Carnegie Hall

NYO Jazz was created for outstanding young American jazz musicians as a sister ensemble to the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) for orchestral musicians ages 16–19, and NYO2 for ages 14–17. Led by trumpeter and educator Sean Jones, the ensemble exploded onto the scene in 2018 and has continued to dazzle audiences around the world with classic charts, new commissions, and a full-length recorded album.

NYO Jazz’s tours have taken it to seven countries—Germany, China, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, to name a few—where the musicians have not only received invitations to perform at some of the most celebrated venues and festivals, but have also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures, connecting with young people from different backgrounds. NYO Jazz offers an opportunity to share a uniquely American musical genre with international audiences, leveraging the power of the arts to foster relationships and understanding, especially through peer-to-peer exchange with fellow young musicians and other students.

From the beginning, NYO Jazz has drawn exciting jazz masters to its residency and performances. Vocalists Dianne Reeves, Jazzmeia Horn, and Kurt Elling have all joined the band as guest soloists on the summer tours. The program also has a history of commissioning new works from great contemporary composers and jazz artists, including Darcy James Argue, Miguel Zenón, and Ayn Inserto, as well as charts by NYO Jazz’s own bandleader, Sean Jones.

Since its inception, NYO Jazz has been completely free, ensuring equitable access for musicians across the country. All applicants audition via video and receive feedback from the professional musicians on the jury regardless of admission. Each summer, the band then comes together for an intensive training residency at Purchase College, State University of New York, coached by professional jazz masters, before embarking on a tour to great music capitals around the world.

During its summer 2021 residency at Purchase College, NYO Jazz recorded its first full-length studio album, We’re Still Here. Named for one of NYO Jazz’s signature tunes by Wycliffe Gordon, the album features Carnegie Hall–commissioned works, a range of classic and contemporary jazz repertoire, and works exploring themes that include social justice, resilience, and the power of music to spark joy. Gordon and Melissa Aldana are highlighted as guest artists. The CD is available at the Carnegie Hall Shop, or you can listen on any digital streaming platform.

For these young musicians, jazz isn’t just a pastime. The majority of the program’s 92 alums have continued to pursue jazz and big-band music at the college level and professionally. Their stages range from concert halls and jazz clubs to TV studios: Summer Camargo, a trumpeter who played in NYO Jazz’s 2018 and 2019 ensembles, recently earned a spot in the Saturday Night Live Band. Whether on tour or playing in a house band, this community of young musicians only continues to grow and promote the next generation of jazz.

Photography: NYO Jazz 2021 by Chris Lee, 2021 NYO Jazz Album Recording by Chris Lee, NYO Jazz 2018 Rehearsal with Miguel Zenón by Jennifer Taylor, all other photography by Todd Rosenberg