Congrats To The Class Of 2026! 🎓

info@yljc.org
4 hours ago
12 min read

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 Program, spending a year in New York before transferring to Boston. Although I won't be formally studying music, I plan to take advantage of the immersion I'll have next year in the Manhattan music scene!

Being a member of Young Lions Jazz Conservatory has afforded me so many wonderful opportunities in the classroom, at Panama, and at gigs around San Diego. I am especially grateful to my instructors Mr. Thorsen and Mr. Key, who have set me up to play music throughout the rest of my life, and to all the members and faculty of YLJC for making my time there unforgettable.

Josh Brookens — Trumpet

My name is Josh Brookens and I am graduating from Patrick Henry High School. I will be attending UC Berkeley this fall, majoring in Urban Studies. Although I am not majoring in music, I will continue to play the trumpet and perform jazz by auditioning for UC Jazz.

I have had a passion for music from an early age. I learned piano when I was 6 years old and trumpet when I was 9. The decision 5 years ago to audition for Young Lions was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

The challenges of transcribing solos, memorizing jazz charts, and auditioning every summer have given me a perseverance that I wouldn't have developed without Young Lions. I am thankful for the numerous, memorable performance opportunities that Young Lions has given me, such as playing at Balboa Theatre, Queen Bee's, The Loft, and of course, Panama 66. The opportunities to play with stronger musicians, receive mentorship from the many instructors who are professional musicians, and to perform at Panama 66 have made me a better musician and helped me build my confidence as a speaker and a performer.

The experiences that Young Lions has given me have also empowered me to lead my school's jazz ensembles, form a rock band called Black Garnet, and compose piano music.

I would like to thank all of the Young Lions instructors and especially Bob Boss, Rob Thorsen, Joshua White, Tyler Kreutel, and Gilbert Castellanos for their time and dedication, which has helped me become the best musician I can be.

Trevor Callahan — Trombone

My name is Trevor Callahan. I am finishing high school through Mesa College with the intention of transferring to a UC in a year to major in political science. I am very grateful to have been part of Young Lions for how it has helped me grow not only as a musician, but as a performer, band member, and student as well. I have never felt more challenged and encouraged to become a better musician — or anything else — than as a Young Lion, nor have I ever been given such an opportunity to reach greater potential than here.

Marco Di Giammarino — Alto Saxophone

My name is Marco Di Giammarino and I am graduating from Helix Charter High School. I am planning on attending California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo this upcoming fall, where I will be pursuing a degree in general engineering. To me, being a Young Lion has meant having a sense of community, purpose, and drive when it comes to music that no other place can provide.

Alex Flores — Piano

My name is Alex Flores, and I am a senior graduating from Mission Bay High School. Beginning this fall, I will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Despite not majoring in music, I will likely continue playing by taking music classes at SLO. Being a Young Lion has been greatly impactful on my life, as it has served as my introduction to jazz piano and enabled me to play great music. Having previously played mostly classical piano, playing in ensembles with other musicians really changed my view on how free and entertaining jazz can be.

Adelaide Gates — Baritone Saxophone

My name is Adelaide Gates and I am graduating from Poway High School. I will be attending Palomar Community College with the goal of transferring to CSUMB to study marine science. I've grown a lot in Young Lions, especially in my confidence performing solos. I have also gained many musical experiences not available in traditional school settings that I will carry with me.

Bailey Haas — Drums

My name is Bailey Haas and I will be graduating from Point Loma High School. In the fall, I will be attending UC Berkeley, majoring in mathematics. I hope to keep playing jazz recreationally throughout college.

Even though I won't be pursuing music in college, it will always have a large impact on my life. Young Lions has allowed me to develop confidence as a musician and express my creative side. My four years here have taught me cooperation, artistry, and leadership. I am grateful to have been able to learn from incredible instructors, play with such talented musicians, and grow into the person I am today.

Leon Hart — Drums

Hi, I'm Leon and I am graduating from Scripps Ranch High School. I plan to attend Palomar College for two years, then transfer and major in Music Performance with an emphasis in Jazz Studies, with a focus on drum set and Latin percussion.

Young Lions helped me improve a lot as a player and learn how to interact with other musicians and communicate with them effectively. Throughout high school I have played with multiple bands, including Black Garnet, and being a part of Young Lions has really made that possible. I plan to continue to find new groups and venues to play in.

Young Lions has helped me refine my skills and learn new ones. I learned how to communicate musical ideas, analyze form and structure, and transcribe solos, all while studying and playing great music with great teachers like Rob Thorsen, Joshua White, and Gilbert Castellanos. Young Lions has taught me to adapt to new musical situations and helped me improve my communication.

