Under the direction of Michael Thomas, the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Ensemble is a 17-member swing ensemble dedicated to studying, rehearsing, and performing classic big band jazz music. Modeled on the bands of the 1930’s and 1940’s, the Jazz program preserves this heritage and, keeping with jazz traditions, incorporates it into the current and emerging styles that define the genre for the present generation.
This year the band will perform in New York City’s finest jazz venues, including Shapeshifter Lab, Dizzy’s at Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Throughout the season, rehearsals are augmented by masterclass clinics with some of today’s most eminent jazz professionals. Previous guest artists have included Arturo O’Farrill, Wycliffe Gordon, Stefon Harris, Ted Nash, Maria Schneider, Jane Monheit, Joe Lovano, Steve Turre, Victor Goines, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, Joe Locke, Eric Reed, and Lew Soloff. This year, Trombonist Alan Ferber and Bassist Linda Oh will be joining us.
A TRIBUTE TO THE MAN WHO DEFINED THE SOUND OF JAZZ
A Musical Celebration of the Centennial of Rudy Van Gelder
Shapeshifter Lab in Brooklyn
Monday, December 9, 2024
The New York Youth Symphony Jazz Ensemble will be celebrating the centennial of Rudy van Gelder, a legendary recording engineer who is responsible for recording several thousand sessions, with musicians including Booker Ervin, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk amongst others.
Saxophone
Joshua Quddus, alto
Levi Ginsburg, alto
Ivanhoe Blanchez, tenor
Andrew Chun, tenor
Giancarlo Crapanzano, bari
Trumpet
Emma Kelner
Tamia Smith
Alex Schaffzin
Edward Shen
Trombone
Bryan Castillo
Basil Moore
Thomas Leenhout
Milan F. Vetter Rhythm Section
Josephine Roses, guitar
Scott Robert, piano
Lucas Giordano, bass
Benjamin Sirignano, drums
"It's an opportunity I would never have had, especially growing up in a low-income family. NYYS opened a lot of doors for me, and I definitely would not be where I am today without them."
Trista Casanas Ford, Saxophone
"My love for big band playing only grows stronger as I play in the group. I'm so blessed to have been able to play with such high-level musicians."
Avery Gotshell, Drums
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