Students that go above and beyond during their time at JazzArts are what makes the youth programs special, which is why we would like to highlight student trumpeter Jameson.

In 2022, after his parents enrolled him in the JazzArts summer music camp, Jameson went from no experience with jazz to fully immersing himself in the genre. You will most likely find Jameson playing, listening, or studying the music from an academic, historical, or cultural lens. This hard work has resulted in many recognitions.

A short list of Jameson’s 2026 recognitions begins with him winning a seat with the Jazz Band of America in Honors Ensemble which is considered one of the top national honor ensembles for young musicians. This recognition is followed by winning a 2026 YoungArts Award in Jazz Trumpet out of a pool of 13,000 competitive artists from across the country. With this recognition, Jameson not only earned a monetary award, but membership to an exclusive network of former winners with a lifetime of invaluable professional mentorship. Furthermore, Jameson was selected for a residency with the 2026 NYO Jazz Orchestra which includes a performance at Carnegie Hall followed by an international tour throughout Asia later this summer. The band will be led by Kris Johnson with special guest, Grammy-Award winning artist Dee Dee Bridgewater. Finally, Jameson will perform with the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra at the Monterey Jazz Festival this September directed by Grammy-nominated Gerald Clayton.

Most notably, Jameson received the 2026 JazzArts Academy Merit-Based Scholarship for the third time. This scholarship is awarded each year to students who display excellence in jazz performance on their chosen instrument. Jameson participated in the final round of the competition for the scholarship this past June, where he performed on his trumpet to a live audience and panel of judges. As a result of Jameson’s hard work and skill, he has won tuition for two sessions of JazzArts Youth Ensembles + Workshops and to the JazzArts Summer Camp.

Despite his many accomplishments, Jameson remains humble and candid about his growth. Reflecting on the start of his JazzArts journey—when he was new to jazz and performing alongside advanced musicians;

he says, “Being in the top group with the All-Stars and all of those alumni really forced me to grow…I wasn’t nearly on their level, and every week I was pushed out of my comfort zone.” He adds, “I think that’s the main reason for my growth…people who are better than me…showing me the way.”

Jameson’s contributions to jazz and JazzArts cannot be understated, and JazzArts is thrilled to have him as a student and excited to see where he goes next.