News and Events

Jazz Students Shine

This year saw tremendous growth in our Cincinnati Public Schools youth jazz academy.

Launched in 2018, Youth Jazz Cincinnati (YJC) inspires underserved students to develop their creative ability and confidence through the dynamic music of jazz. In partnership with Cincinnati Public Schools, this extraordinary program provides jazz instrumental music training and performance opportunities for racially and economically diverse students in grades 4-12. Students meet five days a week after-school at KHAC’s Lindner Annex. All students receive a free instrument, transportation and meals, and participate in weekly individual music lessons, ensemble rehearsals and sectionals led by professional jazz artists and educators.

In the 2021-2022 year, participation climbed to 120 students and our young musicians shined in master classes and performances both near and far.

The school year concluded in May with the Cincinnati Public Schools International Jazz Festival. This extraordinary experience included four days of master classes with renowned jazz artists and a final concert at the Aronoff Center for the Arts featuring all YJC student ensembles with featured guest Joan Chomorro, jazz musician and director of the Sant Andreu Jazz Band in Barcelona, Spain.

The middle school combo students traveled to Pittsburgh and New York City by invitation in June for a recording session at the world-class Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild studios, a performance at the Harlem Jazz Club, and master classes at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The older elementary combo group then traveled to Barcelona, Spain in August to perform at the JAZZING International Festival and to collaborate with the St. Andreu Jazz Academy.

These kids are really going places.