Introducing the Herbie Hancock Institute's Jazz Performance Class for 2023

Introducing the Herbie Hancock Institute's Jazz Performance Class for 2023

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA has announced its Class of 2023, comprising eight talented young musicians. The Institute, a renowned nonprofit education organization established in 1986, offers college-level training to promising young musicians by internationally acclaimed jazz masters.

The new class includes tenor saxophonist Art Baden, who studied at the Hanze Prince Claus Conservatoire in Groningen, Netherlands and Berklee College of Music. Alto saxophonist Devin Daniels, a participant in the Institute's Jazz in the Classroom and All-City Big Band music education programs in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District, is also part of the Class of 2023.

Vocalist Darynn Dean, who graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with a B.A. in Jazz Vocal Performance and a minor in Cultural Studies, is another member of the new class. Trumpeter Julien Knowles, who studied at the University of Nevada, Reno and received the Presidential Scholarship and the Agnes Barringere Music Memorial Endowment, is also set to join the Institute.

The Class of 2023 is rounded out by bassist Emiliano Lasansky, drummer Benjamin Ring, pianist Javier Santiago, and clarinetist Matthew Stubbs. All of these musicians were selected through a rigorous application process, judged by Herbie Hancock, Herb Alpert, and Ambrose Akinmusire.

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA's mission is to preserve, perpetuate, and expand jazz as a global art form. The Institute's programs utilise jazz as the medium to encourage imaginative thinking, creativity, a positive self-image, and respect for one's own and others' cultural heritage.

All of the Institute's programs are provided free of charge to students, schools, and communities worldwide. The students study both individually and as a small group, receiving personal mentoring, ensemble coaching, and lectures on the jazz tradition. World-renowned jazz masters serve as Artists-in-Residence, teaching and performing with the students.

The Class of 2023 will have the opportunity to learn one-on-one and as a group from jazz masters, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The students will attain a Master of Music in Jazz Performance degree from The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music after completing this intensive, two-year program in spring 2023.

Institute alumni have gone on to major careers as performing and recording artists, touring with legendary jazz musicians and as leaders of their own groups. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA presents high-profile concerts and leads jazz education and community outreach programs, furthering its mission to preserve and expand jazz as a global art form.

For the most accurate and up-to-date membership lists, we recommend checking official channels of the Herbie Hancock Institute or UCLA Jazz Studies, such as their websites or official social media pages.

1. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Class of 2023 at the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance will have the opportunity to learn one-on-one and as a group from jazz masters.
2. In their spare time, some members of the Class of 2023, such as Devin Daniels who participated in the Institute's Jazz in the Classroom program, may enjoy entertainment like listening to music, perhaps even venturing into education and self-development by attending music concerts or workshops.

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