Consisting of small jazz ensembles for students with beginning, intermediate, or advanced skills, the CYJ Combos are where students develop jazz language, improvisation and listening skills in a fun environment.
During each semester, students are placed in a unique combo which composes and arranges original music, learns classic jazz tunes, takes on a band name and identity all to its own, and fosters musical growth and creativity.
The CYJ Combos meet for 10 weeks each semester from 2:00 – 3:30pm at the Jazz Academy (769 E. Long St. Columbus, OH 43203). No jazz experience is required for participation in the Columbus Youth Jazz Combos. However, students should have a minimum one year of fundamental experience on their instrument.
After graduating in 1995 from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music with a Bachelors in Jazz Performance, Bryan cut his teeth in the industry as a soloist and guest artist with performers around the world on the Princess and Royal Caribbean Cruise lines. He then relocated to London, England for three years. He started teaching and also began performing and recording in salsa, jazz and function bands hired out for weddings and other special events. Bryan formed his own band playing original music at many of the popular jazz clubs in London, including The 606 Jazz Club, the Jazz Café and the Bulls Head Barnes. He has shared the stage with some of the most famous names in jazz such as Joe Henderson, Kenny Garrett, Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Conrad Herwig, Jack McDuff, Slide Hampton and George Benson. He has also been a featured soloist for the Temptations, The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Steve Winwood, Vaughn Weister’s Famous Jazz Orchestra, Afro-Rican Jazz Ensemble, Kico Cowan and Expresion Cubana, The Four Tops and The Spinners.
Josh Newburry is a 2022 graduate of the University of North Texas and a product of the esteemed Jazz U program at one of JAG’s peer organizations, Jazz St. Louis. In addition to being an in-demand bandleader and side musician, he demonstrates an excellent ability and passion for introducing jazz education concepts to students of all ability levels.
Saxophonist Terrance Farmer is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He moved to Columbus to pursue his music studies at the Ohio State University, and has developed a wide-ranging career consisting of jazz, pop, instrumental, and vocal performance. He is currently a teaching artist for Jazz Arts Group’s in-school and Jazz Academy programming.
Jake Smith is a saxophonist, educator and composer from Columbus, Ohio
Pianist Lorenzo Monk is a recent graduate of Oakwood University and a product of JAG’s Columbus Youth Jazz program. As a Jazz Academy faculty member, Lorenzo has connected with students of all ability levels and demonstrates a swinging, soulful piano voice to his students.
