Committed to Bringing This Great American Art Form To All of You

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.