original compositions, brings forth a new era for jazz characterized by authenticity, resilience, and unwavering faith. Kevin is currently a third-year Jazz Studies major at Michigan State University, studying under the mentorship of educators Walter Blanding Jr. and Rodney Whitaker, where he is also a member of MSU Jazz Orchestra I. Kevin’s musical education has been enriched by encounters with jazz luminaries such as Bob Nixon, Diego Rivera, and Vincent Herring, each leaving an outstanding mark on his artistic development.
Christian Ertl
Temple University
Christian Ertl – Temple University
Christian Ertl is a jazz saxophonist based out of Philadelphia, where he attends Temple University. While in college, he studied with some of the best musicians in the world such as Dick Oatts, Tim Warfield Jr, Justin Faulkner, Jeb Patton, and Terell Stafford. In 2020, he was selected as the lead alto saxophonist in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Jazz Orchestra. In 2023, he won the collegiate division of the US Army Blues Solo Competition. He has also played with the Temple University Jazz Band since 2021 where they played at Rose Hall, Dizzy’s Club, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, and various venues and festivals with many incredible guest artists. During his career, he has had the pleasure of playing with Dick Oatts, Christian McBride, Joey DeFrancesco, Terell Stafford, Sean Jones, Scott Wendholt, Tedd Baker, and Tim Armacost.
Kalia Ferretti
The New School
Kal Ferretti – The New School
Native New Yorker Kal Ferretti is a 21-year-old jazz trumpet player, composer, and educator who is currently making herself known as a serious young musician on the NYC jazz scene. Kal has led her own band for multi-night runs at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola and Bern Jazz Festival and recently, her composition “The Next Path” was performed at Blue Note Jazz Club. She has made recent sideman appearances with the Mingus Dynasty, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Future of Jazz Orchestra, Dave Glasser Quintet, and the Grace Fox Big Band, having the opportunity to share the stage with musicians such as Dezron Douglas, Bruce Harris, Helen Sung, Adam Cruz, Abraham Burton, Dave Glasser, Tatum Greenblatt, and more.
Kal has been studying at The New School for Jazz on a full scholarship being mentored by greats such as Buster Williams, Reggie Workman, Bruce Harris, and David Glasser, and will be starting her Master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music next year, studying with Ingrid Jensen. Kal has been selected for awards/honors such as the Jazz Education Network’s 2023 Sisters in Jazz Combo, Dave Douglas’ 2023 Festival of New Trumpet Music, Keep an Eye Jazz Award in Amsterdam, Hudson Jazz Workshop, WIJO Mentors, and the International Schools of Jazz Conference. She has performed at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Dizzy’s Club, JALC Rose Theater, NY City Center, David Geffen Hall, Birdland Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Bimhuis, Blue Note Jazz Club, and more. She has performed as a featured guest artist with the LaGuardia HS Alumni Brass Quintet and the Eastern Wind Symphony.
As an educator, Kal has taught private lessons to all ages and is teaching this summer at the LIU Summer Jazz Program with Matt Wilson and Jeff Lederer. She is thankful and excited to learn from the faculty and peers at JAS Academy this summer.
Bailey Giles
William Patterson University
Bailey Giles – William Paterson University
Bailey Giles is currently pursuing a master’s degree in jazz saxophone performance at William Paterson University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Saxophone Performance with a concentration in jazz studies at the University of Southern Maine. During his studies, he performed with various ensembles and worked with esteemed faculty. Bailey is a saxophone student of Rich Perry, Dayna Stephens, Joel Frahm, and Vincent Herring. He also excels in piano, clarinet, and flute. As a freelance jazz saxophonist, Bailey performs in various settings and markets himself in the New England area. He is also an experienced music teacher, offering private lessons and working with student ensembles. He has expanded his studio to include students in the New York tri-state area.
