"The greatest thing in the world is to be playing your instrument."

— Sonny Rollins

Vester BOnnéN

Hey! I’m Vester a tenor saxophonist from Manhattan. I play in both the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra, the Laguardia Jazz Orchestra, and I am the bandleader of Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra. I had the biggest strides in my playing when I was able to study with people just a few years older than me.

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Reach out to me at: vesterabonnen@gmail.com

Guillermo pena nissenblat

Hey I’m Guillermo! I’m from Harlem and I play the tenor sax. I regularly gig around NYC and I’ve gotten the chance to study with Wayne Escoffery and Grant Stewart. I’m a LaGuardia Senior and I play in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra. My favorite saxophonist is Sonny Rollins. Let’s practice together!

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Reach out to me at: Guillermopenanissenblatt@gmail.com

Bowie Osorio Atkinson

Hey, I’m Bowie! I’m a baritone saxophonist from Queens. Through my experience of playing in pit orchestras, jazz bands, and combos I’ve been able to learn how to double on Flute, Clarinet, Bass clarinet, Piccolo, Alto sax. I play regularly around the city and I’ve been fortunate to study with BLANK for the last few years. Can’t wait to hear you!

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Reach out to me at: Bowieosorio@gmail.com

Sean Mercado

Hi! I’m Sean, a junior alto saxophonist from LaGuardia High School. I’m from Queens, I play in the Jazz at Lincoln Center youth big band and the All-City big band, and I gig around the city regularly. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to study with Vincent Herring and even play a concert with him. Whether its soloing, being a lead player, or overall sound—then I got you covered. Can’t wait to teach!

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Reach out to me at: Seanevanmercado2010@gmail.com

Jay ThaTTE

Hi I’m Jay Thatte! I’m a tenor saxophonist from Livingston, New Jersey, and a student of saxophonist Mr. Julius Tolentino. I’ve been playing lead tenor in various big bands including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Big Band, Newark Academy Chameleon Jazz Band and New Jersey All-State Jazz Ensemble. Additionally, I’ve been fortunate to win awards at Essentially Ellington and Mingus Festivals, and I was recently named grand prize winner of the 2026 Gerry Mulligan Jazz Challenge, and was also selected as one of two tenor saxophonists in the national Next Generation Jazz Orchestra. I’m very excited to teach you!

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Reach out to me at: jay.thatte@gmail.com@gmail.com