NJW Youth Programs
NJW Youth Programs
The mission of National Jazz Workshop youth program is to offer the highest level of instruction while promoting the jazz art form.
NJW All-Star Big Band
The NJW All-Star Big Band is audition-based and directed by Matt Niess. These select young musicians rehearse weekly and have the opportunity to participate in clinics and perform with leading players in the industry. The band is made up of high school students from Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Other ensembles include the Junior Jazz Academy (for young players), combos, and alumni bands formed for special events.
Clinicians &
Guest Artists
Clinicians and guest artists have included nationally recognized artists such as Doc Severinsen, Wynton Marsalis, Sal Lazono, Randy Brecker, Charlie Young, Alan Baylock, Victor Provost, Terell Stafford, Brian Lynch, Marshall Gilkes, and many musicians from D.C. military jazz bands.
NJW ALL-Star Big Band Solo Spotlight featuring Zach Niess, Elliot Bernard, and Peter Hansel.
Extraordinary Performance Opportunities
The All-Stars have performed at the Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, Union Stage, Jammin’ Java, Artisphere, the Historic Mint in New Orleans, Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, Washington DC Big Band Jam, Chantilly Jazz Festival, Essentially Ellington, and Jazz Education Network Conferences in Dallas, New Orleans, and Louisville.
The NJW All-Stars program is temporarily paused and members are not currently rehearsing. Please check back for audition information.