Max Harper – Frost School of MusicEli Howell
Michigan State University
Eli Howell – Michigan State University
Trombonist, composer, and educator Eli Howell was born in Los Angeles, California. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University in 2023 and is currently pursuing his Masters Degree as a graduate assistant. In his time at Michigan State Eli has been able to play in MSU’s Jazz Orchestra 1 under the direction of University Distinguished Professor Rodney Whitaker. With this band, he has been able to do a number of tours with notable artists around the state of Michigan as well as to New York City, and Japan in Summer 2024.
Throughout the years Eli has benefited from having amazing mentors such as Michael Dease, Rodney Whitaker, and Lemar Guillary. He has been recognized as a finalist for the International Trombone Festival Jazz Competition as well as for the American Trombone Workshop Jazz Competition.
Living in both Los Angeles and Michigan Eli has had the pleasure of playing with amazing musicians such as Lewis Nash, Steve Davis, Renee Rosnes, Gerald Clayton, Bob James, Ulysses Owens Jr., Bill Cundliffe, and Walter Blanding Jr.
Zeb Jewell
Berklee College of Music
Zeb Jewell – Berklee College of Music
Originally from Portugal, Zeb Jewell-Alibhai is an 18-year-old jazz saxophone and trumpet player, having performed on some of the world’s greatest stages such as Carnegie Hall, the Royal Concertgebouw, and the Royal Albert Hall. During his high school years, Zeb performed with and participated in a number of renowned programs, including NYO Jazz, the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, and the Vail Jazz Workshop. He is currently a freshman at Harvard University where he studies music and statistics while participating in the joint studies program at Berklee College of Music. Zeb has shared the stage with a wide variety of legendary jazz musicians like Sean Jones, Yosvany Terry, Gerald Clayton, Christian Sands, and Terri Lyne Carrington. In 2022, he was the recipient of the inaugural and only Benny Carter and Ira Sullivan Multi Instrument Award, presented by Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center, for musical prowess on both tenor saxophone and trumpet.
Tomas Jonsson
University of North Texas
Tomas Jonsson – University of North Texas
Described as “extraordinarily talented” by Houston Public Media, Tomás Jonsson is a highly sought-after pianist and composer in the DFW area and a member of the legendary One O’Clock Lab Band®. In February of this year, Tomás won 2nd Place (and Best Jazz Ballad) at the UNISA International Jazz Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa. In May of 2023, Tomás won 1st Place at the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition. He is known for his ability to perform with any lineup, in any genre, for any audience. His experience in historically-Black Baptist churches has infused his playing with a gospel sensibility that is uncommon for a classically trained musician. Tomás has performed or recorded with celebrated artists including Benny Benack III, Ulysses Owens, Jr., Reuben Rogers, Caity Gyorgy, Jane Monheit, Michael Dease, Nick Finzer, and Rodney Whitaker. In February of 2022, he released his debut album, First Impressions, exclusively comprised of original compositions, self-recorded, mixed, and mastered. In his spare time, he loves to bake and keep up with developments in the law.
Maggie Kinney
Frost School of Music University of Miami
Maggie Kinney – Frost School of Music
Vocalist, Composer, Improviser and Arranger, Maggie Kinney, 22, is currently based in Chicago, IL, and Miami, FL. Originally from Western Chicago, Maggie has performed locally and across the country; including the Monterey Jazz Festival, South Beach Jazz Festival, Andy’s Jazz Club, Fitzgerald’s Jazz Club, Le Piano (Chicago), Peoria Civic Center, Lagniappe Jazz Club (Miami) and around the Western Chicago and Miami areas. Maggie aspires to be a singing storyteller: to invite people on a heartfelt musical journey. She is inspired by musical greats like Carmen McCrae, Joe Henderson, and Stevie Wonder, while also being drawn to today’s incredible musical narrators such as Cecile McLorin Salvant, Gerald Clayton, Walter Smith 3, Ambrose Akinmuserie, and Gretchen Parlato.
