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WE ARE KEEPIN' JAZZ ALIVE!

EVERY DONATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND PUT TO GOOD USE – NO GIFT IS TOO SMALL!

Gilbert C. Castellanos – Founder and Artistic Director

“Raising up the next generation of jazz is really where my passion and heart and soul is. When I was starting out, someone gave me a chance to get on stage and took the time to invest some of their knowledge and experience in me. It’s a big part of my success today, and I’m grateful. Today, I’m giving back, and watching these young adults blossom into amazing musicians is an honor and a gift!”

– Gilbert C. Castellanos

“Raising up the next generation of jazz is really where my passion and heart and soul is. When I was starting out, someone gave me a chance to get on stage and took the time to invest some of their knowledge and experience in me. It’s a big part of my success today, and I’m grateful. Today, I’m giving back, and watching these young adults blossom into amazing musicians is an honor and a gift!”

– Gilbert C. Castellanos

OUR STORY

In his youth, Gilbert Castellanos was provided many opportunities by established jazz musicians, and he has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Diana Krall, Al Jarreau, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Dr. John, Charlie Hayden, Charles McPherson, John Clayton,  and Natalie Cole, just to name a few.

It’s been his ambition to provide today’s young musicians with some of the same opportunities he was fortunate enough to experience. Young Lions Jazz Conservatory is the fruition of this long-held dream.

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In The News

Congrats To The Class Of 2022!

Congrats To The Class Of 2022!

Congrats YLJC Class of 2022!Congratulations class of 2022! Your perseverance, dedication and love of the music has been inspiring to watch — you have earned this moment! Wishing you the very best of...

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Catie Murphy - Drums

"YLJC has defined my taste in music, my self-image, my worldview, my practice habits, my best friends, and my fondest high-school memories. I can’t put into words how much the conservatory means to me; I just know that the YLJC family will always be in my heart and jazz will always be in my life."

Clarence McDuffie III - Trumpet

"What I like about the YLJC is that it gives real life Jazz experiences like going to gigs and getting paid.  I also like that you get to have interactions with people who like the same genres of music.  YLJC also provides great teachers and professional musicians to teach their students more about jazz. They also provide great concert experiences, my favorite is the Bayside Summer Nights concerts where we get VIP seating to watch professional musicians, I'm thankful for being part of this organization and being blessed with a new horn." 

Zion Dyson - Voice

“When I use phrases like ‘I’m digging these cats,’ my non-jazz friends look at me, and say: ‘What are you talking about?’ It’s neat how this music has affected my way of being.”

Tiger Diep - Alto Saxophone

"I am extremely grateful to have learned a tremendous amount under the tutelage of Gilbert Castellanos and Rob Thorsen and everyone at YLJC.  Forming connections with musicians and peers that share the same passion for the music as I do has been great... I hope to stay involved in the program in the future."

Julia Picker - Voice

"I joined the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory in the fall of my Sophomore year of high school with virtually no experience in jazz. However, with the support and guidance of the conservatory, I have not only become a better vocalist and improviser, but also a stronger leader and more well rounded musician. Some of my favorite memories of my high school years are performing at Panama 66, the Embarcadero, and Symphony Hall with my Young Lions combos and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to share these experiences with everyone in the conservatory."

John Murray - Bass

" Gilbert Castellanos and everone at YLJC are my jazz family. The best times of my life have been with them."

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