Jazz Students Shine at National Conference

In January, Milton jazz students traveled to Atlanta for the Jazz Education Network International Conference. They watched professional musicians perform at the highest levels of their craft, attended master classes with experts in individual instruments, received instruction from renowned jazz educators who coached small groups of students, and performed the repertoire they have studied at Milton this year. They also enjoyed jam sessions with prominent musicians and had a chance to learn more about studying and participating in music in college. Milton’s celebrated jazz program was founded by former director Bob Sinicrope, who retired in 2024 after 50 years at the school. It is now led by Jared Sims.

The Atlanta trip was supported in part by the Margaret Filoon Robertson ’56 fund, which gives Milton’s music groups opportunities to travel. The fund also supports an annual concert on campus. At this year’s concert, Head of School Alixe Callen ’88 explained, “The cultural and musical experiences these trips afford our students—including the opportunity to play with musicians from all around the world—expand their perspectives, influence their creativity, transcend language and cultural differences, help them grow in their confidence as performers, and deepen their passion for music.”