A quintet of PJCE musicians performs music by the 2026 cohort of Young Jazz Composers! Join us at The Hallowed Halls in Souteast Portland to hear original music by new composers written with the guidance of professional mentors and performers.
The Young Jazz Composers program is a mentorship and performance opportunity for students to learn the ins and outs of composing for a professional jazz ensemble. Through one-on-one private lessons and professional group feedback, students will gain valuable insight into the idiosyncrasies of composing. By the end of the program, students will be able to understand the basic skills needed to compose a tune, use digital notation software, and correctly notate parts for rhythm section and horns.
The 2026 YJC band features Mary-Sue Tobin on saxophone, Quinn Walker trumpet, Kerry Politzer piano, Xylyn Hathaway bass, and Machado Majiga on drums.
The 2026 Young Jazz Composers are:
