Litchfield Jazz Camp Talent Search

Each year, the Litchfield Jazz Camp Talent Search brings together some of the most promising young jazz musicians for an afternoon of incredible performances and scholarship opportunities. Held at the Litchfield Community Center, this event gives talented students ages 13-17 the chance to showcase their skills and compete for scholarships to attend Litchfield Jazz Camp at The Frederick Gunn School.

Finalists are selected through an audition process and represent a variety of instruments, including saxophone, piano, drums, bass, guitar, trombone, and more. These young musicians take the stage, performing alongside a world-class professional trio composed of Litchfield Jazz Camp faculty membersโ€”renowned artists who have toured, recorded, and shaped the next generation of jazz musicians.

A distinguished panel of judges, including LJC faculty and esteemed industry professionals, carefully selects the winners, who are awarded scholarships to further their jazz education. Thanks to the generous support of organizations like The Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation and Northwest Community Bank, this event continues to make high-level jazz education accessible to young musicians.

The Talent Search is open to the public and free to attend. With a packed house each year, audiences experience the thrill of live jazz while supporting the next generation of great artists. Whether you’re a musician, a jazz enthusiast, or simply looking for an inspiring afternoon of music, we invite you to join us for this exciting annual event!

2024 1st Annual

2024 Talent Search Winners

๐Ÿฅ‡ 1st Place โ€“ $2000

Conor McMillen โ€“ Violin, 16 (New York City)

๐Ÿฅˆ 2nd Place โ€“ $1000

Josephine Roses โ€“ Guitar, 13 (New York)

๐Ÿฅ‰ 3rd Place โ€“ $1000

Isaiah Cross โ€“ Piano, 17 (New Haven, CT)

๐Ÿ… Honorable Mentions โ€“ $250

Benjamin Sirignano โ€“ Drums, 16 (Greenwich, CT)

Mihira Tangelloju โ€“ Piano, 13 (Louisville, KY)

2025 2nd Annual

2025 Talent Search Winners

๐Ÿฅ‡ 1st Place โ€“ $2000

Dontae James โ€“ Alto Sax, 17 (New Haven, CT)

๐Ÿฅˆ 2nd Place โ€“ $1000

Xavier Smith โ€“ Baritone Horn (New Haven, CT)

๐Ÿฅ‰ 3rd Place โ€“ $1000

Xander Rosenblum โ€“ Drums, 13 (New York City)

๐Ÿ… Honorable Mentions โ€“ $350

Kenjiro Matsuki โ€“ Bass, 13 (Tenafly, NJ)

Noah Rosen โ€“ Piano, 14 (New York City)

ยฉ2009-2016 Litchfield Performing Arts, Inc. | A Not-for-Profit Dedicated to Changing Lives through the Arts