Music Educators and Students!

We are excited to invite your selected High School jazz ensemble students to join the 2026 

AAJC New Orleans All-Star Youth Jazz Orchestra & Outreach Program. 

This special event, scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2026, will be an unforgettable experience for all involved.

The AAJC New Orleans All-Star Youth Jazz Orchestra & Outreach Program, co-presented by the

African American Jazz Caucus and the Jazz Education Network, features high school jazz

ensemble members from the greater New Orleans area performing compositions from the Duke

Ellington Library and other Big Band repertoire under the mentorship of AAJC/JEN members who

are in music education. The ensemble production is under the direction of Mr. Stephen Foster, an

AAJC Board Member and renowned New Orleans bandleader, and Dr. Reginald Lewis, Director of

Jazz Studies at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL, and President of the African

American Jazz Caucus.

Event Highlights:

• Who Should Attend: Outstanding section leaders and one performer

from each section of your Jazz Ensemble. All participants will take part in

a sectional rehearsal/masterclass led by esteemed jazz mentors. Your

school's jazz representatives will have the opportunity to showcase their

skills and passion in a supportive and encouraging environment, alongside

talented musicians from other schools, to celebrate the joy of music.

• Morning Masterclasses with Renowned Mentors: Your student representatives will have

a unique opportunity to join educational and engaging masterclasses on their instrument, led

by accomplished educators and jazz performers. These sessions will offer valuable insights,

techniques, and personalized feedback to support your students' musical growth.

• Evening Ensemble Performance: After a rewarding and inspiring morning working with

world-renowned clinicians, participants should arrive at the 17th Annual Jazz Education

Conference site at the New Orleans Hyatt Regency Hotel to perform in a final jazz ensemble.

This performance will not only entertain but also inspire young aspiring musicians. The

performance begins at 6:30 p.m. Performers must arrive by 5:15 p.m. Tickets will be

available for family and friends.

-Event Details-

 Date: January 7th, 2026

-Morning Mentoring and Outreach Sessions-

Arrival: 8:30-8:45 a.m.

Mentoring Sessions: 9:00 am - 11:30 a.m.

Ensemble Rehearsal: 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Location: Sophie B. Wright Auditorium, 1426 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans 70115

-Evening Ensemble Performance-

Arrival: by 5:15 p.m.

Seating, sound check, and warmups: 5:30 p.m.

Ensemble performance: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans Conference Center, Room: Strand 13

Registration: Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to celebrate the art of jazz, learn from industry

experts, and create lasting memories for your students. Register now to secure your students'

participation in this inspiring event. We look forward to welcoming you and your students and

sharing the joy of music.

For more information, contact your hosts:

• Mr. Stephen Foster: 504-422-5300 or sax4sf@aol.com