Maile Hefner — Alto Saxophone

In June, I will be graduating from the School for Entrepreneurship & Technology (SET). In the fall, I will be attending Miramar College for Aviation Operations & Technologies as well as Piloting.

Music has always been a big part of my life. Since no one in my immediate family was really musically inclined, I wasn't exposed to playing at a young age. I was just a kid singing in the car with a dream of being on stage. The first instrument I learned was the violin during 5th grade orchestra. Then I entered middle school and joined band. The first thing my mom told me was "you are playing the saxophone so you can play me Baker Street." Ever since then I've just run with it. Saxophone has opened many doors for me, giving me so many amazing opportunities and connections.

I learned about YLJC three years ago, and my biggest regret is that this is both my first and last year. This whole experience has been truly memorable, and I look forward to seeing what I accomplish. I plan to continue performing and becoming a better musician than I was yesterday. Thank you to Gilbert Castellanos for telling me and my dad about the program, and thank you to the best band director ever, Rob Thorsen — and of course, all of the No Room for Squares ensemble.

Tiam Khosravan — Trumpet

My name is Tiam Khosravan, and I am graduating from Del Norte High School. I honestly don't know how to put into words what these past few years have meant to me — but I'm going to try.

Being part of Young Lions Jazz Conservatory has been the most life-changing experience I have ever had. Before Young Lions, I had no idea how powerful music could be — not just as something you listen to, but as something that moves through you, that lives in the space between musicians, that says what words never quite can. Young Lions showed me that, and I will carry it with me for the rest of my life.

In my senior year, I had the privilege of traveling to New York City with the Jacobs Jazz Orchestra to compete at Essentially Ellington at Jazz at Lincoln Center — and while I was there, I received the Outstanding Trumpet Award. I had worked so hard for that moment. To have it recognized on a stage like that, surrounded by some of the finest young jazz musicians in the country, was something I will never forget for as long as I live.

None of it would have been possible without the mentorship of Gilbert Castellanos and the guidance of our incredible instructors: Joshua White, Rob Thorsen, Tyler Kreutel, Carter Key, Holly Hoffman, Justin Grinnell, and Tonga Ross-Ma'u. Each of them gave me something I will spend a lifetime building on.

Next year, I'm heading to the Big Apple (NYC) to attend The New School, where I'll be studying Jazz Performance. Music isn't just something I love anymore. It's my path, my language, my home. And I have Young Lions Jazz Conservatory to thank for helping me find it.

Julian Machulsky-Benrubi — Piano

My name is Julian Machulsky, and I'm graduating from Sage Creek High School this year. I'm committed to SDSU as a Jazz Studies major, where I plan to continue playing at the professional level.

Young Lions has been the final stepping stone in a three-year career in music. From teaching myself, to getting a private teacher, to joining school band, performing at jazz clubs around san diego, and being a Young Lion — and now into college — I've come a very long way in such a short time, and I know I'll keep going thanks to the skills I've learned from my instructors at YLJC.

Rhydian Marshall — Drums

Hi, my name is Rhydian Marshall. I am graduating from San Marcos High School in June and will be attending San Diego State University in the fall, where I plan to major in Jazz Studies and continue to grow as a drummer and musician.

I have been a Young Lion for seven years, and it has been an incredible experience. This program has given me opportunities to grow as both a musician and a person, helping shape my confidence, musicianship, and passion for jazz. I am very grateful for the mentorship and friendships I have gained along the way.

Ryan Miller — Trumpet

Hey, I am Ryan Miller! In the fall, I will be studying computer science and robotics in the School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. I plan to take classes in Vanderbilt's Blair School of Music and audition for the Vanderbilt Big Band, while continuing to play in small jazz ensembles and jam sessions.

Young Lions has been the most eye-opening experience of my life. Thanks to incredible jazz instructors like Rob, Carter, Joshua, and Gilbert, I have expanded both my musical confidence and my ability to improvise. Beyond that, being a Young Lion has helped me grow as a person. I learned about the importance of being open to new ideas while developing stronger communication and group leadership skills. My announcing skills even progressed to the point of remembering to introduce our ensemble member "Philip" the tip jar. Thank you for a great four years!

Atlas Nguyen — Bass

As a graduating senior from Patrick Henry High School, I will be attending Grossmont College to pursue Materials Science & Engineering. Although I will not be majoring in music, I will always find a way to make room to explore and play music, whether it's through jamming with friends, playing in rock bands, or performing in a classical quintet.

