Saratoga Springs High School Jazz Ensemble & Caffè Lena School of Music's Jazz Mode showcase top young talent exploring jazz via performance & improvisation.
Saratoga Springs High School Jazz Ensemble
Directed by Andrew Janack
This ensemble has had a long standing tradition in the Saratoga Springs City School District for musical excellence and achievement. Over the years the Jazz Ensemble has participated in many festivals and performances throughout the United States. The group most recently performed in a clinic at Jazz at Lincoln Center for Jazz Tenor Saxophonist Roxy Coss, the Shenendehowa Jazz Festival for guest artists Marshall Gilkes (2025) and Jeff Coffin (2026), and locally for residents of Prestwick Chase. Over the last several years the group has performed at the Washington Memorial in Washington DC, received a gold rating at the Fonda Fultonville Jazz Festival, and a Superior rating at Music in the Parks Hershey Park where they were awarded the best overall Jazz Ensemble. This group is planning a trip with performances and clinics in New Orleans for the Spring 2027.
Jazz Mode
Directed by Matt Griffin, Caffè Lena School of Music Director
Jazz Mode are a group of talented young musicians from the Caffè Lena School of Music who meet each week under the direction of instructor Matt Griffin. Together they explore the rich language of jazz the best way there is: by listening closely, playing together, and diving into the great recordings that shaped the tradition.
Each week the ensemble selects tunes to study, digging into the original versions and crafting their own arrangements while developing the improvisation skills that sit at the heart of jazz. It’s a collaborative process, part rehearsal, part discovery session, where curiosity, creativity, and musical conversation lead the way.
The current lineup features Oliver on tenor sax and flute, Daniel on alto sax, Neil on piano, Maleri on bass, and Patrick on drums. Together, Jazz Mode brings youthful energy, thoughtful musicianship, and a deep respect for the music they’re learning to carry forward.
Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.
