Greeting the Arrival of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance's Class of 2023
The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA, renowned for its elite jazz training and mentorship, has announced its Class of 2023. This cohort of eight talented young musicians will embark on a two-year journey, focusing on developing performance skills, improvisation, and deep jazz knowledge under master-level instructors.
The ensemble includes:
1. Art Baden, a tenor saxophonist from Rostov-on-Don, Russia, 2. Devin Daniels, an alto saxophonist from Inglewood, California, 3. Darynn Dean, a vocalist from Los Angeles, California, 4. Julien Knowles, a trumpet player from Washington, D.C., and Fresno, California, 5. Emiliano Lasansky, a bassist from Iowa City, Iowa, 6. Benjamin Ring, a drummer from Piedmont, California, 7. Javier Santiago, a pianist from Minneapolis, Minnesota, 8. Matthew Stubbs, a clarinetist from San Jose, California.
Each of these musicians has an impressive background, having received numerous honours and awards in their respective fields. For instance, Darynn Dean, a vocalist from Los Angeles, California, graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music and has performed with renowned artists such as Freddie Cole, Dave Holland, Dave Koz, Hubert Laws, and Aaron Parks.
Emiliano Lasansky, a bassist from Iowa City, Iowa, has received several accolades, including a DownBeat Student Award, third place in the International Society of Bassists Competition, and two residency fellowships at the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Workshop.
Benjamin Ring, a drummer from Piedmont, California, has studied with esteemed musicians such as Ndugu Chancler, Peter Erskine, Will Kennedy, Vince Mendoza, and Patrice Rushen and has performed across Europe, Japan, and the United States with various artists.
The Institute of Jazz Performance accepts one ensemble of musicians for each class and provides them with unparalleled opportunities to study jazz and improvisation with master musicians, composers, and educators. Throughout each academic year, world-renowned jazz masters serve as Artists-in-Residence, teaching and performing with the students.
Students graduate with a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music after completing the intensive program. The Institute's programs are provided free of charge to students, schools, and communities worldwide, with a goal of preserving, perpetuating, and expanding jazz as a global art form.
The Class of 2023 will have the unique opportunity to learn one-on-one and as a group from jazz masters during a challenging period for musicians and live music performances, as expressed by philanthropist Herb Alpert, namesake of The Herb Alpert School of Music.
For more detailed information about the Class of 2023, such as individual student achievements, notable performances, recordings, or awards, it is recommended to check the Institute’s official website or recent press releases.
The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble at UCLA presents high-profile concerts and leads jazz education and community outreach programs in Los Angeles, across the United States, and around the world. The Class of 2023 is poised to make a significant impact in the world of jazz and contribute to the Institute's mission of fostering imaginative thinking, creativity, positive self-image, and respect for cultural heritage.
- As part of his impressive background, the vocalist Darynn Dean from Los Angeles, California, has demonstrated a strong passion for music through collaborations with renowned artists in the fashion-and-beauty of jazz, such as Freddie Cole, Dave Holland, and Hubert Laws.
- Emiliano Lasansky, the bassist from Iowa City, Iowa, has achieved recognition in the education-and-self-development sector of music, receiving several accolades like the DownBeat Student Award and awards from the International Society of Bassists Competition, enriching his journey as a jazz musician.