Most recently, Maggie has been a 2021 Downbeat Student Music Award Outstanding Performance Winner in the Vocal Jazz Soloist Category in the Undergraduate College Division, as well being named a 2021 National YoungArts Foundation Winner in Jazz Voice. She was also the vocalist with the 2020 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra directed by Gerald Clayton at the Monterey Jazz Festival. She has also been the featured Vocalist on the award-winning Shout Section Big Band’’s Winter Tour in the Midwest and with the Diego Rodriguez Big Band in 2023. Maggie made her jazz festival debut as a band leader in January 2024 with her own group, the Maggie Kinney Collective, at the South Beach Jazz Festival in Miami, FL.
Maggie will be graduating with her Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Music and Jazz Vocal Performance from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music in May 2024. In the fall, she will be attending the Peabody Institute of Music at Johns Hopkins University as a Graduate Jazz Fellow under the tutelage of Charenée Wade and Sean Jones.
Avery Pambianchi
William Patterson
Avery Pambianchi – William Patterson
Avery Pambianchi is a 22-year-old jazz trumpet player and composer currently residing in the New Jersey/NYC area. Pambianchi is currently making himself known as a dedicated young musician in the greater NJ/NYC jazz community, leading his own quartet at venues across the state.
Born and raised in Corning New York, Avery began playing the trumpet from a young age. He attended the Eastman School of Music, where he received his B.M. in Jazz Studies in May of 2023, studying with Clay Jenkins. While at Eastman, Avery further developed his musicianship through ensembles under the direction of esteemed faculty such as Bob Sneider, Jeff Campbell, Gary Versace, Dave Rivello, and Bill Dobbins. Avery is currently a master’s student at William Paterson University, and in addition to studying with Jeremy Pelt, has been able to refine his craft further through ensembles under the direction of faculty such as Bill Charlap, Vincent Herring, Russell Malone, Mike LeDonne, Steve LaSpina, and David Demsey.
Avery has been recognized by several music organizations and publications. He was recognized by DownBeat Magazine as a soloist in their 2023 Student Music Awards, where he was selected in the Undergraduate-Outstanding-Performance category. Pambianchi has also been recognized by the International Trumpet Guild several times in their Ryan Anthony Memorial Jazz Trumpet Competition. He was selected as an alternate in the 2022 competition, competed as a semifinalist in 2023, and has been selected to compete in the semifinals again this summer in May of 2024. As a performer, Avery has performed at numerous venues in the Rochester and greater NYC areas.
Among other performances, Pambianchi has performed at Dizzy’s Club in NYC, has recorded at WBGO’s studio in Newark, and has been a performing artist two years in a row at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, leading a sextet of his own in 2022, as well as performing with groups such as the NYChillHarmonic and the Kevin Murphy Jazz-Hypothesis. Pambianchi’s versatility as a player has allowed him to perform with artists such as John Clayton, Ingrid Jensen, Jeremy Pelt, and Adam Neely. Avery is extremely honored to have the opportunity to participate in the Summer JAS Academy and looks forward to learning from the other students and faculty.
Luciano Quezada
University of North Texas
Luciano Quezada – UNT
Luciano Quezada is a Dallas/Fort Worth bassist, educator and professional with a sound as unique as his name. His reputation as a versatile bassist has presented him with opportunities to perform in a variety of genres and musical situations. Luciano can be frequently heard performing at venues and events across the DFW metroplex. Quezada has performed and collaborated with many musical organizations and professionals across North Texas such as The Ricki Derek Big Band, Justin Pierce’s Dallas Jazz Band, Joshua Ferrell, Dani Toralla, Nick Finzer, Mike Bogle, and The Colman Burks Jazz Band. Quezada is an aspiring music educator, teaching privately as well as being invited to teach jazz small groups and lessons across DFW.
Quezada is currently a Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant at the University of North Texas College of Music, where he performs and records in the rhythm section of the acclaimed UNT Jazz Singers. At UNT, Quezada has also performed in top ensembles including the Three O’Clock Lab Band and The UNT Studio Orchestra. In addition to his performance studies, Quezada is also active as a professional in the music business and marketing as the current project manager for a jazz record label and artist services company Outside in Music.
