JazzU Holiday Concert

About Jazz St. Louis and JazzU

For nearly three decades, Jazz St. Louis has been the foremost jazz presenter in St. Louis and throughout the region. Jazz St. Louis education programs inspire leadership, creativity, and cultural appreciation in the next generation of musicians and audiences. Through high-quality training, accessible educational resources, and transformative experiences with local and world-renowned artists, Jazz St. Louis opens pathways to jazz for students of all ages.

With the support of generous donors and foundations, JazzU places talented middle and high school musicians in small jazz combos that rehearse weekly from September through May. Students benefit from the guidance of JazzU faculty and gain unparalleled access to world-class touring artists through the Jazz St. Louis Artist Residency Program, providing them with the opportunity to learn directly from some of the most accomplished musicians in the field.

About the Jazz St. Louis All-Stars

The Jazz St. Louis All-Stars comprises the top students in the JazzU program. The ensemble serves as Jazz St. Louis’s cultural ambassadors at many area events. This group is led by Jason Swagler, director of jazz studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Musicians include Evelina Jacinto (violin, home schooled), Scotty Russell (saxophone, Fort Zumwalt North High School), Harrison Hendrickson (trombone, St. Charles West High School), Cash Buehler (piano, St. Charles West High School), Mara Queen (bass, Lutheran South High School), and Tonnie Kamkwalala (drum set, Hazelwood Central High School).