The event was organized by Assistant Professor of Music Gabe Condon, who hopes to strengthen the connection between Hamilton and the local community by offering students support through college-level resources. “One of my goals with the Jazz Workshop was to foster a community of music students and educators in the Central New York region,” he said.
The idea was inspired by the jazz festival at Washington State University, where Condon previously served as an instructor of classical and jazz guitar, and had been in the works for about a year. Over the summer, he asked local band directors for feedback to help shape the program, and Performing Arts Administrator Michelle Reiser-Memmer helped with planning.
Five guest clinicians from four colleges and one high school in New York State led the sessions. Each school’s band, including Hamilton’s Jazz Ensemble, performed for the others. While the high school students toured campus, Hamilton and Colgate University students hosted a college jam session. A clinician concert in Wellin Hall, open to students and the community, rounded out the program.
SeungYoung Hong, a bassist teaching at the Crane School of Music, shared that the day was all about exchange. “The most valuable thing in an event like this is inspiration,” he said. “We inspire each other. Even the professors, we get inspired by the students. This is the best platform to do that with people from different places.”
“The most valuable thing in an event like this is inspiration ... Even professors, we get inspired by the students. This is the best platform to do that with people from different places.”
Henryk Lotycsewski, the jazz director and teacher at Sauquoit Valley High School, said the format gave his students more than a regular rehearsal could. They improved in their performance as they worked on improvisation, received feedback from clinicians, and jammed with the other bands. “It’s great exposure to learn from other students as well,” he said.
Condon praised the visiting students’ skill level, which he said reflects the effectiveness of their teachers and the rich tradition of music education in New York State.
For Sauquoit Valley senior Sylvia Roberts, who plays alto saxophone and drums, the day was one of a kind. “I’ve never done anything like this, so it was super eye-opening,” she remarked.
After working on drums with clinician Greg Evans, she said she picked up new ways to add variety to her playing and new experimental techniques. “I'm not the best, but I’m definitely better!” added Roberts, who writes her own music, hopes to pursue music production in the future.
Hamilton’s Community Outreach & Opportunity Project (COOP) supported the event by recruiting student volunteers, helping with school contacts, and funding the meal on campus. Volunteers, including Cecelia Huang ’30 and Faith Putnam ’30, guided visiting students around campus and helped at lunch and dinner.
Amy James, director of community outreach, said she was glad to support a new kind of program. COOP already brings local youth to campus for STEM activities and other projects, and the workshop adds a music avenue. “I’m a huge jazz fan and supporter of music education,” she said. “I hope to see it continue as an annual event!”
Condon recalled his own experience of benefiting from his mentors, and he hopes the day inspired students to keep learning about jazz. “While most students will not pursue music professionally, I think it will continue to be an important part of many of their lives,” he said.
Posted November 3, 2026