In the spring of 2022, Quezada completed his B.S. in Music Industry from Oklahoma State University. His bass playing can be heard on tracks from the OSU Jazz Orchestra’s latest releases Room 118 and Angular Tuesday. In addition to being an active jazz bassist, Quezada also held the assistant principal bass chair in the OSU symphony orchestra.
Santana Rojas
UT Austin
Santana Rojas – UT Austin
Santana Rojas is an in-demand Freelance Trumpeter and Private Instructor in Austin, Texas, and its surrounding areas. Santana has performed toured and studio-recorded styles/genres such as Jazz, Funk, Indie, Pop, Classical, Salsa, and Country.
Although young in his performing career, Santana has shared the bandstand with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Gerald Clayton and Bryan Carter. Jazz Luminaries such as Andre Hayward, Rodney Whitaker, Terell Stafford, Christian Sands, Immanuel Wilkins, Mathis Picard, Dan Chmielinski, and Diego Rivera. Local Austin heroes such as Christian Wigs, Mike Sailors, John Mills, Paul Deemur, and Daniel Dufour.
Santana is currently an undergraduate student at UT Austin’s Butler School of Music in the process of getting his Jazz Performance degree. During his time attending UT in just his 1st year, he was awarded the “Chuckii Booker Scholarship” given to Jazz Performance majors at the Butler School of Music every other year. Then in his 2nd year, he was awarded the “Eleanor Alexander Stripling Award of Excellence” offered to undergraduates at the Butler School of Music once per year.
You can hear Santana’s latest studio projects in Steve Carlson and Jensen Ackles’s recent #1 Country Album entitled “Keep on Ramblin”, performing alongside his combo in the Indie Video Game “Yoko Redux Dream of a Blue Planet”, and most recently in the upcoming Album release of Trombocalist Sensation Aubrey Logan.
Dereck Sanguino
Florida International University
Dereck Sanguino – FIU
Dereck Sanguino is a 22-year-old Venezuelan-American musician from Miami Dade. With a broad interest in music of all types, he specializes in playing guitar, sound engineering, sound design, and arranging among other things. With a heavy passion for jazz cultivated from a relatively young age, he has been recognized on local and national levels, having earned awards such as a Downbeat in 2023 with the FIU Jazz Vocal Ensemble, and a Young Arts Merit award in 2021, along with scholarships and competitions won on a local level.
Having played across the country, including stages such as Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and others, he is an active part of his local scene in Miami where he has played in clubs, local festivals, and private events. He currently studies at Florida International University in Miami where he studies guitar with Tom Lippincott in addition to pursuing a Bachelor in Music Technology. He is honored to have the privilege to be a part of the JAS Academy big band and looks forward to meeting and learning from accomplished peers!
Drew Sedlacsik
Temple University
Drew Sedlacsik – Temple University
Drew Sedlacsik is a Philadelphia-based trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator. In 2019, he was signed as a Best American Craftsman (BAC) Endorsing Artist. During his time at Temple University, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance. Drew has had the opportunity to learn from world-class musicians including Robert Edwards, Matthew Vaughn, Chris Crenshaw, Marshall Gilkes, Mark Patterson, Peter Steiner, Weston Sprott, and John Sedlacsik. He is the lead trombonist of the Grammy-nominated Temple University Jazz Band, under the direction of Terell Stafford. Drew performed with Temple University’s premiere jazz ensemble at the Kimmel Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jack Rudin Jazz Championship, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, Notre Dame Jazz Festival, and Elmhurst Jazz Festival. He has recorded five albums with the Temple University Jazz Band which includes: “Without You, No Me,” “Rainforest,” “Labyrinth,” “Red Braid,” and “Still Thinking.” Drew has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Joey DeFrancesco, Christian McBride, Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield Jr., Dick Oatts, Sean Jones, Justin Faulkner, Stefon Harris, Wycliffe Gordon, Dion Tucker, Akiko Tsuruga, and Tedd Baker.
