If you are a fan of the professional Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, your support also creates opportunities for the Knoxville Jazz Youth Orchestra and more that KJO mentors.  The youth have been preparing for a series of spring concerts offered at low or no cost to the public.

KJO founder, composer and arranger Vance Thompson said, “We are proud to support educational programs like the Knoxville Jazz Youth Orchestra, Knoxville Jazz Middle School Band and the Knoxville Jazz Workshop. These programs provide a place for young people to learn about this important American art form, encourage them to interact with like-minded peers, and allow for the opportunity to be mentored by experienced artists.”

You can hear both student groups on April 1 at the Emporium in downtown Knoxville, with the KJMSB playing first at 7:00 pm, followed by the KJYO.  Members of these groups often go on to outstanding achievement at the college and professional levels, both within and outside the music field.

KJYO high schoolers plan to participate in the Rocky Top Jazz Festival at the University of Tennessee on March 21. They are also scheduled to play at the Rossini Festival, on the Union Avenue Stage on April 18.

KJO musician and KJYO Director Tom Lundberg said, “As Director of the Knoxville Jazz Youth Orchestra, I especially enjoy the spring performance season with the group. The band finds itself in the fall and matures through the winter while digesting a wide variety of literature. There promises to be many highlights with the 2025-26 band this spring, including some surprises!”

A new feature in the spring lineup is planned for April 19, featuring famed studio trumpet professional Jim Hynes along with the high school jazz players.  That free concert begins at noon outside Bud’s Farmhouse Coffee Shop in Oak Ridge.  You will want to bring a lawn chair for the outdoor concerts.

Ijams Nature Center provides the South Knoxville outdoor venue for the May 13 KJYO spring concert featuring professional arranger and artist Joe Jordan on trumpet.

“It’s gratifying to hear so many young people playing the music on a high level and to see young families coming to performances,” said Thompson. “We also know that students who participate in the Arts have better educational outcomes overall, so we are happy to contribute to the health and welfare of our community in this way.”   KJO is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Anne Brock-Rankin is Marketing Coordinator for Solar Alliance, a renewable energy company based in Knoxville. She can be reached at abrock@solaralliance.com.

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