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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2025

Jazz Houston appoints David Caceres as Director of the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra

HOUSTON, TX – Jazz Houston is proud to announce the promotion of celebrated saxophonist, vocalist, and educator David Caceres from Associate Director to Director of the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra (JHYO). The announcement was made by Vincent Gardner, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Jazz Houston.

Caceres has served as Associate Director of the Youth Orchestra since its inception in 2021, playing an instrumental role in shaping the ensemble's sound and mentoring young jazz musicians throughout Houston. In his new role as Director, he will lead the Youth Orchestra's artistic vision, rehearsals, performances, and community engagement efforts, continuing the organization’s mission to develop the next generation of jazz artists.

“David has been an essential part of the Youth Orchestra’s success from the beginning,” said Vincent Gardner. “His musicianship, leadership, and passion for teaching make him uniquely qualified to step into this role. I am thrilled to see him take the reins and continue building on the foundation we’ve established.”

Caceres is widely recognized as one of Houston’s premier jazz musicians. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he has performed with a range of world-class artists and is deeply respected for his versatility and soulful sound. In addition to his performance career, he has dedicated decades to music education, including teaching roles at various institutions across the region.

“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the leadership of the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra,” said Caceres. “Working with these young musicians has been one of the great joys of my career, and I look forward to continuing to inspire and be inspired by them in this new capacity.”

Now in its fifth season, the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra provides exceptional jazz training and performance opportunities for talented high school students throughout the Greater Houston area. Through high-level instruction, masterclasses, and performances, the JHYO is preparing young musicians for professional careers and lifelong appreciation of jazz.

For more information on the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra, please visit www.jazzhouston.org/youthorchestra

Media Contact:
Email: info@jazzhouston.org
Phone: (832) 384-8618

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2025

Jazz Houston Receives $100,000 Grant from Houston Equity Fund to Support Community-Focused Jazz Initiatives

Houston, TX – Jazz Houston (JH) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Houston Equity Fund (HEF). This transformative investment will bolster Jazz Houston’s mission to celebrate and advance the rich tradition of jazz through performance, education, and community engagement.

The grant will support the expansion of Jazz Houston’s artistic programming, further development of the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra (JHYO), and the strengthening of organizational infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability and impact. With this funding, Jazz Houston will deepen outreach efforts in underserved communities and foster the next generation of jazz artists and enthusiasts.

“Jazz Houston’s commitment to cultural equity, artistic excellence, and youth development aligns closely with our mission,” said Thomas Jones, Co-founder and Past President of the Houston Equity Fund. “We are proud to support an organization that not only preserves an important American art form but also makes it accessible to all Houstonians.”

As a cornerstone of Houston’s cultural scene, Jazz Houston is dedicated to delivering inclusive artistic experiences and educational programs that reflect the city's diverse heritage.

“This grant from the Houston Equity Fund is a powerful affirmation of our work,” said Vincent Gardner, Co-founder and Artistic Director of Jazz Houston. “It allows us to continue building a sustainable platform for jazz performance and education that is rooted in equity and community. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the opportunity it brings to expand our impact.”

Belinda Munro-Gardner, Executive Director of Jazz Houston, added: “This support enables us to further invest in our organizational capacity—staffing, systems, and programming—so that we can better serve our community and grow our reach. We are thrilled to have the Houston Equity Fund as a partner in this transformative moment for Jazz Houston.”

For more information about Jazz Houston, upcoming programming, or ways to support, please visit www.jazzhouston.org.

Media Contact:
Email: info@jazzhouston.org
Phone: 832-384-8618

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