2024 JAS Academy Dates:
June 10th, 2024 – June 24th, 2024 – Big Band Session
July 29th, 2024 – August 12th, 2024 – Afro-Caribbean Big Band Session
Applications are now being accepted for 2024!
Visit us here to get started
Please find audition materials for the Afro-Caribbean sessions here
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.
Big Band Session June 10th, 2024 – June 24th, 2024
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.
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 Kenney – 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.