Annie Verkoczy | Winner | $5,000 Young Lions Jazz Conservatory is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Dizzy Gillespie College Awards. Named in honor of the legendary trumpeter who personally mentored YLJC Artistic Director Gilbert Castellanos and helped him secure a full presidential scholarship to Berklee College of Music, these awards carry on that same spirit of generosity and inspiration. Established in memory of Jerry Witt, they support graduating YLJC students

Celebrating Your Journey You showed up, you grew, and you made music that mattered. The heart and dedication you brought to YLJC this year will follow you into everything that comes next. This is just the beginning and we are so proud of you. Keep swinging class of 2026! 👏🎶 Class of 2026 Reflections Matthew Baylon — Drums Hey I'm Mathew! I am graduating from Scripps Ranch High and will be studying International Business at Northeastern University through their NYC Scholars

Jacobs Jazz Orchestra (JJO) at Essentially Ellington 2026 🗽 New York City, April 27–May 3, 2026 🎥 FULL VIDEO: JJO Performance and Awards | Jazz at Lincoln Center 📸 IMAGES: JJO—EE26 Images Jacobs Jazz Orchestra traveled to New York City for the 2026 Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival at Jazz at Lincoln Center, one of the most prestigious jazz education events in the country. For our students, it was an extraordinary, life-changing week. No

Young Lions Jazz Conservatory's Jacobs Jazz Orchestra (JJO) is heading to New York City to compete in Jazz at Lincoln Center's prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, the most celebrated jazz education event in the world. The annual festival brings together top high school jazz ensembles from across the nation to perform the music of Duke Ellington, receive mentorship from world-class musicians, and experience the culture of jazz at its