Parker Sibley
University of Northern Colorado
Parker Sibley – University of Northern Colorado
Born to a musician/music educator, Parker has been surrounded by music his whole life. Named for Charlie Parker, he inherited his love for music from his dad and started playing drums at age 2.
Parker has played and performed alongside Carmen Bradford, Melissa Aldana, Bijon Watson, Randy Brecker, Michael Mayo, Genevieve Artadi, Greg Tardy, Gary Versace, John Fedchock, and Bruce Forman, to name a few. Parker can be heard on an upcoming album with the Compass Jazz Orchestra, playing the music of Paul McKee, featuring John Fedchock and Brad Goode, among others. He has also received recognition from DownBeat as a soloist, and with multiple ensembles at UNC.
Outside of playing, Parker has interned for Denver’s Dazzle Jazz Club since March 2022, served as head counselor at UNC’s summer jazz camp in 2022 and 2023, and was elected Artist Liaison to the student JEN chapter at UNC.
Parker graduated from the University of Northern Colorado Magna Cum Laude in May 2024, and will pursue a master’s degree at the University of North Texas starting in the fall.
Calvin Simmers
Northwestern University
Calvin Simmers – Northwestern University
Calvin Simmers was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He first got into jazz through the Tucson Jazz Institute (TJI), which the amazing Brice Winston and Scott Black run. Calvin was in TJI throughout high school and went to the Brubeck Jazz Summit and The Summer Jazz Academy. Through these experiences, he worked with amazing musicians such as Jeff Hamilton, Jerome Jennings, Steve Fidyk, and Eric Harland. Learning from all these masters has shaped his playing a lot, taking as much as possible from each of these players into his own.
Before departing Tucson, Arizona for college, Calvin had played in many clubs and venues** around town most notably clubs such as The Nash Jazz Club and The Century Room.
Calvin attends Northwestern University and will be wrapping up his freshman year here in Chicago which has been a great experience being in a big city with lots of music happening all around every night. He studies with Willie Jones III at Northwestern and that has been more than amazing being able to learn from someone who knows so much about the music and can guide him on the right path.
Derrick Gardner is the director of the jazz program at Northwestern. Calvin participates in both the Jazz Orchestra and the Derrick Gardner Ensemble.
Kaleb Thompkins
Florida State University
Kaleb Thompkins – Florida State University
Kaleb Thompkins is a native of Tallahassee, Florida where he grew up playing music in his family’s church. Kaleb is a young bassist who plays various genres of music including Jazz, R&B/Funk, Gospel, and Rap. Kaleb has been inspired by B.B. King, James Brown, Erykah Badu, Miles Davis, and Marvin Gaye. Kaleb is currently a fourth-year Jazz Performance major at Florida State University. Kaleb has had the opportunity to travel the country to perform and showcase his talent. He has shared the stage with some of the most well-known jazz musicians including Grammy-winning artists such as The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon, Monty Alexander, Scotty Barnhart, Brad Leali, Sherman Irby, Leon Anderson, Vincent Herring, Kent Jones, The Four Freshmen, Longineu Parson and a plethora of others.
Demetreis Thornton
UT Austin
Demetreis Thornton – UT Austin
A professional in his own right, Demetreis Thornton is a rising young bass trombonist based in the world’s music capitol, Austin, TX. Finishing up his second year at the University of Texas at Austin, he studies jazz trombone under the tutelage of Professors Paul Deemer and world-renowned Andre Hayward. Having shared the stage with masters such as Brad Goode, Gary Smulyan, and Carl Allen. Demetreis can be seen playing tenor and bass trombone, as well as tuba, all over Central TX.
