The Empire State Youth Jazz Ensemble, a division of The Empire State Youth Orchestra, is comprised of outstanding high school jazz musicians from throughout the Albany, NY area. The ensemble was founded in 1985 by Mr. James Corrigliano, and has been directed by Paul Evoskevich since 1986. Chosen by audition, the ensemble rehearses at The College of Saint Rose once a week throughout the school year.

The Empire State Youth Jazz Ensemble performs frequently throughout the school year. The group has performed at The Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady, Albany's Palace Theatre, and The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

Professional jazz musicians from throughout the USA are brought to Saint Rose each year to rehearse and perform with The Empire State Youth Jazz Ensemble. These have included Bill Watrous, Chris Vadala, Gerry Niewood, Sherrie Maricle, Frank Foster, Liesl Whittaker, Byron Stripling, Mark Vinci, Jeff Jarvis, Jim Pugh, Jim Hynes, Bob Mintzer, Marvin Stamm, Rich DeRosa, Terell Stafford, "Blue" Lou Marini, and Bill Cunliffe.

PAUL EVOSKEVICH

Paul Evoskevich is Professor of Music and Chairman of the Music Department at the College of Saint Rose. A graduate of the Hartt School and the Eastman School of Music, he has performed with the Rochester Philharmonic, the Dayton Philharmonic, the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, the Albany Symphony, and with many stars of stage and screen including Paul Anka, Liza Minelli, Joel Grey, Johnny Mathis, Sarah Vaughn, Theresa Brewer, and Ben Vereen. He has extensive experience recording for television and radio jingles, and is an active performer of classic saxophone repertoire and jazz. He has performed and presented master classes throughout the United States and Europe.

A former staff writer for the Saxophone Journal and Jazz Player Magazine, Mr. Evoskevich has written many articles on woodwind playing and jazz. He is Past President, and current Vice-President of the New York State Chapter of the International Association for Jazz Education. Mr. Evoskevich is director of The Empire State Youth Jazz Ensemble.