Jazz Empowers Hosts Third Annual New York City Student Showcase at Roulette Intermedium
On Saturday, May 30, students, families, educators, and supporters from across New York City packed Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn for the Third Annual Jazz Empowers New York City Student Showcase.
The event welcomed more than 200 attendees for an afternoon celebrating outstanding student musicianship, jazz education, and the continued growth of jazz programs throughout New York City public schools.
The showcase featured inspiring performances from seven outstanding middle school and high school jazz ensembles, including:
Community Roots Middle School Jazz Band
Community Roots Middle School Advanced Jazz Ensemble
Central Queens Academy Jazz Band
Brooklyn RISE Charter School Jazz Band
Hebrew Language Academy Jazz Band
Uncommon Collegiate Charter High School Jazz Band
Susan E. Wagner High School Jazz Band
From the opening performance to the final standing ovation, Roulette was filled with incredible energy. Students enthusiastically supported one another throughout the afternoon, celebrating every solo, every improvisation, and every performance with genuine excitement and encouragement. The showcase reflected not only the tremendous musical growth of the students, but also the strong sense of community that jazz creates.
"It is incredibly encouraging and inspiring to see these students performing at such a high level before a packed, enthusiastic audience," said Andrew Johnston, Founder & Executive Director of Jazz Empowers. "New York City has always been one of the world's great jazz capitals, and seeing these young musicians carrying that tradition forward reminds us that jazz education is alive and thriving in our public schools. These students aren't just learning music—they're becoming the next generation of artists who will continue New York City's incredible jazz legacy."
The afternoon also celebrated several special student achievements. Members of the Central Queens Academy Advanced Jazz Band were recognized for their remarkable commitment to jazz, having participated in the program throughout all four years of middle school.
One of the day's most memorable performances came when the 2026 Essentially Ellington Finalist Susan E. Wagner High School Jazz Band invited students from Community Roots Middle School to join them on stage for a powerful performance of John Coltrane's "Blue Train." It was a special moment that showcased the mentorship, collaboration, and community that define Jazz Empowers programs.
The showcase was made possible through the outstanding leadership of New York City Regional Director Danny Fernandez, whose vision, planning, and coordination brought together students, educators, families, and supporters from across the city for another unforgettable event. In addition to organizing the showcase, Danny also directed the Central Queens Academy Advanced Jazz Band, whose performance highlighted the dedication and growth of students who have committed to jazz throughout their middle school careers.
Jazz Empowers also extends its sincere appreciation to each of its New York City instructors, whose passion, commitment, and countless hours of work throughout the school year made these performances possible. From rehearsals and sectionals to preparing students for the stage and supporting them throughout showcase day, their dedication continues to transform lives through jazz education.
The Third Annual New York City Student Showcase was more than a concert—it was a celebration of student achievement, dedicated educators, supportive families, and the vibrant future of jazz in New York City. With another packed audience and unforgettable performances, the event demonstrated that jazz education continues to flourish in one of the world's greatest jazz cities.
Jazz Empowers is proud to continue creating opportunities for students to perform, connect, and grow through jazz, and we are already looking forward to next year's New York City Student Showcase.