Allison Young
University of Northern Colorado
Allison Young – University of Northern Colorado
Allison Young is a musician, educator, and arts marketing professional currently based in Denver, CO. She regularly performs with groups such as the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, the Annie Booth Big Band, the Drew Zaremba Jazz Fellowship Orchestra, and No Hands Brass Band. Recently, she toured internationally with the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra in the Reed 5 chair and was also a member of the pit orchestra for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ award-winning production of ‘The Color Purple.’ Allison has performed alongside musicians such as Dick Oatts, Jeff Hamilton, Wayne Bergeron, Greg Gisbert, Randy Brecker, Tia Fuller, Terell Stafford, Father John Misty, and Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Fugees. Allison has recorded with the Zaremba Fellowship Orchestra, Ted Davies Big Band, and the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, all with records out now. As a bandleader, she regularly leads the Allison Young Quartet at beloved local venues like Nocturne Jazz Club and recently recorded a live set on KUVO, Denver’s premiere jazz radio station.
Allison earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Business from the University of Northern Colorado in May of 2022. While at UNC, she earned two DownBeat awards as a member of both Jazz Lab I and Funk Lab. As an educator, she runs her own private studio and frequently works with local band programs hosting workshops and masterclasses, including for the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts. This fall, Allison will pursue a master’s degree in Jazz Performance at the Eastman School of Music, where she will also serve as a TA for the Jazz and Contemporary Media department and the Institute for Music Leadership.
Gabriel Wade
Northern Illinois University
Gabriel Wade – Northern Illinois University
Trumpeter, pianist, and educator, Gabriel Wade is a talented musician who looks to share his sound in a variety of different settings. Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Wade earned his B.A. in Music with a Jazz Emphasis from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and has recently earned his M.M. in Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University as a graduate assistant. At UAM, he was able to study closely with Jason Smith, Les, Pack, Dr. Alex Norris, and David Kane. At NIU, he was able to study closely with Pharez Whitted, Reggie Thomas, Dr. Christopher Scanlon, Bobby Broom, Geof Bradfield, and Tom Garling. He has been influenced by the likes of Roy Hargrove, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Brown, and the Count Basie Orchestra. He cherishes the opportunity to have played at the 2021 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL with UAM’s Jazz One Ensemble and to have played in front of Wynton Marsalis in New York City with the NIU Jazztet and Jazz Orchestra as a part of the 2023 Jack Rudin Championship.
He is extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play with the Count Basie Orchestra, Cab Calloway Orchestra, Clif Wallace Big Band, Evon J. Sams Quintet/Sextet, and the Marlene Rosenberg Quartet. As a bandleader, he has performed at various locations in the Central and Southeast Arkansas area, Northern Illinois area, and at Fulton Street Collective in Chicago, IL. His recent achievements have included qualifying as a semi-finalist in the Jazz Improvisation Division for the International Trumpet Guild’s 2024 Ryan Anthony Memorial Trumpet Competition and earning 1st place in the 2024 Tom Williams Jazz Division of the National Trumpet Competition.
Wade also plans to pursue a career in music education. His education experience consists of teaching private lessons, masterclasses, clinics, and directing combo and big band rehearsals. He has had the opportunity to teach and mentor students through the Art Porter Minors in Music program, the University of Arkansas at Monticello Jazz Camp, the Northern Illinois University Jazz Camp, and the Northern Illinois University Community School of the Arts. He translates the same passion and dedication that he has for his own musicianship to his own students’ success.
Joshua Watkins
Michigan State University
Joshua Watkins – Michigan State University
Joshua Watkins is a masterful drummer and brilliant artist who hails from the great city of Detroit, Michigan. Being born into a vast family of musicians, it was only natural for him to become musically inclined as well. At a young age, his musical roots started in the church and since then he has grown to be extremely versatile, not only as a drummer but as a composer, producer, and bandleader. He currently attends Michigan State University under the direction of the distinguished Rodney Whitaker and drum instructor Randy Gelispie. His upbringing has allowed him to be very successful in many different musical capacities. He gives thanks to his family, and all the glory to God for helping him along his journey.