a nonprofit presenter of jazz artistic and education programs

The SFJAZZ High School All-Stars program provides advanced-level training and performance opportunities for some of the most talented musicians in the nation. Selected annually by competitive audition, the All-Stars rehearse and perform with today's top jazz educators and artists.

In addition to the award-winning Big Band, the program features workshops and training in small ensemble performance, composition, jazz theory, improvisation, orchestration, arranging, and music business. Through the SFJAZZ Meet the Masters program, Ensemble members enjoy regular workshops, masterclasses and mentoring sessions with leading artists, such as Joshua Redman and the SFJAZZ Collective, Terence Blanchard, Yusef Lateef, Ravi Coltrane, and Stefon Harris.

Founded in 2001 by Dr. Dee Spencer and directed by esteemed educator Paul Contos, the All-Stars have appeared at the San Francisco Jazz Festival (annually since 2001), SFJAZZ Spring Season (annually since 2004), Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington Competition (finalists in 2002 and 2003), and at community concerts in top professional jazz clubs, festivals, museums, and community arts centers throughout California.

The rewards are evident in their "dynamite" (JazzTimes) performances, which give “testimony to the continuing persistence of the creative spirit” (Los Angeles Times). "These kids are amazing," wrote the San Jose Mercury News, "jazz has a future!"

Sign up to audition for the 2010-2011
SFJAZZ High School All-Stars
Friday-Sunday
September 10-12
Sign up at www.sfjazz.org/audition

 

 

Congratulations to SFJAZZ High School All-Stars Jill Ryan, Malachi Whitson , Scott Lowrie, Jon Hatamiya and Zach Moses Ostroff who were chosen for the 2010 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, presented by the Monterey Jazz Festival!

 

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