Being a Young Lion has taught me what true, high-level musicianship can look like: leadership through music, growing confidence, learning resilience, and the ability to just keep going even when you're lost in the form. It has truly opened my eyes to the avenues that jazz has to offer, and shown me that you can get what you want out of music if you put in the hard work.

Sebastian Nilsson — Guitar

My name is Sebastian Nilsson, and I am graduating from Mission Bay High School and will be attending UCLA this fall, where I will be majoring in Global Jazz Studies. Being part of Young Lions has been truly life-changing. I have had the privilege of studying with world-renowned musicians, honing my craft, developing as a player, and meeting some of my best friends.

As a member of the Jacobs Jazz Orchestra, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to New York City and compete at Essentially Ellington at Jazz at Lincoln Center — one of the most prestigious jazz competitions in the world. It was an unforgettable experience and one of the greatest achievements of my life.

The YLJC community will always have a special place in my heart for encouraging me to discover my passion for music and for the amazing people it brought into my life. I will be forever grateful.

Elias Nuspl — Trumpet

My name is Elias Nuspl and I'm graduating from Mission Bay High School. I will be attending UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music, where I will be majoring in Music Industry. In my future, I plan to pursue music both on and off the stage. While I will always perform, I am also passionate about the business and management side of the industry. My goal is to work behind the scenes to support and elevate artists, and I believe a career in music business is where I can make the greatest impact.

Young Lions Jazz Conservatory has been a guiding light in helping me discover my passions and inspirations. This program introduced me to an art form that I truly cannot imagine my future without. Through music, I began to discover and express who I am, and to understand the incredible power that live music holds — both in bringing communities together and in creating deep, lasting emotion.

One of the greatest highlights of my time at Young Lions was being a member of the Jacobs Jazz Orchestra and traveling to New York City to compete at Essentially Ellington at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Standing on that stage, performing for some of the most talented young jazz musicians in the country, was an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It was a reminder of just how far dedication and hard work can take you.

I am endlessly grateful to all of the teachers, mentors, and staff for their kindness, support, and dedication. Thank you for the opportunities to perform and grow with this incredible community. Your guidance has meant more to me than words can express.

Melanie Pollard — Tenor Saxophone

I'm Melanie Pollard and I will be graduating from San Dieguito Academy. In the fall, I will be attending San Diego State University, where I plan to major in Finance while pursuing a music minor. I hope to keep music in my life wherever I can. Young Lions Jazz Conservatory has given me amazing opportunities over the last few years, and I have loved meeting so many fellow musicians. I'm incredibly grateful for everything YLJC has offered me and for the ways it has helped me grow as a person and as a musician.

Amanda Rubio Limon — Guitar

My name is Amanda Rubio Limon and I'm graduating from Mater Dei Catholic High School. In the fall, I'll be attending Chapman University in Orange, CA, where I'll be double majoring in Music Education and Guitar Performance. Being a Young Lion has truly been an honor. To me, it has meant having the ability to express my love for music and jazz, and I'm grateful for the privilege of playing great music alongside great musicians.

Patrick Sheehan — Bass

My name is Patrick Sheehan and I am graduating from Mount Everest Academy. I plan to attend SDSU, where I will continue studying jazz as well as archaeology. Young Lions has given me a foundation in jazz education and a foothold in the jazz world, as well as countless opportunities to make friends and grow my knowledge of music.

Thea Smith — Trombone

I am graduating from Mission Bay High School and will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder to study Music Education. My goal is to graduate and begin working as a high school band director in Colorado. Being a Young Lion has taught me a lot about hard work and dedication, and it introduced me to a full and supportive community of musicians.

This past spring, I had the chance to put all of that hard work to the test when the Jacobs Jazz Orchestra made the trip to New York City for Essentially Ellington at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Walking into that building, knowing we had earned our place among the top high school jazz programs in the country, was a feeling I won't soon forget. It pushed me to play my best and reminded me exactly why I want to spend my life in music.

I am so grateful for everything this community has given me.

Annie Verkoczy — Piano

I will be graduating from Cathedral Catholic High School and plan to attend the University of California, Berkeley in the fall. I plan to double major in Music and Global Studies on the pre-law track. I'm excited to explore the music scene in the Bay Area and will be taking private piano lessons with Rebeca Mauleon. Music will always be a huge part of my life.

My four years at Young Lions Jazz Conservatory helped me discover jazz and grow as a musician after spending my early years playing classical music. I'm grateful to all my teachers at Young Lions, especially Gilbert Castellanos. I have also made lasting friendships at the conservatory that have made my time here truly unforgettable.