JITS: GUEST ARTISTS/CLINICIANS
February 8, 2025
- Read about the Jazz in the Schools Program
During this year’s Jazz in the School program, guest clinicians Aaron Serfaty, Jessika Smith, Jonathan Phillips, Greg Johnson, and Gary Mayne will listen to each youth band or choir and then provide feedback during private clinics throughout the day.
Aaron Serfaty
Aaron Serfaty, a Venezuelan drummer born in Caracas, began his professional career at 17, performing extensively with renowned Latin artists. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1991 to study at CalArts and has since collaborated with a diverse range of musicians, including Arturo Sandoval, Jon Anderson, and Shelly Berg. Serfaty has toured internationally, recorded for film and television, and taught at esteemed institutions such as CalArts and the University of Southern California, where he currently leads the Latin Jazz Ensemble.
Jessika Smith
Portland-based composer and saxophonist Jessika Smith (formerly Jessika Leek) directs the Jessika Smith Big Band and serves as the Oregon Music Educators Association Jazz Area Chair. A featured composer with Brava Jazz Publishing, she performs regularly throughout the Pacific Northwest with groups like Torrey Newhart's Obsidian Animals and the Frank Irwin Sextet. Smith teaches band at Parkrose Middle School and jazz band at Parkrose High School in Northeast Portland.
Jonathan Phillips
Jonathan Phillips, a University of Nevada, Reno music education graduate, studied saxophone under Mike McMullen and Peter Epstein. He toured with Sol'Jibe and studied in Havana, Cuba. In Nevada, Phillips has directed award-winning bands at Wooster High School, taught at TMCC, and led All-State and Washoe County Jazz Chairs. He currently serves as a mentor in the RJO's Mentor Program, teaches at Bud Beasley Elementary School, and assists with Sky Ranch Jazz.
Greg Johnson
Dr. Greg Johnson, a renowned saxophonist and composer, has collaborated with jazz luminaries like Curtis Fuller and Billy Taylor, while also performing with pop stars like Robin Thicke and Barry Manilow. His distinctive style blends jazz, classical, and popular music, evident in his ten solo albums and numerous contributions to other recordings. A respected educator, Johnson has taught at prestigious institutions and his recent work has garnered Grammy nominations, solidifying his place as a leading voice in contemporary music. Greg is currently the Music Director for the Reno Jazz Orchestra.
Gary Mayne
Gary Mayne boasts a distinguished career as a trombonist, educator, and clinician. He's performed globally with renowned big bands like the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. His presentations, including "What's Your W.H.U.T.," have been featured at prestigious institutions such as the Eastman School of Music and the University of North Texas. Mayne has also shared his expertise internationally, teaching at the LeBam Music Camp in Lebanon and directing ensembles at the Cyprus Jazz Workshop.